Gear Swap

[Grunt4Life]

We're looking to buy a RV trailer and so i reached out to get an estimate from a local dealer to swap out my 3.21 gears to 3.92 on a 2015 limited 4x4. They just cam back with the following:
"It would be $3,000 at a minimum and could be MUCH more depending on what other parts are needed."

Depending on what other parts are needed??? Shouldn't they know what's needed? Does this seem high to anyone else? I've asked around various forums, including this one and the highest mentioned was around $2,200.

Anyone know a good dealer or shop in Delaware that's able to do the job right. Would like to get additional estimates.

Thanks.

 

[Hemi450hp]

We have the rear OEM 3.92's and install kit in stock for $449. The front can get expensive because you cant just replace the ring/pinion. They are going to need to replace the complete front housing with 1 that already has 3.92's. This can range from $400 at a scrapyard to $1500 new. That puts you at anywhere from $850-$2000 in parts, and labor for a 4wd gear swap normally runs about $800 ($400 per axle).

 

[xrsman]

Why do you want to swap your gears?

Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

 

[Grunt4Life]

Looking to pull an RV and current setup only allows for 7800 lbs. Looking to tow about 8200-8600 lbs. fully loaded and 3.92s would give me up to 9850 lbs.

 

[Grunt4Life]

We have the rear OEM 3.92's and install kit in stock for $449. The front can get expensive because you cant just replace the ring/pinion. They are going to need to replace the complete front housing with 1 that already has 3.92's. This can range from $400 at a scrapyard to $1500 new. That puts you at anywhere from $850-$2000 in parts, and labor for a 4wd gear swap normally runs about $800 ($400 per axle).

Thanks again! I missed the fact that the $400 was per axle. So $3k is not that far off. Still trying to figure out what "other parts" they think may be needed. Started to think they were/are setting me up to buy a new truck...

Any idea on what else they think might cost me "much more"?

Last thing- Never had anything like this done before and was curious to know if dealerships will install parts bought elsewhere. Would like to support a business that supports us. Plus my last purchase went well (Just got a catch can from you a couple of weeks ago and installed it)

 

[Beauregard7765]

Install kits, fluids, gasket.

 

[Grunt4Life]

Install kits, fluids, gasket.

Yeah but I would think they have accounted for that in the $3k estimate.

 

[Ramunit]

For 3 grand I'd just buy a new truck.

 

[Hemi450hp]

There is no install kit needed for the front because they are just swapping the complete housing over...no need to set up the gears, so it actually an easier install up front than it would be if they were replacing the ring/pinion.

And the dealership should warranty the parts and labor as long as they are OEM parts. Some are picky though and will tell you otherwise in an attempt to get you to buy everything from them.

Their price isnt too far off if you are paying normal retail and labor for this job.

 

[Grunt4Life]

For 3 grand I'd just buy a new truck.

trust me thought about it... Trade in is around $35k-37k new with same options is just over $57k best I could probably do is $45k + tax etc.. I also have the Mopar Lifetime warranty another $2,300.

All in all i'd be 11-13k out of pocket minimum. Can't see spending that much when the truck only has 7,000 miles on it.

 

[DannyMK2]

Looking to pull an RV and current setup only allows for 7800 lbs. Looking to tow about 8200-8600 lbs. fully loaded and 3.92s would give me up to 9850 lbs.

changing the gears isnt going to change the tow rating of the truck, fyi. the 3.92's will perform much better, but if your concerned about the legal/liability aspect of your tow rating, a gear swap does nothing for that.

 

[crash68]

Changing gearing doesn't change the GVWR or the GAWR, exceeding either of those are overloading the truck(both of those are found on the door stickers).
The SAE J2807 chart does indicate different values in GCWR with a change in gearing(GCWR or the truck's gearing is not indicated on the door stickers).
If you buy that pretty new trailer, run the truck/trailer over the scales to get the WDH set correctly so the weights are right on the truck and not overloaded. You'll find out you probably want the lower gearing to pull the trailer.

 

[Grunt4Life]

Than ks for everyone's feedback. I've moved this topic over to the Towing section to validate my take on what's been learned. *Max Trailer Weight Rating- Will I be Legal