4.56 gear upgrade...Which ones?

[davebar]

Got an 01 Sport with 33s. Have not taken it out yet with the 33s, cuz gotta do the bodylift still. However, I am reading that I need to do a 4.56 swap. total novice at this, so a few questions..

1. I went to summit to look for parts. They have a bunch of 4.56 gear to choose from. any idea as to which gear set to buy? brand?
2. If I do the rear, do I need to do anythin up front? running stock IFS
3. Is this a simple swap? Plan to do a locker when I do the gears, so is it a just a matter of pulling out the old and sticking in the new? I watched them do this on TV and it seems alot more involed with spacing and back lash and whatever else they do on tv. However, on this site it seems likes its just a simple swap.

Thanks in advance
Dave

 

[joecrna]

Setting up gears takes patience. Yes the front must match the rear gears and this will significantly reduce the number of available gear sets. Add lockers while your have that front axle out if you will ever want one. Just my opinion. This is not a cheap swap and for me it takes a lot of time.

 

[Happy Jack]

Sierra Gear is what my gear guy likes to use. I bought another brand and had him install them and they didn't last. WCD is where I bought my Sierra Gear set. Get the install kit they sell as well. They have good bearings. This is what I would recomend if the truck is going to be a DD and see highway travel.

I have a guy that does gears for living. I worked with him at an off road shop years ago. He has a feel for this and the equipment needed to do. Now if it was a trailer queen beater that you plan to go out and beat to death anyway then go for it. But if it will see highway travel then use someone who knows what they are doing.