I wimped out - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mikep · 03-30-2003, 03:33 PM

I pulled the 5.14 gears out of my truck and intalled 4.57's this morning. Its more driveable now. I'm a wimp.

*racedvl* · 03-30-2003, 03:39 PM

LOL, what good is a truck if you can't drive it? Hehe.

crazy longhorn · 03-30-2003, 03:50 PM

5.14 is a lot of gear,even with a tall tire! How do the 4.57s feel?

gmc67swb · 03-30-2003, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by crazy longhorn
5.14 is a lot of gear,even with a tall tire! How do the 4.57s feel?

4.57 IS ALOT OF GEAR!, I'LL BET YOUR IN TOP GEAR BEFORE YOU CAN GET THROUGH AN INTERSECTION (DRIVING CASUALLY)

I'VE RODE IN A CAR WITH 4.30'S. FIRST GEAR IS VIRTUALLY NON-EXISTANT, YOU'RE THROUGH IT SO QUICK.

HAVE FUN WITH THEM!

crazy longhorn · 03-30-2003, 05:11 PM

tire size makes quite a difference on gearing tho. With the 32" tall tires that Mike is running, the 4.57s shouldnt be too bad. I run 4.10s with a 28" tire, & they are a tad low on the hyway, but not bad in town.....crazyL

Class of 69 · 03-30-2003, 05:20 PM

Nothing wimpy about admitting you"might" have made a mistake. Racedvl is right, if we all knew exactly what to do with our trucks the first time, we wouldn't need this board!! Enjoy

mikep · 03-30-2003, 05:32 PM

From the beginning I "thoughT" the 5.14's might be too much gear but since I had them I figured I give them a shot try them out. Didnt cost me more than 3 quarts of oil and some silicone sealant and a couple of hours of setup time. I'm actually becoming pretty good at setting backlash on these eatons . I wouldnt have to do that each time but I have 3 pumpkins and only one detroit locker unit so every time I pull the carrier I have to break open the differential to install the locker and then reset the ring to pinion backlash.

I do run 32 inch tires and while 5.14's and 4.57's might seem like a lot of gear for a car running 27 inch tires I can assure you its a different world with big tire trucks. I once bought a car that had 27 inch tires and a 4.56 geared detroit locker 9 inch. I was miserable and ended up going to 4.10's! These 4.57's in this truck with the 32 inch tires are very driveable. I think I'l stay with them.

mikep · 03-30-2003, 05:42 PM

I do have to say something about detroit lockers. They are the only way to go ! Ive used traction control devices of all sorts over the years . Clutches wear out or slip on one side and they torque steer to the right. Detroit lockers last forever and track straight and true every time. The locker in my truck was manufactured in 1959 and to look at it you coulnt tell it wasn't made last year . I have no idea what people are talking about when they say they make a ratcheting sound around corners. If they do so what but I can't hear it. They do chirp the tires a bit when they unlock but thats just fine with me. Every time I hear that chirp it brings a smile to my face

.

casey · 03-30-2003, 07:08 PM

I'll tell you what wimpin out is mikep is when your scared to take the diff cover off, I don't really know didley squat about diffs. so swapin diffs ain't wimpin to me

Truckstr · 03-30-2003, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by casey
I'll tell you what wimpin out is mikep is when your scared to take the diff cover off, I don't really know didley squat about diffs. so swapin diffs ain't wimpin to me

I hear that, casey. I'm not too much (yet

) on diffs (started to say rearends - I'm an expert there

). I've been dinking around with them for years, but never set one up.

Hmmm. Might have to put that new dial indicator to work.

Jeff

Solver · 03-31-2003, 08:26 AM

Next time I would suggest you video tape the process with some explanation as you go. I'm sure alot of us would purchase a how to tape.I have never done that but if I could watch someone else once, I wouldn't be so nervous about trying it myself.

Edmond · 03-31-2003, 09:38 AM

Mikep,

Since you are becomming an Eaton expert on this board

,
can you tell me if an No Spin Rear Axle is the same as an Detroit Locker ?
I have the No Spin Rear Axle according to my glovebox.
Thanks in advance.

Cya,
Edmond

**Yukon Jack** · 03-31-2003, 10:46 AM

Yep, a No Spin is the Detroit Locker.

As for the ratcheting, I also don't hear that, but I do get a noise every once in a while when I drive my truck that is definitely the locker loading or unloading - was very alarming until I figured out it was not a problem.

Dean · 03-31-2003, 10:56 AM

I have lockers in all of my K20s and I have noticed that the automatic trucks don't make as much noise. I wonder if the automatic trans absorbs some of it? Nothing beats the detroit locker. I agree on that. You can get in trouble with one though. If you have lots of power and nail it during a turn you better hang on....lol. My dad made this mistake with a Cobra back in the old days and through a fence he went...

I'm running 4.57s with 35" tires on mine. It drives fine but you won't be setting any salt flats records.

I actually have one center section with a 6 something gear in it. I think I might be able to pull trees out with that one. It was out of a GM panel van.

Nova_Cobra64 · 03-31-2003, 10:58 AM

Well, I'll put it to you this way, at least you have the option to swap gears. I wanted to replace my 3.08s with 3.73s, but since I can't do it myself, my Dad figured it would cost me between 5-600 when all was said and done.

O'l Buck · 03-31-2003, 12:05 PM

Man, speaking of diffs....I got up the nerve yesterday to pull the cover on my cutlass to investigate that clatter noise it came up with the last few times I drove it........the frickin' pin let go and was smackin' the pinion head.......ack......oh well, I've been looking for an excuse to put a posi in it anyway.

mikep · 03-31-2003, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Nova_Cobra64
Well, I'll put it to you this way, at least you have the option to swap gears. I wanted to replace my 3.08s with 3.73s, but since I can't do it myself, my Dad figured it would cost me between 5-600 when all was said and done.

Its not that hard. You can do it yourself in a pinch with hand tools ( although you may want to rent a big impact for the crush sleeve ) and a few common measuring tools. feeler gauges can sub for dial indicators and prussian blue for pinion depth gages. If you want to do it all by the book you can buy a setup kit, a dial indicator and a inch lb torque wrench for less than what most shops charge for an install. Then you can have the tools to keep and maybe even make money with on the side doing work for friends and other cheapskates

lpaine · 03-31-2003, 01:16 PM

Thanks for the inspiration, Mike. I have an Eaton diff in my 69 with 4.57s, I want to change to a higher set of gears I seem to remember someone saying 3.54s were as high as you could go on the eaton 10 bolt. I think I may just attempt this job myself, always wanted a dial indicator! Anyone know if 3.54s are as high a gear you can get for the eaton?Thanks in advance.

mikep · 03-31-2003, 02:06 PM

Iv'e heard of some 3.70's or some 3.73's but apparently they are exceedingly rare if not nonexistent. I dont think there werre any 3.54's available for the eaton although with OLD chevy trucks you might find something. They made these as far back as '52 but in the old chevies they compensated for lack of engine power with low gears in their 3/4 and one tons so high gears might be difficult to find. I know there are or were 3.90's available aftermarket.

Ive got a good set of 4.11's I was going to put up on the for sale board if you are interested.

Edmond · 03-31-2003, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Yukon Jack
Yep, a No Spin is the Detroit Locker.

Thanks!!

Cya,
Edmond

kiley · 05-17-2003, 10:08 PM

mikep I solute you. That stuff is scary. BTW I want to thank you for your many posts on Eaton axles. I bought my truck without knowing what I had. Turns out I have an Eaton and have learned much about it thanks to you.

FRENCHBLUE72 · 05-17-2003, 10:17 PM

Mike did you get something else or did you keep that beautiful truck????

Roberty · 05-18-2003, 12:46 AM

Me personally, I wouldn't want to go lower than a 3.08. I owned a beater '70 a couple of years back that had a 4.11 or a 4.56 in it and I hated it out on the interstate. Sounded like it was about to blow up at 70mph or more. I'll stick with the 3.08's on my '71 - Love to be able to run up to the century mark without feeling like it's about to blow!

A 700R4 would be sweet.
Robert

03-30-2003, 03:33 PM	#1
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	I wimped out I pulled the 5.14 gears out of my truck and intalled 4.57's this morning. Its more driveable now. I'm a wimp. __________________ No truck :-(

03-30-2003, 05:20 PM	#6
Class of 69 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Stillwater MN Posts: 1,166	Nothing wimpy about admitting you"might" have made a mistake. Racedvl is right, if we all knew exactly what to do with our trucks the first time, we wouldn't need this board!! Enjoy __________________ 69 GMC K10 ..some restoration required....still..

03-30-2003, 05:32 PM	#7
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	From the beginning I "thoughT" the 5.14's might be too much gear but since I had them I figured I give them a shot try them out. Didnt cost me more than 3 quarts of oil and some silicone sealant and a couple of hours of setup time. I'm actually becoming pretty good at setting backlash on these eatons . I wouldnt have to do that each time but I have 3 pumpkins and only one detroit locker unit so every time I pull the carrier I have to break open the differential to install the locker and then reset the ring to pinion backlash. I do run 32 inch tires and while 5.14's and 4.57's might seem like a lot of gear for a car running 27 inch tires I can assure you its a different world with big tire trucks. I once bought a car that had 27 inch tires and a 4.56 geared detroit locker 9 inch. I was miserable and ended up going to 4.10's! These 4.57's in this truck with the 32 inch tires are very driveable. I think I'l stay with them. __________________ No truck :-(

03-30-2003, 05:42 PM	#8
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	I do have to say something about detroit lockers. They are the only way to go ! Ive used traction control devices of all sorts over the years . Clutches wear out or slip on one side and they torque steer to the right. Detroit lockers last forever and track straight and true every time. The locker in my truck was manufactured in 1959 and to look at it you coulnt tell it wasn't made last year . I have no idea what people are talking about when they say they make a ratcheting sound around corners. If they do so what but I can't hear it. They do chirp the tires a bit when they unlock but thats just fine with me. Every time I hear that chirp it brings a smile to my face . __________________ No truck :-(

03-31-2003, 08:26 AM	#11
Solver Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Storm Lake, Ia Posts: 1,449	Next time I would suggest you video tape the process with some explanation as you go. I'm sure alot of us would purchase a how to tape.I have never done that but if I could watch someone else once, I wouldn't be so nervous about trying it myself. __________________ 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 LWB-Blue 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Black 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-Red 1972 Cheyenne Super 10 LWB-green 1972 GMC 4x4 LWB-White 1971 Cheyenne 10 LWB-Ochre 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Copper 1971 Cheyenne 20 Longhorn-Black 1969 Custom 10 LWB-lt blue 1968 GMC 3/4 ton-green 1968 1/2 ton swb stepside-silver 1967 Chevrolet CST 10 LWB-green 1967 Chevrolet custom 20 LWB-Maroon

03-30-2003, 03:39 PM	#2
racedvl Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 7,020	LOL, what good is a truck if you can't drive it? Hehe.

03-30-2003, 03:50 PM	#3
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	5.14 is a lot of gear,even with a tall tire! How do the 4.57s feel?

03-30-2003, 05:11 PM	#5
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	tire size makes quite a difference on gearing tho. With the 32" tall tires that Mike is running, the 4.57s shouldnt be too bad. I run 4.10s with a 28" tire, & they are a tad low on the hyway, but not bad in town.....crazyL

03-30-2003, 07:08 PM	#9
casey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada Posts: 2,048	I'll tell you what wimpin out is mikep is when your scared to take the diff cover off, I don't really know didley squat about diffs. so swapin diffs ain't wimpin to me

03-31-2003, 09:38 AM	#12
Edmond Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,063	Mikep, Since you are becomming an Eaton expert on this board , can you tell me if an No Spin Rear Axle is the same as an Detroit Locker ? I have the No Spin Rear Axle according to my glovebox. Thanks in advance. Cya, Edmond __________________ 1971 Chevy C/20 Longhorn, 350/TH400, Edelbrock Performer, IMPCO 425 LPG Carb 1974 Chevy Camaro Z28 (Original) ------------------------- The Netherlands

03-31-2003, 10:46 AM	#13
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Yep, a No Spin is the Detroit Locker. As for the ratcheting, I also don't hear that, but I do get a noise every once in a while when I drive my truck that is definitely the locker loading or unloading - was very alarming until I figured out it was not a problem. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-31-2003, 10:56 AM	#14
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	I have lockers in all of my K20s and I have noticed that the automatic trucks don't make as much noise. I wonder if the automatic trans absorbs some of it? Nothing beats the detroit locker. I agree on that. You can get in trouble with one though. If you have lots of power and nail it during a turn you better hang on....lol. My dad made this mistake with a Cobra back in the old days and through a fence he went... I'm running 4.57s with 35" tires on mine. It drives fine but you won't be setting any salt flats records. I actually have one center section with a 6 something gear in it. I think I might be able to pull trees out with that one. It was out of a GM panel van.

03-31-2003, 10:58 AM	#15
Nova_Cobra64 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melville, SK Posts: 1,145	Well, I'll put it to you this way, at least you have the option to swap gears. I wanted to replace my 3.08s with 3.73s, but since I can't do it myself, my Dad figured it would cost me between 5-600 when all was said and done. __________________ 2004 Silverado - Beater 1969 GMC - In progress http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=441683 2011 Aveo - Work commuter 2013 Crestliner Fish Hawk 1650 - The reason no work gets done on the project truck.

03-31-2003, 12:05 PM	#16
O'l Buck Recovering Truck Driver Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Orleans, NE USA Posts: 1,883	Man, speaking of diffs....I got up the nerve yesterday to pull the cover on my cutlass to investigate that clatter noise it came up with the last few times I drove it........the frickin' pin let go and was smackin' the pinion head.......ack......oh well, I've been looking for an excuse to put a posi in it anyway. __________________ 67 K-20 350, SM465, Eaton rear, 4.56 no spin option 00 Dodge 2500 4x4, 24V cummins, 5 speed Chad South Central Nebraska

03-31-2003, 01:16 PM	#18
lpaine Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Parksville, B.C. Canada Posts: 637	Thanks for the inspiration, Mike. I have an Eaton diff in my 69 with 4.57s, I want to change to a higher set of gears I seem to remember someone saying 3.54s were as high as you could go on the eaton 10 bolt. I think I may just attempt this job myself, always wanted a dial indicator! Anyone know if 3.54s are as high a gear you can get for the eaton?Thanks in advance. __________________ 1969 G.M.C 3/4 Ton 920 (Canadian Version) 307 3 speed, currently apart 1998 Chevy 1/2 ton ex cab V-6 5 speed 1967 Chevy SWB - project truck; not started just yet



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03-31-2003, 02:06 PM	#19
mikep Used to have a truck Join Date: May 2002 Location: port orchard WA Posts: 1,552	Iv'e heard of some 3.70's or some 3.73's but apparently they are exceedingly rare if not nonexistent. I dont think there werre any 3.54's available for the eaton although with OLD chevy trucks you might find something. They made these as far back as '52 but in the old chevies they compensated for lack of engine power with low gears in their 3/4 and one tons so high gears might be difficult to find. I know there are or were 3.90's available aftermarket. Ive got a good set of 4.11's I was going to put up on the for sale board if you are interested. __________________ No truck :-(

05-17-2003, 10:08 PM	#21
kiley Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Keizer, OR Posts: 103	mikep I solute you. That stuff is scary. BTW I want to thank you for your many posts on Eaton axles. I bought my truck without knowing what I had. Turns out I have an Eaton and have learned much about it thanks to you.

05-17-2003, 10:17 PM	#22
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,608	Mike did you get something else or did you keep that beautiful truck???? __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

05-18-2003, 12:46 AM	#23
Roberty Hot Damn - Here I Am!! Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Ringgold, Georgia Posts: 726	Me personally, I wouldn't want to go lower than a 3.08. I owned a beater '70 a couple of years back that had a 4.11 or a 4.56 in it and I hated it out on the interstate. Sounded like it was about to blow up at 70mph or more. I'll stick with the 3.08's on my '71 - Love to be able to run up to the century mark without feeling like it's about to blow! A 700R4 would be sweet. Robert __________________ My vehicles: '90 Silverado Sport '71 Chevelle SS Convertible '70 C-10 - My Grandfather bought it new - original un-restored Last edited by Roberty; 05-18-2003 at 12:48 AM.

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