I posted here a while back asking about the best way to change the final drive ratio, tires or gears, got some good feedback and links to aftermarket sources, I've decided to replace the ring and pinon gears here's my latest question, do I have to replace the carrier if I go from 3:55s to 4:10s? Accorrding to a reply in the forum someone said if I didn't go over 3:90 I could use the old carrier, on an aftermarket site it said the carrier break was 3:73....and then I went to the local Dodge dealer to price factory gears and the parts man said I did not have to replace the carrier, I asked him three times to be sure and he said he was certain, so what do you guys think, I wouldn't mind saving the $1200. bucks for a new carrier

Thanks
Ken

 

I did the change from 4:10 to 3:55, on a dana 80.. I did have to get a new carrer, the change over is at 3:73
hope this helps
Jman

 

BTW check aftermarket, $1200 for a carrier is insane!

 

On the 80 you will have to change the carrier, 3.73 to 4.10 is the split. on a 60 or 70 its 4.10 to 4.56 . you can get a Eton E-locker for about $900 I have a used Shure grip limited slip for 4.10 dana 80. PM me

 

You have an auto then you will have the d 70. Just need the ring and pinion gear set. As long as your lsd is in good shape it will be an easy change. But if the lsd is worn a bit, do a rebuild or throw a better one in it.

 

He's got a 3500 though, so he has an 80.

Can't you get a thicker ring gear to use the 3.55 carrier?

 

I have the same truck but with 4.10's. I have always wondered what it would be like to have 3.55's. at 60mph I am hitting 2000+- not hte greatest milage empty but towing is good.

 

Thanks for the the replies so far, yes my diff. is a D80, I don't understand why the Dodge parts guy told me I don't need a new carrier.
The reason I was checking with Dodge on the new gears is because the mechanic I talked to about doing the job said he preferred to use Dodge parts, garanteed good fit, he is the only one locally that I would even consider to do the job, I'm in a small town with a lot of Shade Tree'ers
my lsd should be in good shape it's only got 72k miles with full synthetic oil changes every 15k

Hey AAmeeting it sounds like we need to swap gears

I'm running stock tires 235/85 x16 and in;

4th gear 60mph = 1600RPM

4th gear 70Mph = 1875RPM

3rd gear 60MPH =2350RPM this is what I have to run when carrying the camper 10-11 MPG

I'm looking for 1800-2000RPMs at 60mph in 4th gear

I'm also getting ready to do more traveling and will likely get a heavier camper and also tow a 3000# Ford Ranger, so I really need some better gearing.

 

If you swapped in an NV4500 or NV5600, it would get your rpms to 1800 at 60mph.

Find a dealer of Dana Spicer parts for your gears. They are usually cheaper than DC, for the exact same stuff they are gonna sell you.

Also, on Randy's Ring and Pinion, there is a thick 4.11 gear set to use on the 3.54 carrier. There is also 3.73 gears, which might be a nice compromise for you. http://www.ringpinion.com/PartsList....b-Differential