Quote:
Originally Posted by dilbert
so if i convert over to 3/4 ton axles and 4.56 gears will i still be having problems with everyday driving and 4 wheeling. also if i run 38 inch tires with stock axles will i have a problem? how much trimming did you have to do on your fenders.
p.s. if you have more pics please put them up i love this truck
|
Drivability depends on what you are willing to spin for RPMs on the highway, and how fast you expect to cruise. 4.10s on the highway run about 2300RPM at 65MPH. That's about as fast as I feel comfortable driving it... if you run 4.56s, you'd be at about 2600RPM instead. If you're running a small block, that's not an issue but for a big block those revs are getting too high and you're going to be guzzling a lot of fuel also.
38's on stock axles are a mistake. I know it's a "cool" look, but 38's add a LOT of weight and stress on the driveline and you really should be using 1-Ton axles by the time to step up to 38's. Keep your maximum tire size at 35-36" and you can do pretty well on 1/2-Ton axles. You'll break a lot less parts and save money too. You may still break inner /outer shafts on the D44 even with 35-36" tires depending on how you wheel and if you have lockers installed. Lockers add stress and will help you break more parts.
Trimming is required. Lots of trimming if you don't want much lift. I've got about 7" of lift for 38's and the fenders (especially the fronts) needed a lot of metal removed. Odds are good that you'll lose your inner fenderwells up front if you flex well.
Basically, my advice is to take your time and let the truck evolve slowly...I went from 35's on 1/2 Ton axles....to 3/4-Ton on 36's.....to 38's on 1-Tons. I've had the truck for about 6 years now.
1/2-Ton Axles with 35's:
3/4-Ton Axles with 36's:
1-Ton Axles with 38's:
