I was talking to a guy today who said that he had a rearend buddy, some kind of two speed rearend, he said that on the interstate it would drop the RPMs by 500.

Does anyone know what this is?

 

What's a rearend buddy ?? Is your friend coming out? Just kiddin'! I've been thinking about a 2 spd again. I've only seen them in bigger, slow trucks with 20" or bigger wheels. I'd be surprise if there was one that we could use with higher gears, like 3.73 or higher. If the right gears could be found, I wonder what it would cost to use the center section with our axle tubes and custom axles. Craig

 

This guy had a 1997? or so Gen 1 Dodge Cummins 2x4. He liked it. He said that he averaged 24 MPG at 70 on the highway, but from what I have heard, that sounds about right for a 2x4 Gen1.

On the same note, is it feasable to change gears to say a 3:55 or so like they used to install and just run in a lower gear, Auto's just keep in tow/haul mode until you get on the highway? Or would this lug the truck?

 

a 97 is a 12v 2nd gen. the 93's and earlier were 1 gens.

 

If you have a 2wd and dont mind drum brakes get a rear out of anything, like Ford or Chevy that has same width and re-weld spring perch to fit under your truck. Just be sure to weld it good and take your time, a little here and a little there so it won't warp the housing.And don't use an old stick welder with your eyes closed, go with a TIG for the best. There are a lot of older trucks out there with 3.07 gears even if you don't tow too heavy. I've got a Dana 61 here out of a Ford van with 3.36 gears. But a Dana 70 or 80 with the 3.54 should be a good swap.How much mileage could be had doing 74 mph at 1400 rpm's anyway?

 

Not enough to warrant ALL that I bet. With the GEARSPLITTERS the mileage increase posted is marginal.Like 2 mpg.

 

Rearend buddy, lol that cant be right

 

His "rearend buddy" must drive a chevy!

 

whats wrong with an extra 2 mpg??