3.42 to 3.73 regear on a Z71

[SouthBoston]

Is there any way I could regear only the rear axle with no adverse affects? If so, how much will it run in gears only? I will do the work myself.

 

[RHamill]

No, can't run 2 different gear ratios on the same truck, don't even try, it will bind your front and rear diff, and probably grenade your transfer case. Don't try regearing a daily driver rear end without any experience or help from anyone with experience. You have to know what backlash is, bearing pre-load, torque specs..

 

[SouthBoston]

Thanks RHamill, how much do you think it'd run me to just buy new axles(scrapyard new that is)

 

[RHamill]

Thanks RHamill, how much do you think it'd run me to just buy new axles(scrapyard new that is)

Depends on location a lot of the times, you could probably get a 14 bolt semi floating rear end from a heavy half ton (f44 RPO in glovebox) for like 400-500 weith 3:73s and maybe G80 (RPO for posi rear end).

Front diff for a half ton with 3:73s is a dime a dozen, I actually have one Im trying to sell with 3:73s - probably a hundred bucks.

 

[SouthBoston]

Would you go for the g80 over the f44?

 

[TheBigMortboski]

You can get a G80 (limited slip rear) with the F44 (heavy half, 14SF rear axle). Mine is a F44 without the G80, so it can go either way.

If you had to choose one or the other, get the 14SF rear instead of a 10 bolt, even if the 10 bolt has the G80.

 

[SouthBoston]

Thanks for the help once again guys, also would a 3.73 gearing gain me any speed?

 

[am92]

If by speed you mean acceleration then yes it will improve a little going from 3.42 to 3.73. But your top speed will be decreased by going to the higher (numerically) gears

 

[Steve's Chevy]

Dont know what size tires your running but I have 3.73 gear with 285's and im not impressed at all.....................

 

[Tony_SS]

I have factory 3.73 with 33's and it's a good combo for me