is 3.45s to 3.73s really worth the effort

[Boggin]

my b2 got a 2.9, 5spd, 33s, and 3.45s.
i have another set of axles (still a d28, 7.5) with 3.73s. already out of a truck just sitting out back, and they have 3.73s. i was wondering if you guys think its really worth swapping rear axles and front third members just to go from 3 45s to 3 73s. i figure while i put in the new rear axle i will paint it and change the fluid and same with the front 3rd member. but i dont want to go through all the trouble if the gains will hardly be noticable
thanks!

 

[Toms01PSD]

I'm going from 3.73's to 4.10's next week. I figured i'm putting lockers in might as well bump up the gears too. I'm staying with 32's. 3.45's to 3.73's should be noticeable.

 

[straycat]

Why the hell would you want to do that??? Gosh gee wizz golly gag!!! Man!! That is really stupid to do that.....lol. If you are going to re gear, do it right in the first place. I tried different combinations at one time years ago and found out with 33x12.5x15 tires the 4:10 works great for performance and gas milage. I get 24 mpg with my 99 lifted Ranger. It is an automatic. With a standard trans you can get by with the same gear ratio, but 4:56 would be better with a standard trans. You will love the bit more performance you will get.

 

[Sunk]

Meh, if the axles are just laying around it wouldn't hurt... I'd go deeper though, you should really run 4.56s.

 

[-Nathan-]

NO it will hardly be noticeable, not worth the time and effort and money, unless you go much bigger. 345 to 410, yes will be noticeable, but if youre going to regear, take the advice from someone who has done it, go at least 456 if not 488 with 32-33" tires.

 

[Boggin]

should of stated im not re gearing to 4,10s or 4 56s unless i find a really good deal, i just figured since i already had these laying around. anyways i went up to dig out the axles and i cant find the rear, the only rear spare i have is 3 45s same as i have now, and a 9" with 4.10s but thats for the 79 lol

 

[Boggin]

Why the hell would you want to do that??? Gosh gee wizz golly gag!!! Man!! That is really stupid to do that.....lol. If you are going to re gear, do it right in the first place. I tried different combinations at one time years ago and found out with 33x12.5x15 tires the 4:10 works great for performance and gas milage. I get 24 mpg with my 99 lifted Ranger. It is an automatic. With a standard trans you can get by with the same gear ratio, but 4:56 would be better with a standard trans. You will love the bit more performance you will get.

jeez, sorry to upset you. unfortunately im not as cool as you nor do i have the cash to get deeper gears like i stated above

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

Why the hell would you want to do that??? Gosh gee wizz golly gag!!! Man!! That is really stupid to do that.....lol. If you are going to re gear, do it right in the first place. I tried different combinations at one time years ago and found out with 33x12.5x15 tires the 4:10 works great for performance and gas milage. I get 24 mpg with my 99 lifted Ranger. It is an automatic. With a standard trans you can get by with the same gear ratio, but 4:56 would be better with a standard trans. You will love the bit more performance you will get.

 

[Toms01PSD]

NO it will hardly be noticeable, not worth the time and effort and money, unless you go much bigger. 345 to 410, yes will be noticeable, but if youre going to regear, take the advice from someone who has done it, go at least 456 if not 488 with 32-33" tires.

Did you run 4.56's with 32's-33's and a 4.0 or the 2.9 like Boggin?

 

[bilzy7]

3.wtf!!! Lol.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Deeper would be better in a perfect world, but since you are on a budget and switching assemblies is easy... do it.

If you want to do some firsthand testing, just do the rear. WITHOUT going in 4wd you should be able to get a feel for it, just a couple bolts to switch back if you don't think it is worth it.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

Deeper would be better in a perfect world, but since you are on a budget and switching assemblies is easy... do it.

If you want to do some firsthand testing, just do the rear. WITHOUT going in 4wd you should be able to get a feel for it, just a couple bolts to switch back if you don't think it is worth it.

This.

 

[88_Eddie]

anything but rockwells isnt worth the effort. i'm disappointed in you boggin, you should've known that











lol, jk. if you really dont have anything better to do with your time, why not?

 

[-Nathan-]

Did you run 4.56's with 32's-33's and a 4.0 or the 2.9 like Boggin?

I ran 456 with 33s with a 4.0. I know he has a 2.9, but 456 will still turn them perfectly fine with a 2.9 if he wants a bit better mileage. 488's would be a better compromise on 33s with the 2.9, but personally I would run 5.13 with that motor. From my experience with multiple gear sets, it doesnt affect it as much as people think it does, hence my saying 345 to 373 will be almost negligible. I gear as deep as possible.

 

[-Nathan-]

Deeper would be better in a perfect world, but since you are on a budget and switching assemblies is easy... do it.

If you want to do some firsthand testing, just do the rear. WITHOUT going in 4wd you should be able to get a feel for it, just a couple bolts to switch back if you don't think it is worth it.

setting up gears is more than just switching a couple bolts, it is an involved process including many fine tolerances that MUST be followed if failure is not desired.