my truck's going into the shop next week for warranty work... AGAIN! hey at least it's free though. it has a real end whine this time. but here's my question.... if they do end up having to replace my entire rear end, i wonder what the price difference would be to get them to install 3.73 gears and a limited slip differential because right now i have 3.08, non-limited slip and it sucks. does anyone here have a clue as to how much you think i'd have to pay extra?

 

The dealer won't do that kind of stuff under warrenty. In fact they probably wouldn't do it if you paid for the whole thing, they won't accept the liability for making modifications to the vehicle. You would have to go to a performance shop and pay about $800 or more per axle.

-Jon

 

I replaced the gears in my 2000 4x4 last year. The carrier that you choose will make the biggest difference in the cost. The carrier determines whether the axle will be locked, limited slip, or open. I got a great deal on an Eaton limited slip from Randy's ring and pinion. They sent me the carrier the gear and all of the new bearings and shims that I needed. I got the number from a 4x4 magazine. The gears are relatively close in price in regards to the ratios. A 3.08 ins't much less that the 3.73. You can find lots of good info on these message boards about which type of carrier and gear ratio you want. Most likely you'll end up with a lilmited slip and a 3.73. That's what I have. Total, my rebuild was $1200 per axle. Like I said earlier the carrier is the most expensive part. Ford4ever is right thought, I don't think a dealer will do it. Find a good 4x4 shop to do it. I know somebody in Raleigh,NC if that helps. Oh yeah, if you change the gears, that will be considered a change or modification to the vehicle so check your warranty info before you do anything. Especially if you have an extended warranty from anyone other than Ford.