axle swap

[tlouck]

I am swaping out my 2003 TB LTZ 8" rear axle assembly Opt code GU6. I found a 2003 TB EXT 8.6" with a 4.10 ratio. for $390 with a 6 month warranty.
I understands its a direct bolt on. I will probably have the original front re-geared any reason to get the front EXT 4.10 instead of re-gearing the original? also would you guy recommend having a diff Master Overhaul kit installed. Any recommendations on traction devices, there are several lockers to choose from Yukon, Auburn, Eaton and Detroit. Thanks Tom

[dvanbramer88]

It is easier to swap the front differentials than it is to re-gear one. When you re-gear, you need to make adjustments to the backlash and how the gears mesh with each other. It might not be particularly difficult, but experience would make something like that easier.

I think most would say just swap the front diffs.

[Cable810]

Swap it. I'm in the process of doing it if the weather ever gets in the 50s

[tlouck]

let me know how that front swap goes

[tlouck]

bought the rear 4.10 axle assembly today and found the front as well.

[Cable810]

I plan on doing a write up on the front. viewtopic.php?f=72&t=4227 There is some info here on the front Diff.

[v7guy]

what is this " having installed" thing you speak of?

generally speaking I've gotten in the habit of rebuilding used assemblies. Sometimes if I'm feeling particularly cheap and not in a rush, I'll look it over and then decide to rebuild or not.

regearing isn't terribly difficult, just a bit tedious at times. There's lots and lots of tutorials online running over the process

[HARDTRAILZ]

Front swap sucks...

[v7guy]

Front swap sucks...

just lube it up and cram it in! it'll slide right in... maybe

[HARDTRAILZ]

I just sat in on the skidplate n pretend 4x4 works

[mikekey]

Seems like re-gearing is easier than swapping, at least the way these guys make it sound, lol.

[HARDTRAILZ]

Front...neither is easy.

[fishsticks]

Front...neither is easy.

x2

[tlouck]

I saved up and purchased and received my 4.10 ratio 8.6" EXT rear diff assembly. I have decided on a Eaton E-locker part# 19659-010 for the rear and will re-gear from the stock 3.43 gears to a 4.10 in the front. I am still on the fence about putting locker in the front. I have seen that a few members have installed a lockright Part#1935 front locker. I was wonder how much it changed the driving characteristics? I have yet to find any other aftermarket manufacture of a 7.2" IFS front locker. Since I am mechanically challenged I am having a Desert Rat truck center garage do all the work.

[HARDTRAILZ]

2 people locked the front. One doesn't post n the other broke half shafts, even the girl who just bought it from him broke one already.

[v7guy]

It should be noted that breaking half shafts took 35s, bouncing up a rock at near full throttle with the wheel turned. With 33s I think you'll probably be fine, 35s you have to keep in mind the limitations in front of you and/ or plan fixes

[HARDTRAILZ]

35s but no spacers...still broke CV. CV should been at way better angle than most of us run.

35s n no locker is not breaking CV in mine bouncing on rocks.

[v7guy]

I forgot about that, he was running just the 89s in the front suspension wasn't he?

A lot of guys have avoided the locker specifically because of Donny's experiences. It's too bad we don't have a selectable locker option, I imagine a lot of the boom comes from the locker slamming locked while wheeling... not to say shit wouldn't break anyways at some point.


35s appear to be very livable sans front locker.

[fishsticks]

It should be noted that when I locked the front I was still on 32s. I pounded the shit out of the truck and never broke a thing on 32s. The 35s did me in.

If I still had the truck I'd put it on 33s.

[tlouck]

I did purchase some 6x5 to 6x5.5 Wheel Adapter 1.5 Inch Thick adapter from performance wheel adapters so I can run Pro Comp Series 7028 Flat Black wheels with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac 265/75/R16. I keep reading the members builds and there are alot of thing I would like to do. Ill keep reading. I find this site to be incredible useful. thanks for the responses.