What Brand of Gears?
 

I'm looking to swap out my factory 3.08 gears. Does anyone have any input on a good set of gears to get? I'm currently running 33" tires with a 700r4 tranny. Have a crate 350 GM Goodwrench engine, but will be putting cam/intake in it. I'm debating between 4.10's and 3.73's. This is mainly a commuter truck, but I tow a ski boat with it in the summer, so I need to keep mileage in consideration. Which do you all think I should get, and what brand of gears? I know certain brands of gears for ford 8.8" rear ends tend to whine. I have a 4x4, so I need to swap out both front/rear gears, and I want her to be quiet/smooth. Also...what size/kind of rear end do these trucks have? I have an '85 gmc k1500 4x4.

-josh

I would suggest the 4.10's for your set up. Most 2wd with 27-28" tires are pretty happy with 3.73's. With your 33" tires, the 4.10's will probably be just right.

I bought my last set up from Summit, and got Richmond gears. They do whine a little, but they are still pretty new. I assume they will quit down, if not I will re-set them.

Here's a nifty gear calculator to play with-Gear Calculator

On a similar subject:

Who has tried the powertrax no-slip traction system?
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...58&prmenbr=361

No professional setup required.
www.powertrax.com

I would also go with 4.10's. I have 3.73 Richmond gears. I've heard different tales about them. Most say they whine for awhile, some have said theirs never whined. Mine whined for awhile, I have no idea how many miles it took for them to quit though. I don't hear them anymore. I have heard the Richmond's whine because of the hardness of the metal and also the way the gears are cut.

I bought them because I heard they are the best gears.

If you have a local 4 Wheel Parts Wholesaler near you, you can get them to install their own brand of gears and they warrantee it for life, no questions asked. Plus they'll install the powertrax locker too.

Your axles are corporate 10 bolts, front and rear. The front is OK, the rear is whimpy but hey if go the 4 WPW route htey will rebuild it all for free if it blows.

The no-slip is an updated version of the Lock Rite. I have a lock rite in my Dana 60. In terms of how it works, it is veyr much like a detroit locker (which is a good thing.) However, it just replaces the spider gear assembly versus a carrier change, so it saves money (and compromises on strength somewhat.)

My advice: get 4.10s. If you get a no-slip or a lock rite, get it for the FRONT. If you break an axle, more than likely it will be the rear so at least you still have a locked front to drive you home. Also, you will have thrown less money at the rear axle which will need to be thrown away and replaced witha 14 bolt.

For more info, check ck5.com

Take it easy,
-- Mike

I have used motive gears and had great luck with them. I just put a 4.56 gear in my 94 chevy truck 3/4 ton and it has 33's and a 700r4. Worked out perfect and probably could have went a little steeper. The trucks tops out around 100 mph but it redlines at 4400 damn it. It had a 3.42 before.