How hard is it to swap my 3.08 gears to 3.73 gears?

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Grit dog

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I found a 1/2 ton axle out of a 92 for sale. So it should bolt right up?

He's a good mechanic/guy. I just wanted to make sure I didn't get the "I don't want this job price"
Like rusty said, unless you have a mech that likes to tinker for cheap, all these options are expensive if you don’t get your hands dirty.
92 axle?? Thought you had a 4wd? You could get the rear axle to bolt up fairly easy....I think but like rusty said, there’s all the “little stuff” that adds up. And that doesn’t solve the front axle, correct?
 

Ewhitaker0020

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Like rusty said, unless you have a mech that likes to tinker for cheap, all these options are expensive if you don’t get your hands dirty.
92 axle?? Thought you had a 4wd? You could get the rear axle to bolt up fairly easy....I think but like rusty said, there’s all the “little stuff” that adds up. And that doesn’t solve the front axle, correct?

Correct, it doesn't solve the front axle. Just the rear one. I would sit it back until I found a front axle for cheap.

I wouldn't mind doing the work, I just don't know how to set all the backlash and everything.
 

dsteelejr

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3.73 over 3.08 will feel like a 50 hp kick in the nuts but may not be the right choice.
Often not enough.
If you choose 33 inch tires for example, you'd be better off at 4.56 or 4.10 in most applications.

x2

I had an ‘84 K5 with a 350 and 2.73 gears and it was gutless. I know the feeling. As far as having tall gears with large tires I’ve heard stories of it tearing up automatic transmissions because there is so much constant load. The torque converter is constantly locking and unlocking every time you touch the throttle and I even destroying the transmission because the constant over load wipes the clutch material off the clutch packs.
 

Bextreme04

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Nothing from a 92 will "bolt right up". The spring seats are wider on the rear end and the front is independent suspension, not a solid axle. Honestly... go find a complete square body truck or just a rolling frame. Anything from 73-87 will work... as long as it is a 1/2 or 3/4 ton(not a C&C, 1 ton, or dually), everything will bolt right into your truck. Bonus points if you can find one with 4.10's or 4.56's... double bonus if you can find one with a running 350 and blown trans(super common) or transfer(not that common). You should be able to find one for under $1000.. probably closer to $500 or less if it doesn't drive or is just a rolling chassis. If you get a complete truck that doesn't run, you can use what you need and part out the rest to keep other trucks on the road. Doing it that way, you would probably break even...

Trying to put new gears in what you have is expensive for a reason. A professionals time is worth something, it is not a quick job. I bought my 1980 K25 with 350/TH400/NP205 and 4.10 gears for $800(it had been sitting for years and didn't run), prior to that I bought a 1974 C20 with 350/TH350 and 4.56's for $600. It ran and drove well but had a bad brake booster.
 

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a 350 with an rv cam to make low end torque would solve your problem. better yet a 400sb with a rv cam like in my 72 k5 would make you forget about gear ratios and tire sizes. speaking from experience with 2 different vehicles. i highly recommend that you don't try to set up a gearset by yourself. better left to a professional
 

Rusty Nail

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?
If you want to do it, I support learning how and doing it yourself. Buy the tools man, do mine next lol . Who the hell discourages someone from learning?
Go for it.
 

Ricko1966

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I was terrified the first time, oh no gotta do it all by the book, gotta measure turning resistance at the yoke, etc.etc..The older techs at work were, you are taking this way to serious! Set your depth,feel your preload, set your backlash, eyeball your pattern.Theres way more forgiveness in this than you believe. First one didn't fail and I got less anal on each one, and now they're no big deal.Besides with all the you tube videos on how to do everything you've got a 80 percent well 60/40 oh IDK a chance.
 

peats

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sorry rusty, we agree to disagree about mechanics. no disagreement with MAGA
 

Rusty Nail

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Ricko1966

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sorry rusty, we agree to disagree about mechanics. no disagreement with MAGA

I'm telling you first one they almost had to give me tranquilizers and anti anxiety meds, but they really are no big deal once you get past the fear.
 

peats

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no way sleepy joe and his female running mate win
 

Rusty Nail

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I wont be surprised at all if it gets stolen through voter fraud.

The supreme court makes decisions based on politics? its over. Bad/wrong decision for sure. Hopefully ginsburg will die and we can negate roberts flsh floppin ass.
Maybe we'll try again.

@Ricko1966 - ive started lookin for axles to build since my front still leaks, im not keen on dumpin more money in it.

*lookin at you 28s on 5 lugs in the corner. Discount wants $60 to switch em from the 31s.
(3.42)
 
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