Swapping axle from a 4x4 with my peg leg.

[Geoff]

Hey guys....Would there be any complications replacing my open diff rear end with one from a

4x4 to take advantage of the posi and lower gear ratio? I would be swaping the entire rear

end. Also can the axles be swapped for my 5 lug axles? Thanks for your time.

 

[SunlitComet]

if it has the same ring size and lug count then the swap should be just a bolt up.

 

[Geoff]

if it has the same ring size and lug count then the swap should be just a bolt up.

Does the size matter if I'm changing out the entire axle drum to drum?

I have 5 lug axles. Would the axles be interchangeable?

 

[SunlitComet]

that was for drum to drum swap. the actual shafts are different lengths between 2wd and 4wd which means the brake syste in the rear needs to be converted to 11" inch system with possibly one other part in the brake system.

 

[Geoff]

Thanks...I finally checked my axle code and I do have a 373 posi that doesn't seem to lock. I popped the cover and changed the oil. Nothing seems to be broken just based on a visual inspection.

I'm going to attempt a gear change to 4:56 myself. We'll see how that goes.

As for the posi carrier i'm going roll the dice on a used one or do the smart thing and buy a new one. I plan on doing some minor off- roading with the truck.

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

its a 3.73 Limited slip differential posi trac or PosiTrac was what GM used to name there Limited slip differential in the 60s
im not sure but the only avail locker is a g80 eaton locker wich is on the newer colorados and trucks and its an auto locker
i think an electronic locker is better becuase the driver has control of the locking capability

and i dont recommend a 4.56 unless you rolling on like 37 or 38 inch tires and up

 

[Geoff]

4:56 is too low? I thought that would bring me back to a stock ratio?

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

What size tires are u rolling on

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[Geoff]

35's.

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

4.10 i think is a good comprimise for between mpg and performance 4.56s will suck that much more gas

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[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

Alotta guys say to go with 4.56s but hey they aint paying for yer gas

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[Geoff]

Good point, the gas mileage is atrocious as it is.

I do have a very short city commute. Except for the occasional trip the desert it's mostly local trips.

I wish there was something in between 4:11 and 4:56. Thanks for the advice.

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

years ago i always though low low gears was the way to go but ever since i owned my tahoe with 3.42 i much prefer the higher gears
plus anyways with these freakin 20 speed trannys hell you dont need a really low axle ratio

before i owned my 2wd tahoe i had a brand new ford ranger fx4 i ordered right after i got back from iraq and the fx4 package came standered with rancho shocks and 4.10 axle ratios
and for a small ranger with a v6 just having those 4.10 axles the made the gas mileage terrible
16 to 19 mpg wich is pathetic when my 4x4 v8 suburban and my 2wd tahoe got on average 14 to 15

kidding about the 20 speed trannys i know they only have a 6 and 8 speed

 

[Geoff]

Thanks for the reply....I am probably going to 33's or so next tire change so the 4:11's would make even more sense in the long run.