duffman5001

Ok so I need to know how to determine what ratio my front axle has. It is an 88 supposedly with tow package.. so is it likely 3:73? How can I determine this? Thanks

xjoffroad

auto or stick?

duffman5001

Auto

duffman5001

I need to know cuz I am gearing down to 4:56 and need to know if I need to switch the carrier.. I believe that ratio is the breaking ratio right?

mwdouglas

i have the tow package on my 90 and there 3:73
someone correct me if im wrong, but i was under the impression that if it has tow package it came with 3:73 no matter what the year

duffman5001

That would be great cuz then I would not need a new carrier right? How can I know for sure?

xjoffroad

heres the carrier break for the d30. 3.54 and down; 3.73 and up

duffman5001

Yeah that's what I was thinkin.. so if I'm lucky and they r 3:73 I won't need a carier right?

mwdouglas

i dont think you need to change the carrier if it does have the 3:73.at least thats what i have read.i looked at gear kits for the d30/35 axles and all didnt have a carrier in them since the starting gear was 3:73 if i changed the starting gear to 3:55 it added a carrier to it

xjoffroad

technically you dont need a new carrier. but wouldnt it makes sense you replace your old carrier thats probably nicked up to something new for the ring gear to sit on?

i would replace the carrier to. then you know you wont have any issues down the road. its only $60 give or take.

duffman5001

Yeah that is a good point.. only 60 bucks is pretty good preventative maintenance.. ok so now I need to know if I need regular or reverse cut gears?

93gc40

Having tow package Does NOT guarantee 3.73 gears. It was a separate option. Just was more common to be combine with tow package. Is the metal tag still on one of your differentials? Pull the cover and look at the ring gear, it is stamped into the ring gear.

duffman5001

Great to know

xjoffroad

sorry but now you still need to find out what gears you have unless you are going to buy a new carrier. I'm pretty sure they also came in the 3.54 with the tow package along with the 3.73.

xjoffroad

beat me to it.......