I know this is going to sound like a really dumb question to all of you, but I'm not much of a mechanic at all. That's why I'm here. I don't know too much about axle ratios at all. I know I got stuck with the puney 3.08. I want bigger tires on my 2WD and I want more power. How do you go about getting a bigger axle ratio? And what should I get and how much does this all cost? Sorry for sounding so stupid.

 

You need to get a set of gears like a 3.55 or 3.73.

 

i would get at least a 3.73, but probably 4.10 would be better. how big of tires are you wanting?

 

3.73s would be a nice sized jump from a 3.08...if you go with some kind of tire like a 33" or a 305/70R16 (33.2")...or maybe even a 285/75R16 (skinny 32.8"s)...then i'd go 4.10..you'll enjoy the power so much more...if you arent planning on going beyond a 265/75R16 (32") or equivalent...then 3.73s will be good enough. Gears usually cost approx. $150-200 for the actual gears themselves...usually about $200 install and if you need new bearings (bearings are recommended to be replaced at around 60,000 miles), then thats another $100...same exact thing for the front (if you have 4x4, except its about $50-100 more for labor-more stuff in the way)...so for a 2wd from 3.08 to 3.73 or 4.10, you are looking between $350-550...sometimes more, sometimes less depending on where you shop...i'm paying about $1200 to get both of my axles done (4x4)...

 

Make sure when you change your gear to change from the open rear end you have now to a limited slip.

 

You probably don't have an automatic -- but if you do, would you please post the speeds that your tranny shifts into second -- into third?

What RPM is your engine turning at 70 MPH?

If your truck isn't new -- consider buying an entire axle from a salvage yard -- most are 3.55:1 ratios (according to the user poll on this board).