Posted by Charlie on July 09, 1999 at 23:28:42:
In Reply to: changing gearing posted by Drew on July 09, 1999 at 23:14:56:
I'd only get 4.89s if your motor is in excellent tune, running strongly. Even then with 9.00-16 NDs you'd be turning 2924 rpm at 60, too high for sustained cruise (I hear 2500 is the max for long runs). How about a Gear Vendors overdrive, ratio = 0.78, overall ratio = 4.55. Then even with NDs rpms would be 2720. With 9.00R16 Michelin XLs you'd be down to 2625 and with the new XZLs 2575 rpm. You'd retain the "always start in 2nd" characteristic, good acceleration thru 4th, low off-road gears. Cost is ~$2300 new. But axle gears are $636 + labor, about $1100-1300 total. And do you know someone that's competent at setting up the double pinion bearing in a M37 diff? I really recommend better tires if you're going to gear for 60 mph. The XZLs and even XLs are good in rain, fair on ice, better off-road and ride better. And don't forget front disk brakes. So I'm telling you to spend over $4000. It's a great truck; but it needs some re-engineering to a usable daily driver on modern urban and suburban roads.
Charlie