6 mpg... please help

[piecesparts]

Originally Posted by nekkidhillbilly

be cheaper honestly to find a 700r4 used you can get em for like 200 bucks all day long here

With the 2.73 geared rear end, I believe that you will be going the wrong way by going to a OD tranny. You will kill off the 6 MPG with the lugging on your drive train (been there, done that). Changing gears is about an $800.00 project (If you have someone do it for you) Changing rear ends is about the same, if you look for a good one (especially if you upgrade to a posi unit) and pay someone to do it. A complete rear end is something that you could do in your garage if you have air impact tools for the spring u-bolts and a way to handle the complete assembly under the truck frame. Rear ends with lower gear ratios can be found everywhere, especially ones W/O posi. Remember to rebuild the brakes when you do the rear end and look into getting the tranny's speedo gears updated for the rear end gearing change.

NOTE: An OD tranny is still a good idea, but do it as a combination, not just one thing and expect the best of results.