LukeCC’s Build & BS

Started cutting up the bedcage tonight and getting rid of some pieces.
Getting ready to mock up and start customizing a bit.

 

TFTI

 

I don’t usually have much time. It seems like it’s always chipping away at stuff slowly. 45minutes one day. An hour a couple days later. When I have the grand work party I’ll be sure and call.

 

@Titus94 @eccracer104 @Tyler Lacasse

okay. After the last day trip on sunday it’s apparent that a re gear is in order. I’m thinking 4.88 from my current 4.10

do you guys know of a preferred company that I should look into?

isnt ECG a reputable company for gearing needs?

what do you guys think

 

Definitely recommend East Coast Gear Supply. When I get to regearing that’s where I’ll be going.

I’ve heard Pro Gear here in SD is a quality shop as well, but being you can do the labor ECGS is probably the better route.

 

My plan of attack would probably be to order then pay someone to install it for me. That kinda work is above my pay grade and realm of know how tbh.

 

Was happy with my rear from ECGS. DEFINITELY do the locker if you can afford it. I know you've only seen a very small bit of what I actually drive my truck up in 2wd (currently still), but the locker made all the difference in the world if you drive up hills and obstacles. In fact, with 35s at 10psi I have so much traction up a rocky hill that I actually stall my transmission with the 2.7l and cannot move any further lol (with the current setup that is...). I've tried the same stuff unlocked and don't get half as far.

Point made... You also get $400 off your core as well.

Edit- to add... ESGS was well voiced with their communication as well and pretty accurate on their ETA. It was a no brainer for me as that's what they specialize in. I wouldn't really want a suspension specialist painting my car when I could go to someone who specializes in paint. I see differentials and transmissions the same way.

 

My truck is a trd and has a locker now. Would that be something I would have to pay extra for from ecgs to have with the 4.88? Or is my truck already equipped with a locker and I just need a gear change? I’m unfamiliar with how the locker works in the gear in terms of changing the gear ratio.

 

Dude you can do it. Happy to help as well. When Colton and Patrick bent the rear axle on Patrick's t4r we had to pull the 3rd as one of the many steps in replacing the axle. Had never done anything like it, and it's really not that hard.

In short:
Drain the diff.
Remove the wheels.
Disconnect the drive shaft.
Un-bolt the hubs from the axle - pull them out (axle shafts will come with) a few inches.
Un-bolt and remove the 3rd member.
Repeat all steps in reverse.

There may be some differences involved with the e-locker rear - but that's the bulk of it.

Nope - you just select the correct option for the factory e-locker rear.
Your e-locker will remain usable and all that changes are the gears.

 

Shit. When you put it like that it definitely seems doable. I’ve messed with the axles in the rear replacing the bearing before. Maybe it would be worth tackling at home. Might take you up on that work party haha

 

Right?

Thankfully @Titus94 and @IDKS fucked up their shit so I could learn me a thing or two because I was also on the fence like "ehhh maybe I don't want to fuck with my 3rd". Got some practice in though, and it's not so bad. I'll swap mine myself when I eventually save up the dough for gears and a front locker.

edit: additional hard parts we'll face with your truck versus patrick's t4r:
Rear locker
The axle will still be in the truck versus completely out and on jack stands lol.
3rd members are surprisingly heavy, so the extra hands will help move it more carefully in and out of the diff.

 

this is all very true. Like I said, anything pertaining to the locker is totally out of my realm of knowledge. After you broke it down step-by-step I realize that I’ve done all of those steps except for pulling the third on my truck specifically. Makes the prospect of paying somebody else a good chunk of money to do it seem not so appealing. A couple weeks ago I actually helped my dad and his buddy pull the 3rd on his buddies jeep and you’re right it was heavier than hell.

this fuckin thing...

 

Setting backlash - nooooo thank you.

It'd be cool to learn, but I/we don't have the tools for something like that.

 

Lol. I have a strong feeling we'll all get in there and be all "there was no fucking worry about the damn locker" and then carry on

Relax, ECGS sets all that for you. Easy street ordering a complete 3rd from them

 

Was that in hundredths or thousandths?
Fuck man IDK
AHHHH
AHHHH
*drinks more beer*
What's happening?

 

^^^SWEET! As he said, definitely stick with your factory E-Locker and just have the gearing done! MUCH cheaper too!

 

didn’t you just recently do all this?

 

I was factory plain Jane no gain edition... Added 5.29s with ARB air locker and new axle bearings and seals.

My bearings were so worn out they looked like Frisbees wobbling.