You obviously haven't seen any of the pics that guys have posted of their ring and pinion AFTER a broken clip has been grinded in them for a few thousand miles. I held Pyro's gears in my hand when they came out of his carrier. Couldn't believe they were still working at all. The tech said he couldn't believe the truck made the 40 some mile trip from his place to the shop!


Stock size tires with light towing = 4.10s, Tires at 33" or over OR heavy towing/hauling OR just wanted to lay rubber at the track = 4.56s

 

Wouldn't you usually recommend some install kit as well? I'm thinking of getting the $99 master install kit with the shims and bearings and all along with some 4.56 gears. Is it usually, "hey while you're in there, replace the bearings." or one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" deals? I don't have any noise, grumbles or complaints from back there so hard to say I guess. Plus only have about 49K miles on my 2003.

 

Yes, rule of thumb is if you have under 30k miles on your diff you use the minor install kit and anything over you use the major...

 

Sounds like the plan.

 

I agree that a foreign object such as clips could do a number, but if that is not a factor and the mesh patterns are proper it would take a hell of a lot of force to damage a well made gear(190k miles and mine were worn but still quiet and had life left in them). all im saying is if your diff is noisy it doesnt hurt to throw some paint on the ring and check the pattern

also if you do re-gear and have some funds left-over,,, a mag hytech dif cover is always fun, 5 quarts of fluid will definitely help keep your dif cooler when your are towing, plus changing your fluid is easier with the drain plug and dipstick...

http://www.mag-hytec.com/store/index...31efbaf03241bd

 

Yep, a Mag Hytech or PML cover is a good investment, especially if you tow/haul a lot.

The only issue I have is with the drain, I think you need to take the opportunity for a visual inspection at fluid change time...

 

good point, i have one of those makita scope things that has the camera on it with the light, maybe that will prove to be a good alternative