Swapping Axles

[Chadnutz]

I think I am going to swap axles with a guy in Houston. I have 4.10 open and he has 3.55 LS. I can gain 2-3 mpg with those gears. My 4th with 3.55s would be lower than my current OD, and of course my OD would be almost 15% taller. Given the fact that I don't tow huge loads and I don't tow too incredibly often I think this would be a good move for me. i'm averaging about 20,000 miles a year right now...

I just have to make sure they are in good shape. I know I have a nice leak on my right rear...

[robertf03]

i wouldn't swap, i wished I had 4.10s in my truck going up hills when towing

[Chadnutz]

Do you have a Powerstroke?

I might have lost a few mph going up steep - for the Mason drive -hills towing a Jeep.

[eight]

I never lost speed on any hills towing about 10000 lbs with a old powerstroke with 4.10s. With 3.55s, 6000 lbs was fine, and for the big loads, you can run 2800 rpm in 4th up the hills. The truck will seem to take off much faster empty too, as the powerstroke is not a quick revving engine. You'd be better off with the 3.55s if you stay with small tires. But anyway, you'll never do it. Like that other axle swap you'll never do. :flipoff2:

[Chadnutz]

Beotch. The first free weekend I get I will be going to Houston to meet up with the guy and do it. He is going to ask friends to help and I might even as well.

The first free weekend after I have the warehouse back in order I will bring the Mazda in and then get to work.

I have too much money in the swap to back out now. All I need now is time.

Swapping tow rig axles will just save me money.

Don't be so negative.

[BMFScout]

I think people just like talking **** to you so that you will go off on a rampage defending yourself...but what do I know, I am an ******* on the boards

[Chadnutz]

Hopefully that wasn't a rampage. I was just showing my reasoning and my schedule.

You are most likely right though.

And by the way....
:flipoff2:

[StevenAg03]

speaking from experiance...dont go fawkin with your tow rig...even if it means 100 dollars a year in gas....its just not worth it. something will and always go wrong when you start jacking with it.

[froader03]

I will agree with steven in the fact of not fixing something like that unless it's broken.

also, why is this guy wanting to ditch his 4.10s?

[Chadnutz]

He is wanting to ditch his 3.55s for 4.10s because he has 35s.

We just plan to swap the axles.

I'd do a brake job and probably replace the tie rod end from the drag link because I can't seem to get them off without destroying them.

How would I mess something up?

[robertf03]

Originally posted by Chadnutz


How would I mess something up?

here's one possibility
:flipoff2:


probably replace the tie rod end from the drag link because I can't seem to get them off without destroying them.

with 4.10's you should be getting better gas milage around town, especially in a town like College Station where the stop lights are all timed to stop everyone. Its your truck, but if your going for economy, why stop at an axle. I'm sure theres factory motor mounts and a v6 that will bolt right up

[jerryg79]

nice flem...subtle as a freight train:)

[StevenAg03]

another thing...how will you save money by doing this swap? if you swap axles in the back then you have to do something in the front.


your logic here doesnt make sense. dont fawk with the tow rig....all experiments should be done on the toy vehicle. how do you know that the axle he has is a perfect axle. else why would he want to swap the whole axle instead of just gears? doesnt make sense to me. also 3.55's with 35's is not a bad combo. dougs truck did just fine with it....

[Chadnutz]

Doug told me I was an idiot for wanting 3.55s because it would "throw off my RPMs and make my turbo worthless" Little did he know, the option for the first generation of Powerstrokes was 3.55 or 4.10.

We both have 4x4s and plan to swap both axles. I would obviously go over his stuff to see if they are in the same shape as mine. We both have outer axle seal leaks. It's a 16 mile highway drive to work and a 3 mile drive to the school or rec. I log ab out 75% of my miles on the highway and I drive 65 to keep the RPMs at 2200. It would save me more than $100/year, and would cost me nothing except the fuel to get to Houston and the few parts that are designed to wear out like pads/shoes and the tie rod end.

Why is it such a big deal to swap 2 axles for tow nearly identical axles?

How do you figure changing gears woule be less trouble? That would cost about $400/axle if we exchanged gears and we would be without vehicles for days. Except that I have the Mazda...

[eight]

My best mileage making powerstroke was a F-350 4x4 crew cab with 4.10s. My identicalish truck except for 2xdrive and 3.55s got just a little less. Wouldn't **** with it.

[Chadnutz]

You can't tell me that dropping RPMs ~13% on the exact same truck won't make me get better mileage. You of all people should know that one truck doesn't get the same mileage as a similar truck that comes right off the assembly line after it....

All the trucks that get good mileage on TDS.com have 3.55s. VERY FEW people with 4.10s get above 15, but most people with 3.55s get 17+.

[AgDieseler]

Originally posted by Chadnutz
...Don't be so negative.

[robertf03]

you'll probably spend 90 bucks of that 100 you'll be saving on u bolts, fluid, and such.

hope that 10 bucks gets ya far :flipoff2:

[Chadnutz]

Doesn't bother me anymore.

If I can pick up 15 mpg and I drive 20,000/year...
That is 1333.33 gallons at $1.37 gallon - $1826/year

17 mpg - $1612/year.

I save $200


I'm almost convinced but I sure would like to drive 73 or so at the same RPMs as 65 now...

[StevenAg03]

im not saying dont do it....but its not worth messing with.....put some bigger tires on yours and dont worry about it. it will become a headache...nothing ever goes as well as it does on paper....




anyone else wanna speak up about the headaches they have had once they started modding their daily driver?

adam?
burbach?
brett?
austin?
dave?
doug k?
doug k?
freddy?
troy?
ect...ect...ect

its simply not wirth the hedache....to have to be worried all the time...is something i did not exactly like it was supposed to be....did the torque wrench i used actually work...did i check every nut and bolt...the list goes on and on....

[StevenAg03]

chadnutz....NO ONE CARES WHAT THE DIESLE STOP HAS TO SAY...seems to me that you know nothing except what someone on a computer has to say.




You of all people should know that one truck doesn't get the same mileage as a similar truck that comes right off the assembly line after it....


if this is correct then why are you listing to anyone on that website anyway. just cause Joe Blow up in BFE says he gets 20 doesnt mean you will....hell he could be in totally diffrent conditions that you are....

[Chadnutz]

This is the last time I will defend that site...

POR - Filled with people who have been wheeling for years. They have torn apart their rigs and built new ones from the ground up. POR sprecialized in off roading. They are the authority in off roading.

TAMOR - A site with some wheelers that go to college and have learned stuff together on the way...

TDS - A site filled with Powerstroke owners. Not F-150s, Toyotas, Chevys, etc... People who rebuild their motors, people who make their own mods, people who install mods themselves, people who do everything they can to get your rig running again.

I have had so much more luck with that site because of the maturity level over there. No one bashes each other for piddly little **** like this. Those guys know their trucks. They log their trips and post all the data when they return right down to EGTs, Tranny Temps, head wind, tail wind, load, mpg. etc.... Why do you feel it necessary to belittle them when they know 1,000 times more about the truck in question than you ever will. Sure, there are some Powerstroke drivers on this forum, but how many of them actually worked on their trucks.

When you bash a site you don't even read just because it is on the internet then you are ripping away at the integrity of any other internet forum (POR, TAMOR). The beauty of the internet is that you can find a support group for any hobby, past time, or object. TDS.com is THE authority on Powerstrokes. Don't waste my time trying to bash it because you are just being ignorant.

[StevenAg03]

chadnutz....the big question is this....why do you even post what you are thining about doing....especially if you dont want anyones input on the situation.....


and as much as i hate to say this and it pains me to do so, i agree with ryan....:flipoff2:

[AgDieseler]

I'm not a huge believer in Murphy's Law, and that seems to be the only argument against doing a swap. I spent a lot of time mulling over the details in my axle swap, and 30,000 miles later I have no complaints.

Things don't happen on accident, and there are ways to ensure that your project will go as planned. They're no secret, but perhaps the most important one is to do everything by the book. Have a nice torque wrench, check all the specs...

Originally posted by StevenAg03
...is something i did not exactly like it was supposed to be....did the torque wrench i used actually work...did i check every nut and bolt...the list goes on and on....
...and use that multi-thousand dollar education, and make a checklist. I say that if the axles pass a rigorous inspection -one that includes removal of the rear cover, drums, hubs, etc.- do it.

[StevenAg03]

but your a little more anal then chadnutz....(only used anal for lack of a better work...not derogatory)...like you said...you didnt jump right into it. and im sure you didnt do this in one weekend or probably a day for that matter....

[BMFScout]

Originally posted by Chadnutz

I save $200


As my lawyer/uncle said about the landlord that screwed me out of a few hundred dollars in deposit after my first senior year when I asked about suing the dikhead, "One day Jimmy, after you graduate, you'll take some clients out and drop at least that much on dinner, it just isn't worth ****ing with"
Just sell a couple pairs of flat top knuckles on ebay, or quit drinking for a month (it really isn't that hard), or sell some plasma, do whatever, but 200 bones over the course of a year isn't diddly squat. It will be more sluggish around town, you'll have to reprogram/gear (however f*rd **** works) your speedo, waste a weekend, lose some of your towing ability. The truck will still pull 75-80 with the gears you have, just keep the tank full and drive the damn thing. It is pretty bad when flem "the jew" is telling you not to worry about the money...Just so you know chadnutz, I don't mean to come off as an ******* on this post, just failing to see the logic, and giving my honest opinion.

[Fredo]

I'll add my opinion, and I assure you Chadnutz, I'm not trying to be a dickhead when I say this.

I have two vehicles from which to choose from for daily driving duties.

One is a Scout I picked up for $700 that I've lifted and done various modifications to. Granted, I wheel it, and It has seen quite a bit of abuse (i.e.-clayton, ok), but it is still a vehicle I drive on a normal basis. It squeaks, it rattles, rain leaks into it, The front axle makes some odd clicky noise I need to fix, the rear axle has a outer seal leak, the parking brake hasn't worked since Clayton, It's recently developed some power drain I haven't figured out yet, and something in the carb sounds like a turbocharger when I accelerate. This is choice number one.

My other option to drive daily is my camaro that I have modified mechanically that could compare to something from Monster Garage. It's been through an engine swap, tranny swap (auto to manual), electrical system that has been modified to rival that of a space shuttle, no where near stock suspension, fuel system, brakes, drivetrain, or cooling system. Although I drive it almost daily, it's still not free from trouble. I recently went on a trip known as the power tour. Before I could even make it on the trip (now pay close attention to this part) My REAR AXLE basically blew up. It was one I had bought and swapped in with 4.10 gears, all new bearings and seals. Wouldn't you know it, luckily I had access to the ORIGINAL axle from my car. I swapped it in and had NO PROBLEMS WITH IT the entire trip. My radiator on the other hand was a different story. It pretty much took a **** leaving Lake Charles, La. We ended up having to replace it in a Harrah's Casino parking lot before we could continue. Apparently running the electric water pump without coolant in it damaged it and It died about a week later, where the car now sits in my shop awaiting a new one to arrive from Jegs.


So these are my options for transportation. Believe me, if it were possible for me to have a truck that could be driven daily and tow vehicles, I wouldn't do a damn thing to it. Basically, what I'm trying to point out is leave the mother ****er alone.

[eight]

Yea, won't you be driving the mazda most of the time when you get it going good. Got to be more fun than that ford. The only times you'll see the dodge around town is when its raining, it hasn't been driven in 2 weeks, or the jeep isn't working.

[Shaggy]

the whole idea of this is just stupid. i havent made a coment yet because i figured you would shutup after a few people have posted. but no you are doing your standard crap of saying something and if every damn person in the whole world doesnt agree with you you throw a little girly hissyfit. this isnt a new thing. but it is really getting old. i could give a rats ass if you do it. doesnt seem like it would save any money in my opinion but if it did get you 200 bones a year it will probably take a couple years for that to pay for itsself. fuel to and from the place of the swap. all the parts and fluids for the swap. hell just the time expense alone much exceeds 200 in one freaking week. i think you are retarded and you can kiss my hiney if that pisses you off.

[Chadnutz]

I already said I'm almost convinced and I already told the guy I'd probably back out because I'd only save $200/year. Is it still necessary to flame me?

I asked for advice on getting the truck in the first place and most people said not to get it. Well I am damn glad I did get it. The only thing positive I got out of that entire thread was knowledge of the flywheel so I could talk him down on the price...

Ryan - I won't be driving the Mazda every day because I work every day and I didn't want to have to drive a lifted truck with big expensive ass tires to work every day.

I'm not going to post and then listen to what you guys say without giving my side of the argument. I don't idolize ya'll. I take what you have to say into consideration. I wasn't crying like a little bitch. I was questioning the logic but after making some calculations I understood.

Even the normal jack asses were polite in their responses...

[Shaggy]

sorry if i took out some of my agression on you. but my beach house got taken out by a tornado yesterday and i am just finding out how bad it is.

[redcagepatrol]

my advice:

get bigger tires but don't lift it. Cut the fender wells, it is possible to do a nice job.

I have 35's and 3:55's, seems to work fine for me. I am still able to pull goosenecks around.

I have to defend Nutz about the Diesel list he is on. I am on TDR - a list for Cummins owners and have learned much more than I thought possible. There are over 16,000 members and you have to pay to join. Tons of valuable info there. I am not sure how the Powerjoke board is but I know the Cummins board is great.

[Doug Krebs]

nutz...just a little input

Your not going to be in college much longer, so i'm not sure what your driving schedule will be in the future. I've been thinking lately, and if I do buy a decent tow rig when I get a job, i don't know if that is what i want to put miles on everyday. I'm thinking about getting a cheap ass economy car. No frills, just some cheap used car for like 4000 that i can put a ****load of miles on it and not feel bad. So what i'm trying to say is, the truck is your daily driver now, but maybe in a a year or 2, it may not be.

So then your tow rig, would have better gearing to tow with, and you wouldn't regret the swap.

If you did do the swap, how many miles does the guys gears have??? Did he tow alot?? Often?? Is it standard?? I've heard if you tow alot with a standard and don't drive it nicely, every time you shift you slap the ring and pinion.

Just remember he is kind of getting the better end of the deal, getting the 4.10's. But i guess i don't know how rare of a package that is.

Oh and Tate, your a fag... what the hell did any of your rambling contribute to nutz???? And not to be mean, but i wouldn't take any mechancial advice from you anyways....:D

[Chadnutz]

4.10s and 3.55s are about equally common. He has limited slip and I am open so I don't think he would have been getting the better end of the deal.

I can't bring myself to drive some little 4 banger car to and from work. If I am that concerned about mileage I'll get a crotch rocket. I can't stand being in cars.

[fbronco86]

yup you are a fag haha:rainbow:

[Chadnutz]

Remind me of that fact next time I am fixing to drag your IDI and it's trailer back to camp. :flipoff2:

[Seth]

i want to see what happens if you do it, and i want to see the space shuttle like electronics in fredos car......:eek:

[BMFScout]

Originally posted by Doug Krebs
nutz...just a little input

I've been thinking lately, and if I do buy a decent tow rig when I get a job, i don't know if that is what i want to put miles on everyday. I'm thinking about getting a cheap ass economy car. No frills, just some cheap used car for like 4000 that i can put a ****load of miles on it and not feel bad.

my feelings exactly, let me introduce you to my 1987 "international" Honda Civic. (check out the emblem on the front) I call him Honda Steve, kind of like Scuba Steve from Big Daddy. Honda Steve...DAMN YOU!! The A/C works mostly and I have no inclination to swap axles or modify it in any way, other than the emblem of course. The best of all, 20,000 miles a year costs just $913. It is a far cry from that corvette I am getting when I get that phat job, but it will do until I actually have a reportable income.

[fbronco86]

i am not worried about being towed again. Anyway you would not be able to pull me with 3.55 gears haha.

anyway. I dont know if its really worth the trouble to go threw all the pain in the butt to change rear ends. you are not gaining much. if it was up to me i would not do it.

[Chadnutz]

I'm not going to, but I could still pull you with 3.55s. ;)

[Chadnutz]

My motivation for wanting 3.55s.....

$262.42 spent for fuel in one month alone including trips to Houston, Austin, and two to San Antonio.

[Doug Krebs]

what the hell are you driving so much for????????

[Chadnutz]

Austin for sex

Houston for work

San Antonio for work

San Antonio to fix oil leak

From the two work trips i will get $130 for expenses.

[StevenAg03]

Originally posted by Chadnutz
Austin for sex....




coulda probably found a hooker in bryan for cheaper.......but then again, i dont know if there are any gay hookers around here...:flipoff2: :flipoff2:

[BigRedFord04]

Originally posted by Chadnutz
Austin for sex
why the hell did you have to bring me into this?? you know i dont like you THAT much :flipoff2:

since i'm here already i'll have to side w/ the guy who talked chadnutz out of his 4.10s :D.....TOW RIG....from what i understand that means lots of torque at low RPMs needed, which lower gears will offer. Dont worry about gas mileage...take your foot off the long pedal a little more. thats what i've been doing for about a month and a half now with all my driving between austin, and dallas, and college station, etc. i've figured out that i can improve gas mileage from ~10mpg to ALMOST 12.5 mpg by keeping the RPMs down (below 2800 on the highway, 70mph anyway). Screw you and your greedy azz wanting 17mpg. :flipoff2: