Gears, Lockers, Springs, Ratio's etc.

[tucsonbroker]

Ok, I've gotten my 72 to where I feel that it is mechanically reliable and now I'm ready to start making some fun modifications.

I've gotten suggestions from various offroad shops, but I thought I would ask the experts.

Lockers - Are they worth having, do I do them on both axles, and what brands should I consider

Rear/Front gears - I have no idea what the truck has now, but I have a 4 speed manual. I will check this weekend on the axles. What are some pretty common gear ratio's for both on road and off road use?

Rear springs - The ride is VERY harsh, mostly because the PO just added a bunch of leafs to the rear. I've been told that this needs to be redone. Any other good options? Coil springs, or go with some softer leafs?

[Shock_Me]

Here's a bump for ya. I'd like to hear some suggestions as well.

Pete

[1969K10]

There's a really good thread in the 4X4 scetion called "what's the difference" that might help you with the locker, limted slip, posi thoughts.

Your gears are between 5.12's to 3.08's. probably 4.10 or 3.73 though.

Yeah, add-a-leafs give a VERY stiff ride. If you found stock springs and block lift, or lifted after market springs, you'd have a much better ride.

come on over to the 4X4 section!

[billyjo]

I have a Detroits lockers in mine and I don't really like having the one in the rear for driving everyday. When I want to get into a parking spot or take a tight corner it will lock and is a pain in the butt.

[tucsonbroker]

I read the suggested thread in the 4x4 thread and it just confused me. I don't really get the difference between Spools, lockers, selectable lockers, posi, and stock.

Agreed on the leaf spring comment. I think I need a softer lifted spring, I'm not a big fan of body lifts.

[70rs/ss]

Spool is just that, no spiders, both wheels turn all the time, a locker does the same, but it can be turned on and off posi and stock are about the same, as in limited slip, one tire begins to spin the rear transfer power to the tire with more traction (locks the axles together) A locker and a limited slip are very similar except the limited locks itself and the locker you lock when you want it. Spools are stricktly race or off road use only limiteds are good, but some are better than others, lockers are good but pricey? That is my limited knowledge on that subject, me personally, I have stock limited slips but I don't wheel much, when I do a locker or posi in the front would be a benefit!! Especially when stuck, cause one front tire usually will not pull out both rears.

[OldCreek]

Here's a link to "How stuff works":

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/differential.htm

[Yukon Jack]

For questions 1 and 2, we really know what you are looking to do in your K5.

As far as the rear springs go, I'd look into a quality set of new rear springs if they are in your budget.

[vtblazer]

What's the intended usage?
That's a "must know" for any reasonable answers.

*Pavement driver/daily usage only?
*Double duty weekend warrior kinda ride?
*Dedicated wheeler? (I know that's not the one)

All have very different ingredients.

Are you fule injected?
Serp belt?

Oh, lots of mods to do...

[Mike C]

As noted above, we need to know more!

How much on road? How much off? Towing? What transmission? Tire size?

For a mostly on-road with good off-road capability, I'd consider Detroit TruTracs in both ends. If you can only afford one end, do the rear first. Another option would be a Detroit E-Locker in the rear with TruTrac front.

For 33" tires and a non OD trans, I'd run 3.73 gears. For 35's, I'd go with 4.10. The 4.10's and 35's will be great for your 4 speed. For 33's you can run 2 1/2" of lift, but with 35's you'll need 4 for a mostly on-road truck. For more offroad clearance, you'll need 6 or be willing to trim sheet metal. My experience with blocks has been poor. I wouldn't consider anything but a complete spring lift.

If you are ever planning an 8 lug upgrade, you should do that before spending any money on your existing diffs or buying wheels! I bought a 4x4 3/4 ton sub with 4.10 gears and a broken motor for $300. And I just got another for the same price that actually runs! Not sure on gears yet, but probably 3.73. Only drawback is they both have semi-floater 14's, but that is way stronger than the 12 bolt and good for moderate off-roading on 35's.

Getting a setup like this that just requires adding lockers saves tons of $.

[tucsonbroker]

Originally Posted by Mike C

As noted above, we need to know more!

How much on road? How much off? Towing? What transmission? Tire size?

For a mostly on-road with good off-road capability, I'd consider Detroit TruTracs in both ends. If you can only afford one end, do the rear first. Another option would be a Detroit E-Locker in the rear with TruTrac front.

For 33" tires and a non OD trans, I'd run 3.73 gears. For 35's, I'd go with 4.10. The 4.10's and 35's will be great for your 4 speed. For 33's you can run 2 1/2" of lift, but with 35's you'll need 4 for a mostly on-road truck. For more offroad clearance, you'll need 6 or be willing to trim sheet metal. My experience with blocks has been poor. I wouldn't consider anything but a complete spring lift.

If you are ever planning an 8 lug upgrade, you should do that before spending any money on your existing diffs or buying wheels! I bought a 4x4 3/4 ton sub with 4.10 gears and a broken motor for $300. And I just got another for the same price that actually runs! Not sure on gears yet, but probably 3.73. Only drawback is they both have semi-floater 14's, but that is way stronger than the 12 bolt and good for moderate off-roading on 35's.

Getting a setup like this that just requires adding lockers saves tons of $.

Thanks for the advice. The truck has a 4+ lift and 35s so the 4.10 sounds like a good idea. The truck wont do any towing and will be mostly on road but I do want better ability off road. The detroit truetracks and the complete spring lift will also work too.

Thanks!

[ecameron87]

For the front there are softer springs available (BDS, Tuff Country)
For the rear, a shackle flip with the stock springs give a nice ride. If you can find the rear stock springs out of an 80s blazer, they are softer and flex better. Get rid of lift blocks if you can. What kind of shocks are you running?

I run a lock-rite locker in the rear and have had no negative issues with it. It parks and u-turns just fine. You can get one for just over $200 and are easy to install. I won't offroad anymore without at least one.

[69TowRig]

Originally Posted by ecameron87

I run a lock-rite locker in the rear and have had no negative issues with it. It parks and u-turns just fine. You can get one for just over $200 and are easy to install. I won't offroad anymore without at least one.

I agree here, I have a Lock-Right in mine and it drives just fine. Since the wheelbase is pretty short you can feel it fight you on rolling turns with the throttle down, but other than that it is pretty docile. It is more noticeable than the Detroit I have in my Nissan however.