If I decide to change from 3.73 to 4.10 in my 06 4x4, would it be cheaper to get the 4.10 axels from a wrecking yard and swap them out or pay a drivetrain shop to install new internals?

And if going with new internals, are there any upgrades with the LSD I should consider?

 

Edmonton Canada, I am actually looking to go from a 4.10 to a 3.53. From my research a ring and pinion is about $500/ axle or $3000 installed. I did not look into the scrap yard. I am opting to swap the ring and pinion myself, that's mostly due to being cheap.

 

I'm not sure about the exchange rate, but...wow, that's pricey.

I had mine done by a mobile guy that comes to you, front and rear re-gear, $1,150 USD.

I'd say a boneyard and doing the work yourself is always gonna be your best bet, regardless, as far as cost goes.

 

Yeah, I was quoted about $3k including parts. I was told the setting up of the teeth to run 100% true is most the cost (labour).

Too bad you weren't looking for a 3.71 pistachYo...if you were closer we could swap.

 

EC , I am looking into the possibility of running a 3.71, saving a grand in parts is always a bonus.

 

Cheapest route might be:
1. Sell existing truck.
2. Buy truck with the gear ratio you want.

 

3. Get taller tires.

 

Ohhhhh! I think I like that one the best!!

 

Sad, but true!

 

I may have this bass ackwards, but isn't going to a taller tire, from 265 to
315, like changing rear axle ratio from 4.10 to 3.73? Fewer revolutions for tire per RPM of engine? If you want to go in the opposite direction, go with a smaller tire.

The loss of mpg for taller tires is mostly due to larger rotating mass and wind resistance of the tire (wider) and body lift?

 

Yes, you're right- smaller tire would "gear it down". Not many choices going smaller, and it would look stupid.

In my opinion, in general, taller tires return worse mpgs because of more rolling resistance because they get (more than) proportionally wider too.

 

Not selling the truck. Too custom to start over. I have 35 inch tires and don't want to go smaller to get the RPM back.

In terms of the amount of driving that I do, changing gears is best - make the $ back in a couple years.

 

...delete...sorry

 

My fault... I read the post wrong.

 

You must be drag racing............because otherwise, it makes no sense. I have 4.10s and if you drive freeways at all, the engine really spins up way too much. The ideal speed with 4.10s is 55 mph. Anything more than that and your fuel consumption rises exponentially. When I mount the Alcoas, my effective gear drops to a 3.6x and my ideal speed becomes 70 mph.........your call.