I hear alot of talk bout this, is this a cheap or expensive thing, and how would i go about doing this.

 

To add an additional question, someone told me you had to cut the frame in order to reach the front differential, is this true?

 

It's expensive and honestly not something I'd recommend doing yourself, even if you're somewhat mechanically inclined. They've got to be set just perfectly otherwise it's a recipe for disaster. However, there are people on here who've done it themselves successfully. You're looking at ~$500 in parts if you've got a 4x4, less if you've got a 4x2 + another ~$700 in labor if you've got a 4x4, again less if you've got a 4x2. The 4x2 is going to be less because you've got one less axle to regear of course.

 

No, not true at all. The front diff is actually really easy to drop, or it is for the 97 - 03's, I'm assuming it's the same for the 04 - 08's. Just unbolt the cv axles, unbolt the front drive shaft, remove like 4 or 5 bolts, and wiggle it out (this is the most PITA part, but it's not too bad, just stare at it a second and you'll get it).

edit: and it's a heavy hunk of metal, so either have some muscles ready or a jack underneath to support it

 

ok, thanks i will inquire bout it with a local mechanic, i got 4x2 so what should i be asking him to do. and how will it change my performance.

 

You're going to regear the rear axle of your truck since you don't have a front axle. I've always equated regearing with stepping up in tire size, so I always recommend going with 4.56 gears as going to 4.10 from stock gearing (either 3.55 or 3.73) really doesn't justify spending all that money. However, you're dropped on 22's, so I'd get some opinions from those who have gone your route. As to how it changes your performance, it'll put your rpms back in the stock range to make up for the weight of those wheels (and save your tranny in the long run), and may even give you more grunt/pulling power. Put it this way - I ran 38's (which were about 100lbs a tire) on stock gearing and the truck was an absolute slug, passing was impossible. With the 4.88's I have in here now, the truck runs like stock if not better - I can pass with ease, roast these big heavy tires if I really wanted to, the truck is just more alive in general. If you've got the money, I'd definitely go for it.

edit: I think I remember being quoted around $700 for parts + labor to regear my old 4x2 back when I had it. The truck was totaled before I could do everything I had planned for it though.

edit 2: I believe they make a 4.30 ratio for our trucks, but only for the rear axle. If they do, that'd probably be a good ratio for you. I could be wrong though.