Differential Gear swap

[SC88]

I asked this question over in the performance section, thought I might throw it up in here as well

For those that did it, what gear ratio did you start with, what is it now and was it worth it?

Right now my front diff will probably need new carrier bearings and I am debating on switching gear ratio's while I'm in there. Right now it has 3.73s but I also tow my camaro with this truck and have heavy ass 26'' wheels for the summer with a overall diameter of 33.2'' ratio (stock = 30.7) so any extra pep I could achieve while maintaining decent gas mileage and not effecting drive ability too much I am all for it!

I want to hear from people who know if its worth the cost to go to a 4.10 or possibly a 4.56 ratio from a 3.73. I do on occasion use the highway or spend time at highway speeds but my everyday use is 60 mph or less city traffic.

 

[WoldD90]

Your mpg's will suffer, but you will probably get back most of the accelleration you've lost, as long as you plan to keep the 26" wheels. I have factory 4.10's, and its a bit much for traditional driving, but great for occasional towing, with factory wheels and tires.

 

[JKmotorsports]

I went from 3.73 to 4.56. Huge difference on acceleration and definitely makes it easier when towing. With the 24s (32.5" o.d.), I'm turning about 2200-2300 rpm around 70mph. I went with the 4.56s to help me launch out of the hole at the track with such a heavy truck. The 4.10s should get your final gear ratio back to stock (with the 26s), about 1800-1900 rpm @ 65mph. I think I'd try 4.30s with the 26s, especially if you are towing and not on the hwy much; good medium between 4.10 and 4.56. Gas mileage wont be AS bad as it would with 4.56, but it will help much better than 3.73 and even 4.10s.

 

[SC88]

I went from 3.73 to 4.56. Huge difference on acceleration and definitely makes it easier when towing. With the 24s (32.5" o.d.), I'm turning about 2200-2300 rpm around 70mph. I went with the 4.56s to help me launch out of the hole at the track with such a heavy truck. The 4.10s should get your final gear ratio back to stock (with the 26s), about 1800-1900 rpm @ 65mph. I think I'd try 4.30s with the 26s, especially if you are towing and not on the hwy much; good medium between 4.10 and 4.56. Gas mileage wont be AS bad as it would with 4.56, but it will help much better than 3.73 and even 4.10s.

Thanks for the reply, I like the idea of 4.30's but my local driveline shop only carries 4.11's, 4.56s or 4.88s

Your 4.56's have now interest me because I plan to run a 32" tire (275/55/20) on my winter wheels. Do you have to worry about breaking them because of the smaller tooth count or anything like that?

EDIT:

I did a quick calculator online the RPM @ 70 between the two gears are maybe 200, the faster you go the more the difference increases. I guess it's going to be a decision on wear and tear vs price increase between gear sets. The gas mileage difference shouldn't be that much at all.