Hey I just lifted my 94 pickup and I am running 35 with the stock 4.10s and want to get some gears. So my question is. Is the ring and pinion the same for the front and rear or is
the front different

 

Same if you want to run 4wd.

 

OK so I can take the 2 4.88 gears from the rear axles that I have and they fit just fine

 

The ratio is the same front/rear. If you have IFS the diameter of the gears will be different. Rear is 8" and front is 7.5". You can't use gears from a rear diff in the front.

 

What does it cost to have a shop do that job front and rear if anyone has a ballpark figure? I wanna have it done from 4:10 to 4:56 or maybe 4:88 I cant do it myself..

 

I've seen lots of ppl say they can install Toy gears, but few that can do in correctly. Pay to have someone does Toy gears install them much cheaper in long run.

 

Yeah I read how to do it (with pictures too) and I decided that it is definatly one of those many things that I should never attempt..

 

Maybe find a parts rig with 4.56 Front/ rear. I have a 94 Base model, and swapped the whole front diff and rear axle with ones from a 92(ish) SR5 V6. Everything fit perfectly.

I did have to put a the old drive tube on the new front diff, just to get around the automatic locking hubs

 

I just agree with what some one else posted. That the needed tools make it a costly venture for one or two set ups.

I have been fortunate that ZUK set up or inspected all of mine. gearinstall.com Think I'm going to just go through trailgear so all new everything. Been too many little things. I'm leery of used as I've been duped from guys on line. Will only buy used again if I can personally inspect first.

 

I've never done a full ring/pinion setup, but I'm just foolish enough to believe I could probably do it if I took my time. I have pulled both of my diffs apart and removed the ring gear to be able to install the Truetrac and the Aussie locker. It wasn't too hard to put it back together and get the backlash correct, but I never touched the pinion, and I think that's the more difficult, and potentially frustrating part.

A good place to work and plenty of time are really key. If you don't have those, definitely hire it done.

 

I'd like to set gears up someday but just don't have time and all tools needed. There's several very knowledgeable and experienced individuals you can get advice from to as a technical resource/advisor.

 

Yeah, I read about 20 articles on ZUK's gearinstall.com website before I dove in as far as I did. He does such an amazing job of explaining what he does and why, with great pictures. Incredible resource.

 

If you still have IFS, front is 7.5 and rear is 8.

if you're only looking for 4.88 like you mention above, I would go looking for some used factory 4.88 differentials and use those temporarily until you're ready for a full upgrade on gearing and lockers. Should be able to find them under $600 for the pair across the country and some people claim as low as free/case of beer.

I would take it to a specialist for gears vs doing it myself - and I'm one of those who would typically attempt the DIY first. Luckily, these days you have the option to buy pre-geared differentials and simply drop them in and be done. There aren't too many retailers that do the IFS diff though, only maybe 2-3 that I can think of. Lockers are another thing to consider "while you're in there" but it will obviously make the upgrade cost more - but will be worth it in the end as you'll have a more capable rig.

 

He brings up a really good point. I purchased my IFS diff used with a locker already (that was one I did have good luck with). I watched classifieds for someone doing an SAS.

 

Doing gears isn't that hard at all. You just need the tools, good work space and patience. I do gears all the time for my customers, so I can pretty much do it in my sleep. At some point you will be able to look at it and know what it needs to make the patterns right and not have to mess with the pinion much. Getting it right the very first time almost never happens until you've done enough of them. But, if you dont have the tools, or the know how, or it's going to be just a one time thing, then it's probably best to take it to someone.

 

If you have a complete 488 rear with the factory 488 gears then you could at least bolt it up and try it out in your 94 model. Just stay out of 4WD and it will not bind up.
The factory 488 gears are unique so they should stay in the same "unique" 3rd member that they are presently in. Aftermarket 488's won't set up in that unique 3rd for future reference.