Open diff gear swap question

[TheBiologist]

Ok so I am just curious. I have an 79 hp d44 that I need to switch from 3.50 to 4.10s.

Do I need to change the open diff that is already installed? Or more specifically are open diffs gear ratio range specific like lockers?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Timmy390]

No expert......as far as I know, you will have to upgrade the carrier no matter the type unless you order "thick" gears. Thick gears are designed to work with the 3.73 and down carrier but allow you to run 3.92 and up gears.

Tim

 

[MonsterBIlly]

I have taken my 75 with a D44 to several places for quotes. All of them said I would need to get a new carrier

 

[sykanr0ng]

You will need a different carrier whether it has a traction device or not.
The carrier break is 3.73 / 3.92

The way around this is to use what are called 'thick gears', the cost for them is close to the same as regular gears plus a carrier.

 

[Rustytruck]

Call Randys ring and pinion for the straight up scoop.

https://www.randysworldwide.com/contact-us/

 

[bmc69]

Good discussion here...

http://www.crawlpedia.com/thick_gears.htm

 

[Broncobowsher]

I don't think they make thick high pinion gears.

I needed a carrier for an open diff once. I remember it being really cheap. Something like $50 brand new. But that was over 10 years ago.

Another question, if you are going through all the work and expense to do a high pinion why are you looking to put a stock open diff in there? That seems like someone building a stroker engine, but wanting to keep a stock 2-barrel carb on it.

 

[Timmy390]

Thought they made HP thick gears for the 44. I'm sure I've seen them for a D60 HP. Maybe not for the 44.....??

Tim

 

[Broncobowsher]

Just looked at the Randys site, couldn't find think high pinions for the 44.

 

[Rustytruck]

Gotta call them.

 

[garberz]

I’ve searched before, I never heard anyone making reverse spiral cut gears in the “thick” option. I just bought a new open carrier for mine, still running an Aussie locker.

Mark

 

[Apogee]

Not that it's cost comparable, but most people just buy a new limited slip for the gear ratio range they want and call it good. I'd throw a limited slip at it...probably an Eaton Trutrac, but that's going to probably run about +$500 over whatever a stock open diff carrier costs.

 

[bmc69]

I’ve searched before, I never heard anyone making reverse spiral cut gears in the “thick” option.

I've never seen them either.

 

[garberz]

I've never seen them either.

Thank you Bill, it alway makes me nervous when Bowsher responds right after I post. It’s always nice to have some sort of a buffer.

Mark