3:42's?

[Rogue_Alphonse]

I have 3:08's now... but for the time being, since all my funds are going towards the body work on my Mustang, I thought popping in a set of 3:42's in my truck. Plus, I want to get rid of the welded carrier and go with a locker [which I have since it got welded, but it's whatever.]

Think it's worth it? it's a 6.2/700R/NP208. Eventually I'm converting to a standard with an NP205... I'd prefer an MV4500, but if I found one cheap enough I'd go with a 6-speed.

Even when I do the swap, would it be worth leaving the 3:42's in with the standard?

[stueber68]

With a 6.2 it may be very different... my blazer has 33, 350, 700R4, and 3.42s. Going down the highway it downshifts to often on a grade. I'm updating mine to 3.73s.

[Pyrotechnic]

Really depends on tire size. With 28" tires what you have now is probably fine. 31"-33" would probably work better with 3.42's, but still OK with 3.08's if you aren't in a hurry.

[Rogue_Alphonse]

I don't plan on ever going with tires bigger than 31", it'll never get a lift more than 2", and it definitely will be getting a standard trans in the future.

As for being in a hurry? Um.... heh... Every time I see the highway I see my speedo needle hit the trip odometer reset

Also I'm not TOO worried about mileage, but now I get 30-32 on the highway... if it drops below 27 I might reconsider...

[85sierraclassic]

my truck was origanaly a 6.2l 700r4 208 with 3.42s but i didnt own it then, but with 33's and the 4spd sm465 it at like 2300 at 60 ish pry more like 65 buy ya know lol.

[6 2 Carl]

3.42 gears is a good combination with the 6.2 700r4 and 31" tires. If staying with the auto, and putting on a 2" body lift, I'd go with the 3.73's. But since you are also wanting to swap in a nv4500 I'd stick with the 3.42's. The overdrive ratio is slightly less with the nv4500, 0.73 vs the 0.70 with the 700r4

[Rogue_Alphonse]

Originally Posted by 6 2 Carl

3.42 gears is a good combination with the 6.2 700r4 and 31" tires. If staying with the auto, and putting on a 2" body lift, I'd go with the 3.73's. But since you are also wanting to swap in a nv4500 I'd stick with the 3.42's. The overdrive ratio is slightly less with the nv4500, 0.73 vs the 0.70 with the 700r4

Exactly the kind of advice I was looking for! So basically you're saying go to the junkyard and pull 'em for probably $15 per carrier assembly including pinion.