about how much $$ to change rear-end gears?

[GMC Guy]

title pretty much covers it. i have 3.08's and i want 3.42's or maybe 3.73's
(would th350 and 3.73's be brutal on the highway?)
but i ain't touchin that stuff myself lol so what's an average cost for a shop to do it?

[GMC Guy]

no one has any idea? lol

[harnalien]

I got mine done for 340 bucks. However, I called some other shops and was quoted as low as 300 to as high as 900. A lot of shops I called wouldn't even do it.

[N2TRUX]

Last time I checked the going price was around 350.00 Of course that is just labor and does not include parts. Check some rear end specialists in your area. Ask around and find a reputable shop. They might make a package deal including gears, bearings and labor.

To answer your question about gears, it depends on what your after. You have to factor in tire height, transmission, motor, and intended use.

If your running a 28" tire with a TH350, stock to mild cam then a 3.42 is a good all around gear. Go with a 3.73 if your running a taller tire, or if you are willing to trade an MPG or two for additional grins when you romp it.

[GMC Guy]

i'm running 275/60/15's (28") all the way around right now, but sometime in the near future i'd like to put the 295/50/15's (26.9") in the back. then of coarse 245/60/15's in the front.

but if i went with 3.42's, with the 26.9" inch tires in the back, that would be a pretty good all around combo?

[3r!c84]

that would be a good combo i got 3.42 with a 28in tire and th350

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by GMC Guy

i...but if i went with 3.42's, with the 26.9" inch tires in the back, that would be a pretty good all around combo?

Yes! The 3.42 is just a great "all around" gear ratio. It's low enough to give you some low end TQ, but high enough to give decent MPG.

In my mind their are only two good gear sets for your average 2wd truck. The 3.42 if you want a good average gear, and 3.73 if performance or towing are more of a priority. Combine either of these gears with an OD transmission and you benefit as well.

[harnalien]

I have a 700r4 with 3.73 and 28.9" tires. Once I get the OD working, I will have a better impression of the swap.

[longbedrick]

I had new gears installed in my CJ-5 couple years back. $450 per axle. I got a break because I did both front and rear axles and I brought them in not attached to the vehicle

[dan76]

http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html

This is a link to a road speed/gear ratio/trans type/rpm/tire size calculator. You can plug in different combinations and see the results.

Once you decide upon a gear ratio, probably the most economical method is to search for the gear ratio in an existing unit in a junkyard. Typically you'll pay about 100 dollars with a 30 day warranty. With the help of a buddy and a few tools, it's a relatively simple exchange. You can then sell the old one to recoup some of your expenses.

[nlped]

Wow!!! That seems really high for a gear install. I have taken my 12 bolt out from under the truck to clean it up and pulled the axles to machine them for the McGaughy 13" rear brake kit already. I will be dropping it off to a guy I met at the local round track who builds race cars and such and he will do it out of the truck for $75. He has done 3 other's for me so far and I have had absolutely no problems. I knew it was a deal, but dang, I had no idea it would cost that much. This guy did the last one while I waited. It took him all of an hour to tear down the rearend, install the new bearing on the carrier, pinion bearings, seals, etc., and then dial in the pinion depth and such. I know it would take a bit longer having to crawl under the rear (assuming no post lift), but $350 for a couple hours work is pretty high?!

Just my .02!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by nlped

..... I know it would take a bit longer having to crawl under the rear (assuming no post lift), but $350 for a couple hours work is pretty high?!!

I agree, but call around and see what they say. Keep in mind that quote was under the truck. I'm sure some one would bench build it for less.

[LONGHAIR]

It's been years since I did one "for a living" but the shop where I worked got $200 for rears and $250 for fronts. Labor only, but there was usually money made on parts too. The parts were at least the gears, seals,etc. even if there was no carrier swap.

Over course this was all done "standing-up" under a lift. I have done some since for friends, but I always made them pull it out from under the car/truck. I crawled under once.....never again.

[thrtsxchambers]

I've checked locally here and most shops are around $300-$400 but one guy said he build me a bullet proof from the ground up for $1500=$2000 and says if it ever breaks he will fix it for free. I checked around and the full build guy is true to his word but have not found anyone breaking one he built. So it depends on the builder and how much they really know about it.