My truck has got the 3.55s, with the 5spd this thing is a dog hauling a heavy load in the east Ky hills all the time. Think it's time I swap gears with someone who needs mileage more than torque! The loss of power between 2-3 and 3-4 when towing 14k regularly is killing me! So how about it anyone wanna swap? And how much would it be to do the swap (have a mechanic do it) or is it something I can do? I know it is an exact science! Let me hear it!


Thanks

 

It'd be easier, faster and cheaper to power-bomb your rig.

 

What about a Gear Vendor? I have 4.10's in my truck and I was told about $1,500.00 (or something ridiculous like that!!!) for a swap to 3.73's. OUCH! I'll stick with my gears.

 

Is supposed to be 20 percent reduction in ratio. In your case that gives you 3.55 + .71 = 4.26 It allows you the advantage of power when you need it (4.26) for towing and miliage when you want it (3.55) Not bad choices if you can handle the money end. They are supposed to be rated for 30k which covers any thing you mentioned. I would have done it on mine but found that my model would require a custom fuel tank due to clearance problems. R C

 

I sure would like one of those gear minders alot but cannot cover the money end (unless our tobacco sells better than expected) So what would it run me to labor wise to have someone put the gears in the front and rear?

 

Any competent gear shop should be able to install new gears for about $1200 for both axles, parts and labor.

 

That sounds more like it for both parts and labor!

 

after i first bought my truck ( see sig.) i was not happy with the low gears at all and wanted to put in some 3:55's. i found some that had been sealed and stored on a parts shelf
a mechanic here in town that sets up his sons racecar for him offered to do the swap for $400.00 as i balked about it for a while he called and said $350 would do it but i never went ahead with the swap

 

wish you were closer ad I would rather 3:55's in my 97

 

Yeah CT is kinda a long haul I don't want em that bad! LOL Hauled a couple loads of cattle tonite though that says maybe I do. Not too bad but bad enough! I am sure they didn't like the sound of a straight piped cummins running 2,500 rpms for long.

Thanks though,
Tom

 

Hey CrazyLunker - y'all got a chapter up in those parts somewhere?

We're driving up from TX for Christmas, it'd be great to see some fellow CTS nuts!

 

ohfarmboy... i just sent you a pm. im about 20 min out of lexington, KY. and i'd definatly like to swap out my 4.10s for some 3.55s.

 

XLR I'm really not sure as I'm quite new to the site, There is a ton of cummins powered trucks in the area that are from the other site.