3.73 Gears for an 86 chevy

[escort_jay102]

Right now I have a 10bolt in the rear and I found some 12 bolt 3.73 gears for it and I want to change them, but they were used and I dont know if I should go about spending $50.00 on them or not. What are they worth? Please help

[goinbig]

ummmm, you might want to re-think that one.

How big are your 10bolt gears? How big are these 12 bolt gears you got?

[goinbig]

and the price depends on the condition they are in. why 3.73? That's not really worth the trouble or money.

[escort_jay102]

if i was going to be putting bigger gears on my truck, what would i put? I have no idea and I am just lookin around.. thanks

[amac209]

try to pick up a complete diff from a junkyard with 3.73 that's a common ratio in most 4x4's

[J-Ri]

I don't see how the 12 bolt gears could possibly fit a 10 bolt unit.

Stock goes up to 4.11:1, I believe. You could go with aftermarket, I have seen some that go up to 6.X:1. However, with a 454, 3.73 should be fine.

[J-Ri]

Originally Posted by escort_jay102

if i was going to be putting bigger gears on my truck, what would i put? I have no idea and I am just lookin around.. thanks

FYI: the gear ratio is this:
3.73:1 ratio means the driveshaft turns 3.73 times for every one rotation of the axle.

[goinbig]

I'd look for some 4.10's. That will at least make it worth the work. If you go too much lower (numerically higher), that 10bolt will not be happy and start breaking stuff back there.

[Pamsdad]

The 12 bolt gears will not fit.

12 bolts have an 8 7/8" Ring gear diameter.

10 bolts have a 8 1/2" Ring gear diameter.

You can get any ratio you need in the 10 bolt.

Assuming you have the proper carrier...