Want to change Gears...Help!

[Covrace]

Hey guys.

I want to change the gears in my truck(1993 XLT) for better pulling ability with my trailer. I have 3.27 in it now and feel the truck would pull much better if I had 3.73 or even 4.10.
Would it be possible if I only changed the read diff gears as long as I don't engage the 4WD???

The rear diff swap looks very simple. Maybe 2 hours. If I unbolt the backing plate and hang them out of the way, I wouldn't even need to disturb the brake system(no bleeding).

Changing the front gears just sounds like a real hassle.
I can always change the diff back before winter starts since the trailer sits all winter.
And ideas?
Thanks

 

[FMExplorer]

Jake,
I'd like to learn how to do the gears in 2 hours!<G>

I am about to swap my 3.27's for 3.73's and I am expecting about 8-10 hours (although it I am a gear-swap virgin) per axle. How do you plan on swapping them that quickly?

Jon M

 

[Dre]

but you've got to tape over the 4X4 button for sure! lol

as long as you won't engage 4 wheel drive, you will be OK. Might as well, go 4.10. Then later if you want you can do the front and you'll have pretty capable off road vehicle. (that plus lockers of course).

Good luck,

 

[Cameron]

If you change only the rear gears and not the front, you're asking for trouble. If you were to put it into four wheel drive you'll seriously trash your gears. I wouldn't recommend it. Just do them both at the same time. Also, if your planning on doing your rear gears in 2 hours, you must do this for a living then! Plan on 6 to 8 if your new to gear swaps but have an experienced friend helping.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Covrace]

Yes, two hours!

ok, How many people here have installed an "ADD A LEAF?"

1. jack and remove tires, wheels, and drums.
2. pull rear cover and drain.
3. remove clips and remove axles.
4. scrib line and disconnect drive shaft
5. carefully unbolt backing plate assemblies and hang out of way with bent coat hangers.
6. unbolt swaybars, and remove vent tube.
7. Unbolt u-bolts and lift complete axle out
8. reverse to reinstall.

An "add a leaf" is less than an hour's worth of work with a friend.
and you're already half way there.

6-8 hours?????????????? are you swapping gears or complete rear diffs

Have I done this before???
I've changed ratios on my Ford 9 inch(streetrod) at the drag strip in 25 min.

 

[Cameron]

I tend to estimate time on the high end. My experiences tell me things seldom go smoothly. If you say you can do it in two hours I certainly wont argue with you. You may be very skilful in this field. Most people on this site are not. 6 to 8 hours takes learning curve, running to the store for that part you broke, taking a few beer breaks and what have you into consideration.

When you do it, let us know how long it took you. I'll put my money on at least 6 hours from start to finish. Not that it will take you 6 hours of labor, but it will take at least 6 hours of your day!

 

[SteveVB]

dont forget to remove the RABs sensor on the rear of the diff, also the brake T on top of the axle tube and the lines.
Im not sure its worth it to keep the brake system intact. I would just disconnect the hose and bleed the brakes- shouldnt take any more time than pulling the axles, and unbolting the backing plates- plus you dont have to mess with the diff oil-my least favorite automotive fluid. I doubt it would take any more time than the 2 hours your planning if you have everything ready to go, a helper, and some decent tools- which since you race you no doubt have.

Depending on the year of the axle the brake lines may be in different positions- in which case removing the axles etc makes more sense. Easy to check before you start.

Switching axles every season dosent sound like fun though- I can think of much better ways to spend the time- like replacing the front diff. But If you have to why not.

Heres a final thought- If you have to run 4WD you could get smaller tires in the front to make the overall ratio correct - look mighty funny though.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[HIX]

One thing you have to rember about the 9 inch is that the whole third member drops out. I assume you bought the third member so no gear setup was required. The 8.8 does not have the drop out. You have to take it all apart and set up the gears. This is much more involved. If you can do it in such a little amount of time you're a stud. In fact give it a try. If it works out I will buy you a ticket to Denver, get a hotel for you and take you out to the strip clubs if you want to come out and do my gears for me!

 

[SteveVB]

HIX- hes talking about removing the whole axle and replacing it, judging from the list of to-dos he posted.

But... If the offer stands Ill start practicing my gear set up so I can have the trip. LOL

(dont worry the last rear I set up took me days, and lots of help, so no need to go out and buy the tickets yet!!)

 

[HIX]

If you are just replacing the whole axle you don't have to remove the c- clips, axle shafts and such. Just take off the leafs, driveshaft, sway bars and the brake lines. I would say that would take 1hr at the most.

 

[FMExplorer]

Hix,
I have the gears, third-member - all of it to do on my 8.8"... Do I get the trip if I send you a High-Speed video?
Jon M

 

[HIX]

To be honest...I don't care how long it takes. If one of ya'll can do a good job on the front and rear in a weekend I will fly you out in April get you a hotel room and take you out on the town. It would still be cheaper than taking it to a shop. I am mechanically inclined...I've put in engines and stuff. I just don't have the patience to change the gears.

The offer stands.