Axle Gearing Options

[jperry1290]

I am running 33s with the stock 3.55s so obviously a gear change will be in the future. Only problem is I currently have a Dana 30 up front. This will be a mild wheeler and summer time vehicle. My 30 already has disc's

-Leave the Dana 30 and find cheap gears 4.11s or 4.56s
-Dump the 30 for a 44
-Find a matched set already built

 

[wildbill]

Go with what you have I would go with 4:11's with the 33's and if you dont get crazey you should not have a problem with the 30. Should you come around a deal later on a 44 go for it good luck and have fun with your toy.;D;D;D Bill %)

 

[bmc69]

What Wildbill said...and you might pick up a set of 4.11 gears for that D30 for nothing. Heck..I recently scrapped out a couple complete D30s; both were 4.11 and one was factory LS to boot. Had to..the junk pile was getting just too darned big.%)

 

[Broncobowsher]

The 30 has lasted 40 years, it can't be that bad.
Gearing should be 4.10s. that is a real nice gear for 33's and no overdrive.
Look around, you can often find a complete D30 with 4.10 gears for cheap, just swap the brakes over.

Not sure about 4.10s? Just stick them in the back and see how you like them. Can't be running around in 4WD, but will give you a chance to test drive the gearing before committing to a both end swap. the 9" is an easy axle to set up, If you don't like the gearing take it out, sell it for a minor loss and try a different ratio.

 

[garberz]

Same opinion here, leave the 30 in. If your not an abuser it will hold up, also the 30 will have a little better ground clearance than the 44, if you want to use that to justify leaving it in.
Mark

 

[broncnaz]

Here's another option for you how about a tranny swap? might work out way cheaper and better all around in the end. A Np435 swap is a great one when running 33's and 3.50 gears. Many people run that combo and it works great. I've been very happy with mine you get the granny gear for offroad and when on the hiway you have a slight OD effect with your current gearing and tire size.
Still a lot of us have run 33's and 3.50 gears for years in stock setups and it works pretty well you may wish for better lowend on the trail but it all depends on your driving needs.

 

[BG's 68 Bronco]

Slight Hijack here. I am looking to do the same and I also have a D30. I want to go with the NV3550 though and wasn't too sure about a 4.56 ratio w/ 33's, but I found that they have a 4.30 for the 9" and 4.27 for the D30 (I think these were the ratios). It said on the Bronco vendors website the 4.27 works with the 4.30 ratio? Pretty sure these are Yukon ring and pinions.

Anyone think this is worth it or go with 4.56. I'm thinking more along the lines of highway cruising speeds, so the lower rpm's would be nice, but 4.10's might be a little too low in the RPM range?

OK Major Hijack! Sorry Jperry.