School me on gears

[Deepfried]

Ok, so I've been reading posts regarding rear diff gears. My trucks is an 01 1500 5.2 automatic RCSB with 3.55 gears according to my build sheet.

My plans are to eventually over time to make it a hot rod style truck. No lift, no 4x4, no heavy towing. Running recommended tire size. My first major mod will be a PATC viper tranny.

Is it worth the time and money for me to upgrade my gears? Will their be any benefit for my application? Why?

Thanks for any reply.

 

[leadrofthepak]

This would largely depend on your driving demands for the truck once you complete the build. If fuel economy is more important than speed, 3.55 gears would serve you better than say 4.11 gears. However, if speed (acceleration) is your cup of tea, then 4:56 gears will make you giggle. All that being said, if you do plan to upgrade your rear end gears, I recommend a quality aftermarket (Yukon) locker.

 

[Deepfried]

This would largely depend on your driving demands for the truck once you complete the build. If fuel economy is more important than speed, 3.55 gears would serve you better than say 4.11 gears. However, if speed (acceleration) is your cup of tea, then 4:56 gears will make you giggle. All that being said, if you do plan to upgrade your rear end gears, I recommend a quality aftermarket (Yukon) locker.

Actually yes, I'm very interested in making my rig "beast mode"... Lol

So 4.56s would be fine with my 245/75/16s?

Any suggested vendors or brands?

 

[leadrofthepak]

Yukon makes a strong gear set for the 9.25 diffy. My personal suggestion would be a lower profile, wider tire for the tall gears. Your gonna have problems hooking up with skinny stock tires.
http://www.yukongear.com/

 

[Deepfried]

Yukon makes a strong gear set for the 9.25 diffy. My personal suggestion would be a lower profile, wider tire for the tall gears. Your gonna have problems hooking up with skinny stock tires.
http://www.yukongear.com/

Good info. Thank you.

So a bigger rim is in order...

 

[dodge dude94]

I say run a 285/65 if you can find it, then MAYBE 4.10s with a limited slip.

That'll make you giggle.

And I'll personally never own a truck without an LSD ever.

 

[leadrofthepak]

And I'll personally never own a truck without an LSD ever.

Mine has an open rear... that being said, if i had the funds and a non-rusty-pig to play with, I would prefer a locker over an lsd any day. A detroit locker trumps a LSD every day all day. More durable and more reliable. Again, just my humble opinion.

 

[Deepfried]

Mine has an open rear... that being said, if i had the funds and a non-rusty-pig to play with, I would prefer a locker over an lsd any day. A detroit locker trumps a LSD every day all day. More durable and more reliable. Again, just my humble opinion.

Could you elaborate on that? What besides durability makes the lockers better in your opinion?

 

[Deepfried]

I say run a 285/65 if you can find it, then MAYBE 4.10s with a limited slip.

That'll make you giggle.

And I'll personally never own a truck without an LSD ever.

Wait, so a wider tire with my stock 3.55s? Why not 4.56s?

 

[dodge dude94]

Mine has an open rear... that being said, if i had the funds and a non-rusty-pig to play with, I would prefer a locker over an lsd any day. A detroit locker trumps a LSD every day all day. More durable and more reliable. Again, just my humble opinion.

Fo sho! I agree with you wholeheartedly, but most lockers in a short truck don't behave as nice on the street as a TruTrac.




FUN FACT: if you've got good enough tires, you can pull some KILLER drifts in the rain with these beasts.

 

[dodge dude94]

Wait, so a wider tire with my stock 3.55s? Why not 4.56s?

Well....shorter sidewall + wide width = more traction, but less rolling resistance.

A shorter tire means the engine has to work less you get those tires moving, that means faster acceleration.

 

[Deepfried]

Well....shorter sidewall + wide width = more traction, but less rolling resistance.

A shorter tire means the engine has to work less you get those tires moving, that means faster acceleration.

So what size rim would work well with this application?

 

[leadrofthepak]

Could you elaborate on that? What besides durability makes the lockers better in your opinion?

Strength and durability. But DD94 is right at low speeds around town they do not behave as well as a traditional LSD. Think of a locker as an LSD that has to get kicked in the face to unlock. Translate that to taking turns and you will understand.

 

[dodge dude94]

So what size rim would work well with this application?

Probably could use a stock 7in wide wheel, but I'm not versed on what works and what doesn't.

 

[Deepfried]

Probably could use a stock 7in wide wheel, but I'm not versed on what works and what doesn't.

Hmmm. I wonder if some 285s on 18s would be okay with my 3.55 gears...?

 

[Merc225hp]

Some Eaton info.

The Detroit Truetrac is a helical-gear style limited-slip differential that maximizes wheel traction and enhances driving and handling characteristics.

The Detroit Locker is a 100%-automatic locking differential that provides ultimate traction for mild to extreme vehicle applications.

Eaton info can be found here, http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Automotive/AutomotiveAftermarket/Differentials/index.htm

 

[dodge dude94]

Hmmm. I wonder if some 285s on 18s would be okay with my 3.55 gears...?

You'd have to get the tire size and see if it's shorter than what you have now.

 

[Deepfried]

You'd have to get the tire size and see if it's shorter than what you have now.

I work at a tire and lube shop.

Shouldn't be an issue.

Right now I'm rockin 245/75/16 Goodyear Wrangler A/T class Es on 16/7s. I have access to loads of tires at a 10% discount.

 

[dodge dude94]

I work at a tire and lube shop.

Shouldn't be an issue.

Right now I'm rockin 245/75/16 Goodyear Wrangler A/T class Es on 16/7s. I have access to loads of tires at a 10% discount.

lol Then you have access to the computer.


If you wanna get more power, ditch the ATs for sure.

 

[Merc225hp]

A 31x12.50 street drag radial and 4.56 ratio gears with a few motor mods and you are going to need to get more than 10% off tires.

Edit: This is a 2wd truck right? I am taking that it is as you said "Hot rod it"