4.56 in the rear would call for 4.57 in front, 3.55 in rear calls for a 3.56 in front, etc. That is what I found out when I was going to swap out on my old 97 ram. The front always pulls 1/100th more than the rear, it helps with stress on components, steering, etc...thats what I obtained when I was researching axle swaps.

 

Yes in theory this does make sense but I do not think any gear manufacturer makes a 4.57 or a 3.56. The goal is to try and match the gear ratios in the front and rear axles if not get them as close as possible. The only way two completely different gear sets would work is if two different sizes of tire were used to equal out the gearing differences.

 

you are correct hemiguy, from what I understood, when you order a 3.55 front, it is actually a 3.56, knowing that you have a 3.55 in the rear. The manufacturer doesnt include that bit of information to the general public i guess. This is what the major driveline shop in town described to me. basically, order the same exact ratio front and rear, put the front in the front, and the rear in the rear, and it should pull 1/100th more by the front axle.

 

oh okay that makes sense then.

 

Once you get the gear ratios worked out, get a locker in the front, with all the time, money and effort you putting into this,, you don't want A 3 wd.

 

didnt mean ot ask a dumb question i have heard that it was fine and that it was bad but i was trying to get sum more feedback

 

yes they need to be the same. or else stuff breaks.

 

Well good luck with the swap.. Leaf springs would be easy, Coil over factory type setup, will be ALOT of work.. and means you wheels wont have the same bolt pattern, unless you have the fronts redrilled(if you can on a Dana 60)

 

3.73 divided by 3.56 = 1.04% difference....


Click here
http://www.ringpinion.com/ContentFra...ferentials.inc

 

There is a guy on here that did a front axle swap. Look him up.