5.13 or 5.38 for my K30

[buckmtn]

I had already bought a set of 5.13 gears before I decided to run 44's instead of a 38-42" tire for my dana 60. Now I need to get a set for my 14 bolt but not sure if I should go with 5.13 or 5.38. Everyone always says you can't have enough gear with 44's. They are a heavy ass tire!! I have a stock 454 with the sm465/205 maybe do a doubler. Offroad only rig. Also I have seen in the past that there are clearance issues with the 5.38 ratio in the 14 bolt. Anyone have experience with this? Also heard of availability issues with the 5.38's. Rig to be mainly used for hard core trails/rock crawling. So just stick to 5.13 or go to the 5.38's. Also like to thank everyone for their knowledge, best $25 spent!! A big THANKS!!!

 

[cybrfire]

5.38's have very little tooth contact. 5.13's isn't much either but depending on what kinda torque your throwing at it, the 5.13's might last longer.

I have 44's and run 4.88's. Just for that reason but also a doubler behind a 465 to get the gearing back.

 

[Jimmy4matt]

It's about a 5% difference in engine speed per any given vehicle speed. Your big block probably won't care. Money spent on regearing your dana 60 could be spent on some kind of underdrive if you need more reduction. Sounds like fun either way.

 

[twoslo4five0]

read this thread it is a similar situation...
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=212549

 

[onetonbb74]

5.38's are easy to set up, did it myself. They have the same tooth pinion as 5.13, but since you already bought 5.13, id just go with that, you have a 454.

 

[6.2Blazer]

As already mentioned there is a very small difference between the two ratios, and I doubt you would be able to tell the difference between two identical trucks with the exception that one had 5.13 and one had 5.38.

If I was ordering a new set of front and rear gears, and everything else was comparable (price, availability, etc...) I would get the 5.38's...but if I already had 5.13s I definitely would not pay extra or go to the trouble to change them out for 5.38s.

 

[buckmtn]

I haven't got the gears installed in the 60 yet but instead of going through the hassle of selling mine and buying a pair of 5.38s I think I will just buy another set of 5.13 for the 14 bolt and go for it.

 

[thebird00]

I'm running 5.13's with 39's and a really tired 350. Mine seems like it has plenty of gear with the 700 and 208.

Mark

 

[walla2k5]

Stick with your 5.13's. Should have no problem rolling 44's, I don't...