3.55 to 4.56 Gear Swap

[Ludville1]

Still thinking of upgrading to 4.56 gears from my 3.55's along with a new LSD (posi) unit in my '09 4x4. For you guys that have done this swap, have you been happy with it? My truck is not a daily driver, and only average around 3K miles a year. I think that it would compliment my current mods nicely, and be fun to drive. Also, what would be a reasonable quote for a good shop to accomplish this (parts/labor)? Thanks!

 

[RLJ10X]

I did 4.10s, which I like a lot.

But some guys that did 4.10s were disappointed that they were still a little too tall. I totally understand that. 4.10s are a good all around gear for our old trucks. 4.56s would be fun. I think you'd be happy with 4.56s, especially with your low mileage.

My gear swap was fairly expensive. Around twenty one hundred dollars way back when. Matt at Moe s will have everything you need.

 

[Lyle Longboat]

I priced out the front and rear master install kits And gears from my current 3:55 to 4:56 at just around $1300 CAN for Motive gears which I have been told not to install. I’m looking for Richmond gear sets. IDK about install yet as I’m checking with a family member first before in buy anything.

 

[Ludville1]

Looking at Moe's site, I would have around $1500 in parts. How many hours labor would be involved in this installation?

 

[Ludville1]

I did 4.10s, which I like a lot.

But some guys that did 4.10s were disappointed that they were still a little too tall. I totally understand that. 4.10s are a good all around gear for our old trucks. 4.56s would be fun. I think you'd be happy with 4.56s, especially with your low mileage.

My gear swap was fairly expensive. Around twenty one hundred dollars way back when. Matt at Moe s will have everything you need.

What has to be done as far as speedometer calibration?

EDIT: I asked this question to Sean at hemifever tuning...and he said that the rear speed sensor will auto detect the gear change and set things back up.

 

[Clark Kent]

I'm using AEV's Procal unit to correct for tire and gears.

 

[RLJ10X]

It's been several years ago, and in Indiana, but I think labor for my trucks gear swap was about $1100. But for 4WD, there's a lot to it.

For me, it was either gear down, or get a different truck. I made the right choice in gearing down.

I don't remember having to correct the speedometer because the speed sensors are at the wheels. I'm running stock size tires.

 

[Ludville1]

It's been several years ago, and in Indiana, but I think labor for my trucks gear swap was about $1100. But for 4WD, there's a lot to it.

For me, it was either gear down, or get a different truck. I made the right choice in gearing down.

I don't remember having to correct the speedometer because the speed sensors are at the wheels. I'm running stock size tires.

Thanks for the response. Yeah, I'm sure that it won't be cheap. More of a job than I will take on myself. If proper wear patterns, back lash, and break in are not followed, I hear that they won't last. I asked for a quote from a local shop, so I'll see how that goes.

 

[68PowerWagon]

My install got VERY expensive on my 2500. They had to also replace the front carrier so it ended up costing me like $3,600. Most quotes were between $2,500-3,000. Yours would likely be another $1,000-1,500 to install. You are correct, if everything is done properly it will be loud or grenade itself. Best to leave this upgrade to the pros. I started with the 3.73's with the crappy RFE66 six speed tranny. Going to 4.56 made a huge difference in how it pulled itself down the road. Does much better with my camper now too. This truck/tranny combo should have had the 4.10's as standard gears & the 4.56's as the option.

 

[RedSRT4Me]

Still thinking of upgrading to 4.56 gears from my 3.55's along with a new LSD (posi) unit in my '09 4x4. For you guys that have done this swap, have you been happy with it? My truck is not a daily driver, and only average around 3K miles a year. I think that it would compliment my current mods nicely, and be fun to drive. Also, what would be a reasonable quote for a good shop to accomplish this (parts/labor)? Thanks!

This is my second truck but first build.
First truck was an 2005 with 3.55's and a 4.7 (dog).
Second is a 2015 5.7 3.92's. Holy crap! This thing is fast for a truck!
Lifted it with 35's and disappointment quickly started to set in because of the significant drop in performance. Longtube headers with custom tune definitely woke the truck up. Easy 30-40whp with those two modifications.
Now I decided to give 4.56's a shot. This is the absolute mechanical answer to lifts and oversized tires!! After doing hours of research I pulled the trigger on a Yukon 4.56 ring gear, Yukon master install kit, aFe 75w-90 break in oil. aFe Differential Cover. aFe 75w-140 afterwards.

I'll never own a truck without 4.10+ gears again. They make that much difference.

Disclaimer: I am on the sensitive side of upgraded. I notice any changes in my vehicle good or bad. My other half not so much. You slap on a supercharger and she may notice.



Gotta have a pic

 

[RLJ10X]

Right on, 68, and Red!!!

Gears, Baby!

 

[Snake15eyes1998]

A 4x4 shop by my work quoted me $3000 out the door. 5 hours an axle, their labor was $130 an hour. $1500 for gears. 3.55 to 4.56. HOW I WOULD LOVE!!! to do this. That's a lot of dough. My truck does fine pulling, I'm not gonna be winning any races soon, I have to favor 2nd and 3rd gear. Never sees 4th. 3inch lift, 35x12.5x20s. Probably just save up for a bigger truck. Run this one into the ground or wait for the tranny to give up the ghost. But even then, I can get another tranny cheaper then it would be to regear.

 

[Socalramfan]

This is my second truck but first build.
First truck was an 2005 with 3.55's and a 4.7 (dog).
Second is a 2015 5.7 3.92's. Holy crap! This thing is fast for a truck!
Lifted it with 35's and disappointment quickly started to set in because of the significant drop in performance. Longtube headers with custom tune definitely woke the truck up. Easy 30-40whp with those two modifications.
Now I decided to give 4.56's a shot. This is the absolute mechanical answer to lifts and oversized tires!! After doing hours of research I pulled the trigger on a Yukon 4.56 ring gear, Yukon master install kit, aFe 75w-90 break in oil. aFe Differential Cover. aFe 75w-140 afterwards.

I'll never own a truck without 4.10+ gears again. They make that much difference.

Disclaimer: I am on the sensitive side of upgraded. I notice any changes in my vehicle good or bad. My other half not so much. You slap on a supercharger and she may notice.

View attachment 209582

Gotta have a pic

Older post, but very usefully to me now. Thanks for your comments

 

[caulk04]

Do it, stop thinking. Especially if it's not a daily.

I went from 3.55 to 4.56 years ago in a 4.7 Dakota and loved it. I did a detroit locker at the same time.