Dumb Question?
 

Hey Guys (and Gals?)

I have a quick, and potentially dumb question for all of you who want to help a guy out.

I'm thinking or purchasing another 72 truck, but this one is "kind of" a mish-mash of stuff, unlike any I've had in the past.

The vehicle currently has a Dana 44 in the front with a 4:10 ratio and the rear Dana 70 posi geared at 4:56. Is the most cost effective solution to have a reliable, 4x4 going forward to:

a) Re-gear the Dana 44 to 4:56
b) Re-gear the Dana 70 to 4:10
c) Something else?

Your input is appreciated!

Re: Dumb Question?
 

Depends a lot on how you plan to drive the truck, and what kind of wheel/tire combo you want.

One thing is for sure, both axles need to have matched gear ratios.

Re: Dumb Question?
 

I am interested in using it as a weekly errand runner around town with about five 4x4 trips a year to rugged locations. No rock crawling, but some snow, mud, etc. Has a rebuilt 350 and 35 in tires.

Have any thoughts on the setup for that kind of use?

Re: Dumb Question?
 

With a smallblock and 35" tires, you'd be better off with the 4.10s.

Re: Dumb Question?
 

My 69 K20 has 4.56s and my 70 K5 has 4.10s - when the 69 was torn apart a while ago I put it's 35"s on the 70 and found the 4.10s were a very nice fit for those tires. You'll appreciate the ability to drive at comfortable rpms at 65 mph but still have grunt to get you going.

Re: Dumb Question?
 

I'm running 4.57 with 33" tall tire, and plan on going to 4.10 sooner or later.
Mainly for the drive-ability on the open road, and to lower the average RPM range I am in.

Re: Dumb Question?
 

Thanks for the feedback. I hope to be the owner of a K2500 soon!

Re: Dumb Question?
 

put a 12 bolt in the rear with 4.10 gears.

Re: Dumb Question?
 

Put a 14 bolt with 4.10s in the rear and never worry about it again.