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Synthetic oil is a good thing to use for towing applications.......
The full gear setup write-up picfest is here- http://gearinstalls.com/benrearfront.htm
I got the install done Friday evening and drove it to dinner, then today I drove it across town to Tempe, mostly on the freeway. Love the power, and RPM's were at 2800@70MPH (professional driver on a closed track, do not attempt this at home, yadda yadda yadda-), which leaves plenty of headroom should I want to go faster. I am very happy with ratio selection. The actual MPH is about 10% lower than indicated on the speedo, whereas before it was 20% higher. Since I often tow a trailer, I am pleased that the 5.29's paired with 37" tires gives me a lower-than-stock final ratio. I find myself doing the speed limit more often than not now, where prior to this I was always speeding, since I was paying attention to the speedo and ignoring the known error factor.
This is not for everyone though. People balk at the high price of the transfer case low-range reduction gear. This install cost me close to $2k, the vast majority of that being parts and supplies, with me doing all the diff install work myself. That job requires removing the front calipers, drive plates, hubs, spindles and associated parts, birfs and axles, tie rod, and the rear axles. The rear diff was a major bitch to heave in, and the front was no picnic either. Then there are some gaskets that needed replacement during the install. If my axles weren't fresh I would have had to add a front axle kit and all the extra work involved. The transfer case gear install only requires the removal of the case, and the gear install can be done by anyone who gets themselves that far into the job- no magic powers and mystic pattern-reading skills required, it's pretty straightforward. I only opted for diff gears for the towing benefits. The truck was certainly driveable with 4.11's, if a bit slow off the line. I do love the giddyup now though, feels very like stock.
Tomorrow I'll go run a trail and find out how low-range feels.
The full gear setup write-up picfest is here- http://gearinstalls.com/benrearfront.htm
I got the install done Friday evening and drove it to dinner, then today I drove it across town to Tempe, mostly on the freeway. Love the power, and RPM's were at 2800@70MPH (professional driver on a closed track, do not attempt this at home, yadda yadda yadda-), which leaves plenty of headroom should I want to go faster. I am very happy with ratio selection. The actual MPH is about 10% lower than indicated on the speedo, whereas before it was 20% higher. Since I often tow a trailer, I am pleased that the 5.29's paired with 37" tires gives me a lower-than-stock final ratio. I find myself doing the speed limit more often than not now, where prior to this I was always speeding, since I was paying attention to the speedo and ignoring the known error factor.
This is not for everyone though. People balk at the high price of the transfer case low-range reduction gear. This install cost me close to $2k, the vast majority of that being parts and supplies, with me doing all the diff install work myself. That job requires removing the front calipers, drive plates, hubs, spindles and associated parts, birfs and axles, tie rod, and the rear axles. The rear diff was a major bitch to heave in, and the front was no picnic either. Then there are some gaskets that needed replacement during the install. If my axles weren't fresh I would have had to add a front axle kit and all the extra work involved. The transfer case gear install only requires the removal of the case, and the gear install can be done by anyone who gets themselves that far into the job- no magic powers and mystic pattern-reading skills required, it's pretty straightforward. I only opted for diff gears for the towing benefits. The truck was certainly driveable with 4.11's, if a bit slow off the line. I do love the giddyup now though, feels very like stock.
Tomorrow I'll go run a trail and find out how low-range feels.
The gears will run even cooler as they break in
Glad you like them.
Ken
.....
Don't worry, I'm putting lots of low-speed mileage on the truck. The wheeling was 95% dirt roads, with some moderate rock garden excercise, no undercut ledges or hard climbs- although I did have to pull my partner up a sandy bank (33" BFT AT's don't cut it uphill in deep sand). The gears are getting the easiest duty I can give them, considering the truck is primarily used for recreation and only sees pavement on the way to the next camp or trail.
tops, but cruises easily at 35+. If your only 25% lower than me, you should be able to run a lot more than 25 in low. Just thinkin............
tops, but cruises easily at 35+. If your only 25% lower than me, you should be able to run a lot more than 25 in low. Just thinkin............
