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hemi43 · 04-26-2019, 04:26 PM

Just buy new gears and put them in. Only use Yukon as they are IMO the best and easiest to install, and they wont whine like Richmonds. 4:10 is a perfect ratio for a larger tire and OD.
I have 33's and 4:10s with a 4L60E and 5.3 Vortec. Tons of acceleration and the best part is I get 24.9 MPG (imp)

Installing gears is not difficult to do if you're shown how to do it properly. The secret to an easy install is to make yourself a setup bearing.
With today's close machining tolerances, the shim pack that was in the original set is usually perfect for the new gears.

Changing the whole axle is absurd, and a total waste of money and time. Chances are if you even find used axles (good luck), they will be junk inside.
Also like someone mentioned, install a new diff section like an Auburn unit. The week point of the 12 bolt diff is the spider gears, and they are known to explode. Ask me how I know !! :-(

04-26-2019, 04:26 PM	#9
hemi43 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 1,498	Re: Swap Gears or Whole Axle Just buy new gears and put them in. Only use Yukon as they are IMO the best and easiest to install, and they wont whine like Richmonds. 4:10 is a perfect ratio for a larger tire and OD. I have 33's and 4:10s with a 4L60E and 5.3 Vortec. Tons of acceleration and the best part is I get 24.9 MPG (imp) Installing gears is not difficult to do if you're shown how to do it properly. The secret to an easy install is to make yourself a setup bearing. With today's close machining tolerances, the shim pack that was in the original set is usually perfect for the new gears. Changing the whole axle is absurd, and a total waste of money and time. Chances are if you even find used axles (good luck), they will be junk inside. Also like someone mentioned, install a new diff section like an Auburn unit. The week point of the 12 bolt diff is the spider gears, and they are known to explode. Ask me how I know !! :-( Last edited by hemi43; 04-26-2019 at 04:36 PM.