uzikaduzi

i'd go by the recommendation of the shop... that's light on miles but at the same time bearings and seals are cheap compared to the cost of labor to replace them

Basscanada

I recently upgraded to 4.56 gears with my 35" tires

HUGE difference in power, makes the truck fun to drive again and way better on the highway and hills (especially the "highway thru hell" the Coquihalla highway which I drive regularly

Ballin STX

What did you pay?? Good input btw

Basscanada

It wasn't cheap, I had quotes from 2750 to 4000

Ended up paying closer to the later but they did a good job and warrantied the work for a year. Apparently some shops have issues shimming the rear to elimate excess gear noise, mine is pretty quiet. Overall despite the cost I HIGHLY recommend the gear swap if you can afford it. Don't think I would go up to 4.88 (only because of the lower fuel economy) as I do notice my fuel economy with the 4.56 and the 35s is bad enough...

Ballin STX

Are you saying your mpg went down after gears? I've heard 35's and 4.56 gears go hand in hand and it's almost like your truck feels like it's running stock tires. I'm just trying to avoid less strain and wear on engine and tranny but also try and get a few mpg'a back.

MGD

Howdy;

Don't forget the added energy required to overcome the significant increases in rolling resistance, static mass and especially the added rotational inertia from larger tires (where the mass is concentrated further out from the axis).

Gearing changes do not alter these factors. There are no free rides here.

More energy required = more fuel used.

MGD

uzikaduzi

those quotes are a bit higher than I've seen... 2800 at the dealer and 1300ish from a 2 differential/transmission shops is what i've been quoted

Mdgonzo101

It really depends on where you're from. Rates in Houston are comparable to most areas of the country for gears and labor. 2400 was what I paid to a reputable and well known Offroad shop for the gears (front and rear), master install kits, Detroit Truetrac, and labor.

Transmission work in Houston is far cheaper than most of the country though. I can get my transmission completely rebuilt with heavier duty materials, parts, and a shift kit for about 750.

Sounds like Canada is a very pricey place to live in regard to vehicle maintenance, modification, and labor.

uzikaduzi

I think 2400 with truetracs (both front and rear? because that's like 1k in just those) and a master install kit (I think most come with new seals and bearings ??) is a pretty good deal.

Basscanada

As per the comment above the moment you go to 35s you will automatically lose fuel economy. with the 3.55 gears and 35s my truck was crazy slow.. now with the 4.56 it's pretty fun to drive again and with the new flowmaster exhaust it's tempting to be a little heavier on the pedal all the time.