Headers not working out, Gears instead?

[Alec]

Well, it looks like Hedman can't pump out enough headers (especially coated) until the end of the year. JBA's are about $200 more, and I don't have that cash right now. Someone suggested that new gears might make me launch a lot better, so why not gears now and maybe headers later? I have the 3.27 or something like that (axle code 41). How much of a difference will 3.73 gears make? I'm not really worried about top speed b/c I still have the limiter, anyways. Will the higher ratio slow acceleration at freeway speeds? About how much would it be for parts and installation? While I'm at it, how about a limited-slip or locker? I don't do much heavy off-road driving, but I get out there, and I might more with a locker. Wouldn't a limited slip help acceleration?

I know this is a lot of questions, but I'm sure y'all can handle it

 

[EB Bauer]

If you do plan on droping in gears put the lockers in at the same time...it will same you a ton of money.

 

[CHH777]

Please don't take this the wrong way but if you can't afford the extra $200 for the JBA coated headers then I highly doubt you'll be able to afford to re-gear...

 

[SteveVB]

gear cost

Alec,

Gears are going to run you around 400-500 dollars, 250 or so labor and 250 or so for all of the parts. If you get a L/S add another 200-400 dollars. It isnt going to be cheaper than the headers. I think it is a good idea, probably better than headers anyway if you are looking for umph off the line.

Just some info

 

[CAsplorin]

Gears

To put gears and a locker it would be about $900 so you will probably need to think about that one. With the 3.73 gears you will be able to take off a lot quicker and at freeway speeds your RPM's will be higher, acceleration is still good at freeway speeds.

TJ Cotta

 

[Alec]

So if my RPMs will be higher on the highway, my mileage will probably go down, right?

BTW, Thanks all for your help....

 

[Ru Dawg]

3.73 gears

Hey Alec, I have 3.73LS gears and I get about 20 mpg's with just a superchip. I'm sure I could get better but I've only had my chip in for about a month now and I just can't keep my daggon gas pedal off the floor!

 

[Ray Lobato]

Alec,
3.73 gears with stock 29's or 31's would do just fine, however if you are going to want to go bigger tires in the future get the 4.10's now. I'm sure someone out there has 3.73's that went bigger and would like to get them out of their garage. I have 3.55's now but the 4.56's are going in as soon as the lift is finished. I don't thing you would want my 3.55's unless you were going to stay with stock tire size.
Headers or gears, it's still gonna cost your some large money.

 

[SteveVB]

Thought

Alec,

Check the wrecking yards see if you can find a late model rear with a trac-lock and the 3.73, 4.10s. If you can you could swap it out for yours, then sell yours. net cost would be some wrenching time, maybe a couple of hundred bucks. Jeep guy on one of the lists Im on picked up a late model 3.73 with discs for less than 600, if I remember correctly. You could sell yours to some Jeep YJ guy who needs to replace his Dana 35, and let him/her put the gears in.

Check this link for a search of participating parts yards, it seems to work pretty well.
http://www.copartfinder.com/cgi-bin/pfsearch.mbr/disp

Good luck, hope that helps you out.

 

[Alec]

I think I'm staying with stock tire size. Is 4.10 too high for stock tire size?

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by Alec
I think I'm staying with stock tire size. Is 4.10 too high for stock tire size?

I don't remember seeing what your stock size was, but if you are keeping your stock size multiply your RPM by 1.14. That will be your new RPM at the same speed. I know this won't apply directly but take it for what its worth. I had an '86 2.3L 2WD Ranger that came with a 3.08 axle. I swapped it out for a 3.73 axle since the 3.08 was way too low for my 4 cylinder. It made it much more enjoyable driving around town, but much less enjoyable on the highway. The RPMs were way to high at 65 MPH (over 3400). It had no pickup at highway speeds and my MPG went down about 3-4 MPG. At least you aren't starting with a 3.08 so your change isn't quite as large as mine was. Depending on how much highway driving you do and whether or not you care about your MPG you might want to consider a 3.55 instead. As a test, the next time you drive above 50 MPH, turn your overdrive off. See how you like the higher RPMs. I think the difference between OD and the next gear down is 25% though so you will probably be at a little higher RPM than you would be in OD with the lower ratio.

Regarding the limited slip, if you can't spin your tires when taking off on pavement then the LS isn't going to do a thing for your acceleration. In the rain or loose conditions it will help your acceleration to a point since you will have both rear wheels driving. It helps up until the point where you break both of them free, then your rear end will tend to slide one way or another. For offroading it is an advantage since you have both rear wheels pulling you. On icy roads your back will tend to slid towards the curb when taking off.

 

[Alec]

Thanks all. You helped a lot.

I do a lot of highway driving, so I guess gears might not be that good of an idea. Hmm, might just use the money to buy a digital camera! I just don't feel like springing over $800 for headers right now.

 

[kubben]

Real power

I have no idea what your trying to do Alec to your Explorer, either turn it into a race machine or an off road machine. But if you want some real power look into getting one of those superchargers. I heard it ups the horse by 50%. Might be wrong though.

 

[Alec]

I am trying to boost power modestly for a modest amount of money. I do a mix of off-road and highway/city driving. Thus, I don't really want to modify it biased toward either application: that means no height changes. Regarding a supercharger, it would give me a lot more power, but to do it right I would probably need over $4000. The supercharger (install myself), plus headers, and I would probably have to get better wheels and tires to handle the power. Plus, I think that might be overkill. I like power, and if I had loads of cash, I would definately make a very fast Explorer. But right now, do I need a 300+hp Explorer?

 

[kubben]

Ladies man

"But right now, do I need a 300+hp Explorer?"

Sure ya do. Your in college and chicks dig guys with fast cars =P

 

[kubben]

I was strumming through my Explorer Express catalog looking for the rocker panel cover up and found they sell Headers. Cheap too.

 

[CHH777]

Alec,

Pick you up a set of Borla headers and ~50' of Thermo-Tech header wrap. This should come in a hair under $400 and it will get you the most noticeable kick for your money. Plus, it only gets better when you add a high flow air filter and muffler later on...

 

[Alec]

Well, I finally got the cash to get the JBA coated headers. The shop ordered them today and they should be in in about 2 weeks, then it's install time! I'm having a performance shop do it b/c I can't afford to screw up and not have a vehicle. It's going to be about $1050 after installation and tax.

The exhaust manifold is the last step to making my entire air-system free-flowing for the power-band that I'm in. Hopefully the headers will give me a good kick in the pants!

 

[kubben]

1000 dollars? Good lord that's a lot of money!
I'm sure me and Rod could do it. Give us some beer and and a little time and we will have her working. No guarentees though!

 

[Alec]

Thanks for the offer, Keith, but I think I'm gonna stick with the pro's for this one. I figure most of my other mods I've gotten for half price or better, so I can splurge and pay in full for this one!

Hmmm, K&N: Saved $100
exhaust: Saved $200
chip: Saved $50
Stereo: Saved $200
Lights: Saved $100
Shocks: Saved $70

There, that almost pays for it!!! Hehehe