I just sealed the deal on a '96 auto with 100k miles. For $9000 I'm getting the truck with 4.56 gears (he had 37s and 4 inch lift) and stock 3.55s, nerf bars, b&w turnover ball, panasonic flip down cd deck, 6" stacks, 31s with chrome wheels and a tranny that has 35k miles on it. First thing is to get the 3.55s back in there. How many rpms will this thing be turning at 55mph with the 4.56s in there? Also, while he is taking his lift out, I thought about putting 2" daystar spacers in the front. Is this a horrible idea or is it ok to put in before I can afford a kore leveling kit? Now I can change sig from "Need cummins bad" to "need to bomb cummins bad!" Any input would be greatly appreciated. While it is my first diesel, I have been lurking on this forum for the past few years learning a ton of good information. I was always obsessed with the 12v and I'm glad that I found a low mile truck that I knew had been taken care of. The truck has only seen salt (Iowa) for the last 2 years of its life. I'm pretty excited. Now I need to make sure it hauls the hay and seed corn better than my dads 2007 duramax with edge evo. Thanks a lot.

 

higher gears would be better for towing, but 4.56's are alittle high. I imagine at 55 it's turing 2100rpm? not real sure.

 

For an auto the better choice would be 4.10's for towing. Maybe sell the 3.55's and find some 4.10's. 4.56's are not high but very low and were needed for 37's. If you get back stock tires you will be turning some r's empty for sure but that truck will really tow well, but not have any top end speed.

 

Don't put 3:55 in it with an auto, go 3:73 if you can otherwise 4:10

If you tow the 3:55 is too high.

 

Where wouuld a guy find 3.73s? I also need to find a competent person in the area to do the install. Is the truck driveable (15 miles from his house to mine) with the 4.56 and stock tires? Thanks a lot for all the input.

 

The truck can be driven, you'll just be turning higher RPMs at highway speeds than do most of us. I would not worry about it myself.

 

Would 2" spacers and stock shocks work for the next month or two? Would that be alright until I get some more benjamins to do a kore kit? I think I might just go ahead and get the lorenz industries bilstein leveling kit. What would the 4.56s with 35" tires be like? Would I be around a 4.10 with stock tires? Thanks