3.73 open swap to 4.56 ls

[jlb0716]

Alright guys, I am in search of some input on this topic.



Here is what I have:

-01 2.5L 4x2 5sp
-6" custom suspension lift
-3.73:1 Open diff
-33x12.50 BFG AT K/Os

I am thinking about finding a used 4.56 LS rear axle and swapping that in.

I have lost practically all power with the bigger tires and lift, and I dont do a lot of towing, I just want the truck to get better gas mileage with my setup, get a bit more torque out of it so if I did have to tow I could, and I occasionally use it off road so having the LS, to me, would be a great improvement. I have had the truck in some nasty situations with the way it sits and barely made it, just because i only had one tire pulling. I feel that having the two rears pull bc of the LS would help me in a lot of situations. I occasionally go to the mountains and this is where i feel i would benefit from the lower gear ratio. She is normally used for tailgating (hauling ppl and )

What is your take on the matter.

I do not have loads of cash laying around to do an engine swap and the 2.5 has been very reliable for me even though i give her hell.

Thanks for positive insight, i am only working with what i have, so please keep negative remarks reserved.

 

[gw33gp]

4.56 gears should work very well with 33" tires. A 2.5L engine might like 4.88 gears even more.

 

[Captain Ledd]

Gear the snot out of it.

I have 4.56 gears with my 2.3L lima, and only 235/75R15's!!! Drives and shifts like it should have from the factory (personally). Highway speeds are a bit limited, I'm at 3,000 RPM at 70 in overdrive. Which actually, isn't nearly as bad as it sounds. I even saw an increase in mileage (though slight).

I went to 4.56 because I basically could only use 4th gear to get any kind of power on the highway, so I swapped down to turn what 4th gear was into 5th. I used to have 3.73's.

When it comes to 4 cylinders, do not fear the gear!