how do i go about changing the diff. gearing?

[chaz974x4]

Im getting reaady to lift my 97 explorer 5" ( 2" tt and shackle and 3" body )
and people say i need to change the gearing to at least 4.10 to run 33"-35" tires. How would i go about doing that and how much will that cost. Is this a do-it-yourself project? THX IN ADVANCE !

 

[Turdle]

I happen to have just witnessed first hand a re gear at my house. I can say it is no do it yourself at all, unless you have an experienced coach showing you every step. The patience required would complicate and frustrate you into messing it up without the proper guidance I am sure.

A good shop which does this every day is also a crap shoot, as they may do the job with such speed and complacency that they forget to clean the housing well, as was the issue with the case which was opened here. The lockers had been installed by a "competent" shop, however, there were hundreds of metal fragments from an exploded L/S clutch and steel still remaing inside.

So, for a DIY'er the best bet is to find axles with the 410 gears already there.

IMO
If you have the $$, then go to a shop, but look the shop over to see how clean it is, and whether the techs seem relaxed or stressed. You do not want this job rushed.

 

[dkchrist]

It would be best to like Turdle said try to find the axle matching the gears you want. Look for rangers and explorers with the axles codes for a 4.10. Search the forum for axle codes and do some junk yard diving.

BTW, I have installed several sets of gears and it requires some special tools and a lot of patience. Unless you have time to spend researching and totally understanding the setup of a ring and pinion, I don't suggest trying it yourself. Here is some good info on installing gears Yukon install guide.. I took about 2 months or so in the evening studying gear installs before I did it alone. The first one with most of the proper tools took about 2 weekends.

 

[techieman33]

You may already have 4.10 gears a lot of the sports came with them. Have you checked to see what gears you have now?

 

[Cobraguy]

Pull the axle assemblies yourself and take them to a shop with the new gears and have them installed by someone who does this a lot. They will have the depth gauges, presses, etc to do it right. I have done HUNDREDS of gear changes in my life (seriously) and they aren't a DIY job. It's one job better left to a professional shop.