[Philberto]

Hey again everybody.

I've searched around, and have decided I want to add a G80 to my truck via an EXT rear axle swap.

I have the factory 3.42 gears, and while I'm looking for a rear axle, I wanted to know if I should just shell out the extra cash for a front diff as well and get the gears changed to 4.10 or if I'll be fine offroad-wise with just swapping out the rear and keeping the 3.42 gears.

I have noticed when searching junkyards that there are a lot fewer 3.73 and 4.10 gears than 3.42s. For more info, I'm hoping to run 32 or 33" m/t or a/t tires with the necessary lifts and spacers, and I spend a good deal of time on the freeway. I'd really rather not have to spend money if I don't need to.

Thanks in advance for the info,
Phil:tiphat

 

[Philberto]

I'm using this as a daily driver, but plan to build it as an expedition vehicle as well (I'm a "multipurpose tool" kind of guy). I'm already aware I'll be losing mpg with tires and all that and in effect lowering my gear ratio. My question is whether I'll be fine with 3.42 gears or if it's worth the extra $500 or so to switch front diffs and get the different rear axle.

 

[Philberto]

Thanks everyone... since my goal is for a vehicle similar to James's, and he says he doesn't have any issues with his, I'm gonna go for just the 3.42 EXT rear end... Although the 3.73 and 4.10 rears aren't more expensive from what I've found (~$350 w/G80), I'm not keen on replacing the front either. So, new rear and PCM4Less tune here I go! At least when I get the money... I like to plan ahead

And I didn't know you had 3.42s James... glad to know we can still wheel with cruising gears lol

-Phil

 

[Philberto]

Sorry, I should have mentioned... I'm planning on swapping the current SWB rear axle with 3.42 gears and open diff for the LWB rear with 3.42 gears and the G80. This should do well enough for my purposes after I get the PCM4less tune.

 

[Philberto]

*scratches head* whaddya mean? I would assume my gas mileage would only be affected slightly by using the heavier axle with the locker... the gearing is the same as what I already have, and the mileage is gonna drop anyways when i put the 265/75/16 tires on there after adding spacers.

 

[Philberto]

Whoah, I didn't know my question would bring in so many strong opinions. I've determined I'll get 32's and spacers, and then determine if gears need changing. I'm gonna mark this solved for now though, and thanks to everyone for their input.

 

[Philberto]

Hey guys,

Like I said earlier, thanks for the input. I have scaled down my initial plans from 33" tires to 32" tires, based on wanting more brake capacity before I go even larger. Money is very tight for me, so every dollar makes a difference. I simply have to accept that I can't plan everything before I try it, and frankly, it won't cost more to wait until I can see if 3.42 gears will or won't work for the setup I'm planning. I'm very pleased with my 20mpg combined mileage I'm getting, and I'm in no hurry to blast down the freeway... that's what my motorcycle and my girlfriend's Camaro are for I have decided that 32" tires (265/75/16s mounted on 16x8 MB Predators) with a PCM4Less tune and my 3.42 gears will work for now, and if I have any performance issues :x I will change gears when I change the rear axle to a G80 one, it'll just cost me about 300 more because I'll need the front diff parts.:undecided If not,then the rear axle swap will be to the much more common 3.42s with G80. My modification plans are based more on my being able to get to camp-able spots than being able to traverse technical courses,(offroading to get to places rather than offroading for the sake of offroading, no offense at all meant to those who do the latter) so we'll see how everything pans out. :coffee

-Phil:tiphat