I got a quote to replace 3.31 to 4.1 and swap the electronic locker for a posi. $3200 (15' 8.8 rear end) The mechanic said that the electronic lockers are the failing point to the reared. I really don't plan to use the locker on the street with having 4wd. It should be fine in the dirt. I'm mainly swapping gears so I can tow my travel trailer better with the 5.0L. The posi adds $700 to the price tag. I'm going to shop around and see what other places are quoting before doing it.

 

I assume you are putting new gears in the front axle at the same time... Is that included in the price you mentioned?

 

yes, front and rear gears. After reading more posts, a dealership near me (1hr) did a gear swap for $2250 without the lsd in the rear.
I guess it’s a mater of deciding whether or not on the LSD?

 

If you want to drive it over to Tuscaloosa my neighbor does these all the time. He's had several that were full of water.

 

Seems my diff ran dry and probably wrecked pinion bearings and carrier bearings. I do have a seal leak on one axle and the bearings on both side make a bit of noise.
How can I tell if the axle itself needs to be replaced? I'll probably be overhauling this whole rear end... anything I should keep an eye out for?

 

A mechanic shop should be able to show you why the bearings are bad and or axle. I doubt the axle would have to be replaced unless, by the bearing area, it heated up and scarred the shaft. Since the axle will have to be torn apart to fix, would be a great time to swap gears if that’s something you want to do.

 

Currently 3.55 LS 9.75. I do need to replace the pinion... threads got ruined trying to get it out. It seems the bearing fused to the shaft and wouldn't let go. If im replacing pinion, gonna replace ring as well. I dont tow but do carry a lot of stuff in the bed.