I wound up just changing the whole rearend. I found it cheaper that way. I bought the whole thing drum to drum for $350.00 with a 3.90 gear. When I called about a new r&p they quoted me $700-$800 "if" they could get the right ratio (was looking in the 3.70 range) and truck parts places wanted the same for a used 3rd member. My intention was just swap the 3rd member as the rear I bought was out of a Top Kick (same as mine). I didn't check i.d. tags as I figured they would all be the same. The rear I got was a lighter duty (smaller diameter axle) and the 3rd member wouldn't interchange. Since we are not really loading this thing anywhere near capacity I figured it would be ok with the lighter rear. The only difference installing it was the axle pads on the housing. The lighter duty rear had a shorter pad length so I just tacked a shim to it so it would fit the saddle on the spring without worrying about it ever moving. After getting it driving I still need more gear. I'm just gonna go ahead and bite the bullet and get one of the gear vendors overdrive units, my goal is to get this running about 1,900 rpm at cruising speed. My thought is getting just above the peak tourqe it should still give me plenty left and I really don't wanna be spinning this motor at near peak rpm for hours at a time. Please keep in mind I have never claimed to be a smart guy and this may be way off base but I'm gonna give it a try.
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