josh86k10
1/2 ton status
First, some current specs:
stock 305, TH400, NP208, 4.56r&p, 39.5 TSLs
So, 2.48 x 2.61 x 4.56= 29.52:1 (horrible)
Obviously I need lower gears, but I can't decide which route to go. First and formost, unfortunately money IS an issue. I've got to do this on a broke college kid budget.
Option 1: 203/205 doubler
2.48 x 2 x 2 x 4.56= 45.24:1
Downside: I currently have none of the components to do it. I figure a couple hundred bucks each for the 2 cases, $600 for the doubler adapter (from a shop here in TN), another couple hundred for the shifters, a few bucks for driveshaft mods, and make my own crossmember(s). I'd use my current 208 adapter and redrill the face of the 203. My brother has a 400/203/ford 205 setup with no home, but by the time I redrill and find another 205 and swap inputs I'm probably not coming out all that much ahead. I'd probably be looking at $1300, give or take $150.
Option 2: 5.38r&p
2.48 x 2.61 x 5.38= 34.83:1
To tell the truth, with my stock 305 it wouldn't be all that bad to have a lower high range. That said 5.38 is pretty low and it would definitely be turning some R's at highway speeds (especially with my 37" street tires). Of course, I pretty much only drive it around local and to the trails so Interstate won't be happening all that often. I don't know what it would cost to have the gears installed but I feel like this option would be around $1000. And it appeals to my lazy side b/c I won't be crawling around under the truck all weekend (fun when you've got the time, not so fun when you don't). But is 34.8 that much better than 29.5? Will 5.38's be tolerable on the street?
Opinions?
Other options?
Thanks guys.
stock 305, TH400, NP208, 4.56r&p, 39.5 TSLs
So, 2.48 x 2.61 x 4.56= 29.52:1 (horrible)
Obviously I need lower gears, but I can't decide which route to go. First and formost, unfortunately money IS an issue. I've got to do this on a broke college kid budget.
Option 1: 203/205 doubler
2.48 x 2 x 2 x 4.56= 45.24:1
Downside: I currently have none of the components to do it. I figure a couple hundred bucks each for the 2 cases, $600 for the doubler adapter (from a shop here in TN), another couple hundred for the shifters, a few bucks for driveshaft mods, and make my own crossmember(s). I'd use my current 208 adapter and redrill the face of the 203. My brother has a 400/203/ford 205 setup with no home, but by the time I redrill and find another 205 and swap inputs I'm probably not coming out all that much ahead. I'd probably be looking at $1300, give or take $150.
Option 2: 5.38r&p
2.48 x 2.61 x 5.38= 34.83:1
To tell the truth, with my stock 305 it wouldn't be all that bad to have a lower high range. That said 5.38 is pretty low and it would definitely be turning some R's at highway speeds (especially with my 37" street tires). Of course, I pretty much only drive it around local and to the trails so Interstate won't be happening all that often. I don't know what it would cost to have the gears installed but I feel like this option would be around $1000. And it appeals to my lazy side b/c I won't be crawling around under the truck all weekend (fun when you've got the time, not so fun when you don't). But is 34.8 that much better than 29.5? Will 5.38's be tolerable on the street?
Opinions?
Other options?
Thanks guys.
