Recommneded New Differential
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Registered User
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Tulsa, OK
Recommneded New Differential
Sorry if this info is somewhere, but I've looked and can't find it. I have a 2003 Ram 1500. 2wd. 4.7L. It has the 3.55 1 wheel drive rear end in it. Not limited slip. I am wanting to go lower gears (3.92 probably) and limited slip at the same time. We don't go off-roading, but wet, snow, or ice traction is tough with 1 wheel drive. We also have plans for slightly bigger tires (33s maybe). So we need lower gears. Has anyone else made a similar upgrade to their truck or care to recommend what I need?? About what will this cost me if I do it myself? Thanks in advance.
Record Breaker
Joined: Jul 2007
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I just replaced mine with a detroit trutrac made by eaton. The most bullet proof LSD you can get. Its around $500 for the unit and is meant for up to 35" tires. Unless you know exactly how to set bearing loads and back lash and all the clearances then pay someone. It was $1200 for a shop to do mine minus the gears. Just don't chince out and buy a factory LSD or cheap gears. The diff is not something to chince out on.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 24,686
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From: South Georgia/East Florida
Most people run either a Detroit TruTrac or an Auburn Gear LSD. Two different types but both are very effective with little to no reported issues.
As for gears, I'd go for 4.10s for 33" tires. You won't experience any mpg loss compared to 3.92s but will have just a bit more low end and it will lessen the load on your transmission just a bit better. A little less searching for the right gear and shifting on hills or when pulling a load.
Get a reputable shop for the install, not just a mechanic, but a place that does differential work regularly. Setting gears is not easy.
Cost is gonna run you about $400 for an Auburn LSD or $500 for a DTT. The gears should run you $200'ish, an install kit about another hundred and the going rate around here for a good shop to do the install is about $300 per axle. Since you have a 2WD you only have one axle to worry about...
As for gears, I'd go for 4.10s for 33" tires. You won't experience any mpg loss compared to 3.92s but will have just a bit more low end and it will lessen the load on your transmission just a bit better. A little less searching for the right gear and shifting on hills or when pulling a load.
Get a reputable shop for the install, not just a mechanic, but a place that does differential work regularly. Setting gears is not easy.
Cost is gonna run you about $400 for an Auburn LSD or $500 for a DTT. The gears should run you $200'ish, an install kit about another hundred and the going rate around here for a good shop to do the install is about $300 per axle. Since you have a 2WD you only have one axle to worry about...
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 71
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I am thinking about the same mod...single wheel drive on ice just doesn't work. I have a 07 Ram 1500ST with the v-6, six speed manual transmission and 3.21 gears, with 245/70R17 tires.
Thinking about the auburn locker and the 3.92 gears...
Howard
Thinking about the auburn locker and the 3.92 gears...
Howard
