What gears?

[chevys]

I know ya'll have heard this question thousands of times but i havent found the answer im looking for yet. I got an '86 Silverado long bed thats stock right now. In the near future its getting a 400 small block and a rebuilt tranny (TH350, the one in it only has 1st gear. While out of commision I'm putting 4 inches under it and 33" TSL's and have been wondering bout my gears. I did the calculator thing on 4wheelparts.com and they suggested 4.10's, what do you guys think? Its a semi daily driver and will see 60-65 often but nothin over that.

 

[smokkey1]

post this in the garage you'll get more help there

 

[4X4HIGH]

IMHO running 33's and 4.10's with a TH350 is the way to go, any more gear than that and it won't be very freeway friendly.

 

[HeavyChevySC]

4:10 will be perfect. Thats what I've been running for over a year now.

 

[chevys]

Plans have changed, tires are going up 2 inches to 35's and the transmission will be a Turbo 400, 4.10's should still be ok shouldn't they?

 

[MattK]

yeah id stick with 4.10's if you're gonna be on the highway.

 

[bowtiepower00]

4.10's and 35's will be good for all around use, and keep the RPM down on the highway.

 

[chevys]

Thats what I wanted to hear, thanks fellas

 

[Chevy305]

4.10's and 35's will be good for all around use, and keep the RPM down on the highway.

Yup thats what i run 35s and 4.10s but with the sm465. Its a great combo, and I can still go 80mph plus without red lining.

 

[kennyw]

Plans have changed, tires are going up 2 inches to 35's and the transmission will be a Turbo 400, 4.10's should still be ok shouldn't they?

As long as your not towing heavy loads over big hills you should be ok.

 

[Stephen]

Sounds like all good advice, one thing to watch is future plans and carrier splits, I'd hate to have you spend cash on a locker for a 4.10 carrier and want to go to 4.56's later but need a new locker.

Offroad gearing is going to be hurting but still usable so the next gearing upgrade should be a Doubler or lower t-case gears. That way you keep the cheap TH350 and 4.10's for the highway and get good offroad gearing. That's a pretty common and effective recipe so you're going down the right track.

 

[chevys]

I was thinking bout re gearing the t-case, I've go 2 NP 208's, I know the 203's and 205's are stronger but can I beef up the 208 and make it just as strong?

 

[kennyw]

I was thinking bout re gearing the t-case, I've go 2 NP 208's, I know the 203's and 205's are stronger but can I beef up the 208 and make it just as strong?

Not a chance... however there are options for keeping the NP208 and adding an extra gear box with either the KluneV or some based on the NP241 gear box. None of them are cheap.