gears and lockers??

[chevyuser74]

I've never done anything with my axles before besides just replacing them, i was wondering what gearing would be best for my truck, Sadly this truck spends alot of time on the road, not enough off road. i got a 350tbi/700r4/208 with a dana 44 front and 14 bolt 10.5in ff (oth of em have open carriers) the rear with 3.73 gears, I'd like to lock my rear axle I was leaning towards a detroit and possibly 4.56 gears, and maybe locking the front?? dont know what would be best, what gears do u guys think would be best, i dont want to ruin my trans just had it rebuilt. also how hard is it to install this crap, Ive been working at a shop for two years now but we dont touch trans or differentials there. also what would i all need to make it happen. answers appreciated, questions, concerns, corretions also. i dont want to mess this up. also im running 35in tires and I really dont see me going any bigger in the near future, just dont want to under gear and ruin my trans, also if u think my orignal gearin is fine let me know.

by the way the truck is a 74 blazer, and I do a little towing once in while, but not all that often.

 

[MA87K5]

I'd say 4.56 would be the highest number I would go.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

If you've never setup gears before it will be tough. It takes special tools and a lot of trial and error.

Here's a writeup on gear setup:

http://pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/

Putting a detroit in the back is easier than setting up the gears.

 

[bigblock72]

4.56 or 4.88 will work fine.

Make sure the torque converter lock up is working properly to keep that trans alive and happy.

Setting up gears in axles isn't that hard but it does require some special tools to get the bearings on and off. Also need a dial indicator with magnetic base, calipers, big impact and/or big breaker bar with cheaters to crush the sleeve when setting pinion bearing preload and a whole lot of patience. A few thousandths makes the difference between happiness and disaster so if you think you can do it-get after it. If not you're better off paying a pro (not your best friend's brother's neighbor) to do it right. You're going to spend around 600 bucks for parts, no sense in ruining them if you can avoid it.

A Detroit is a good option for the most part, they can get a little annoying if you drive on the street a lot so beware.

 

[chevyuser74]

torque converter lockup should be working fine its controlled by the computer i swapped in a tbi motor setup, got sick of carb problems.