I've got myself a question

[superman5787]

Alright, I need some help on a big decision. My friend has got a 8.8 with 3.73's layin' in his dad's shop and wants to give it to me. Did you read that right? Yeah. GIVE it to me. It's got 1,000 miles on it before he replaced his with a whole new axle. 4.10's I believe. Well, I was wonderin' if it would be much of a job to switch my stupid 3.08's for the 3.73's? Is there anything special I'll need? How much time will it take? I love workin' on my '91, but I've never messed with the rear end before. Any info would be great. Thanks

Superman

 

[Alec]

swapping the whole axle is probably easier than swapping the gears. if you can deal with the driveshaft joint, its pretty easy to swap an axle. does it have discs?

 

[superman5787]

You know what, I'm not sure, but I think so. I hope so. Mine's got drums now and they are startin' to go bad. Nice way to get a brake update, huh? Well, I'll find out tomorrow about the whole thing. Do you think it's worth the time? (Almost said time & money, but there is no money involved. Added bonus I think.)

 

[Alec]

3.08 to 3.73 is a big difference, you'll definately feel it. The only thing is your hwy mileage will decrease a little.

And like I said, swapping an axle is actually pretty easy. I know when I was helping Kris with his lift we were very close to having the entire axle disconnected. The only thing still attached was the driveshaft. If you have air tools, 2 jacks and some jackstands, shouldn't take you more than an afternoon.

 

[superman5787]

Alright, all sounds good to me. My friend's Dad has his own shop so it shouldn't take any time. He said we could do the work once the shop closes and he'll help us so it should be easy, I think. I got another question while I'm here. I was thinking about exhaust. My question is this... If I switch to 2 1/2 pipe instead of the 2 1/4 pipe I've got will I lose torque or not? I've got mixed answers from friends. I'm after torque, not hp as much. If you can help, I thank you.

Superman

 

[JDraper]

Do you have 2wd or 4wd?? If you have 4wd, you have to do BOTH the front and the rear with the same gear ratio's or your truck won't work in 4wd. If you have 2wd, you're fine. Just remember to change the gear on the end of the speedo cable to make your speedo read right.

 

[Alec]

Oops, brain fart. I forgot about having to change the front gears too. However, doesn't sound like he has 4x4 because I've never heard of a 4x4 with 3.08 gears.

About the exhaust, stick with 2.25"

 

[superman5787]

Oh yeah, I guess I should have told ya'll. My truck is 2wd. I prefer them. I don't do alot of off-roadin'. Thought about it, but I have more fun on the streets. Thanks for the help ya'll... I've made up my mind. I'll get the 3.73's and keep the 2 1/4 pipe instead of going to 2 1/2. And again, thanks.

 

[CBoug76]

what are you going to do with your old rear end?

Please do not junk it with out talking to me!

 

[superman5787]

Hey,

I'll be glad to just give it to ya, but it's a 3.08... What would you possibly want with that? If you really want it, I'll be glad to give it to you though. Just let me know. It'll be out of the truck probably next weekend.

 

[mikeresin]

Alec- mines 4x4 and i have 3.08's in it.

 

[superman5787]

Oh really? I've never heard of a 4x4 with the 3.08's... Great for mileage. I get like 27 mpg on the highway. Kicks most people's @ss for real! I believe personally that the 3.08's are ONLY good for mileage. That's why I want to get rid of mine.

 

[mikeresin]

yeh i want 3.73's also i just cant afford it right now. and also since i have 4x4 ill have to replace both diffs. wich will be a pain. anyone know how much 2 sets of gears would cost me?

 

[Alec]

I new set of gears is usually around $180, each axle. Installation varies between $150 and $400 per axle.

 

[mikeresin]

i would install it myself. well not my self i would have freinds who know what they are doinghelp me. my freind carlos is a ford technician. and my other friend omar can fix anything with a motor. i never work on my car without one of them there. they keep me from killing my truck