hey guys im not very familiar with gear ratios and im hoping to have a 6" with my 2.5" AS and some 37's sometime this summer and im debating which gear ratio should i get. i want to go ahead and switch before i get the lift and right now im runnin 35's. but keep in mind one day i might want to put a body lift on a go to 38's or 38.5's so im going to need something that will cope with all of these if possible. im thinking a 4.88 or a 4.56. next question.... other than the whole ring and pinion set (with all the bearings and stuff) is there anything else should i get like a new locker (is it worth it)? and last question... how much should i expect to pay for everything... parts and labor? oh and sorry for not mentioning sooner but i have the 3.73 LS in right now and it is 4x4 and i do tow a boat a lot in the summer (as shown in sig). not sure but i think its the 9.75" rear and the 8.8" front
thanks!

 

4:88s. I did mine myself so I'm guessing at cost, but I think people pay around 1000-1500 installed.

 

Yeah, 4.88's sound pretty good for your application.

 

Definitely 4.88's, probably $1200-1500 parts and labor. A locker may or may not be worth it depending on your use. I rarely see people who here really get off road much, and a limited slip works best for most people out there.
Depending on your mileage, it may be worth rebuilding your factory limited slip while it is apart.

 

i think me and a buddy of mine will prolly end up bulding the rear end ourselves; hes a mechanic who does it everyday so i figured id just pay him a lil bit. what brand should i go with?