Reasonable price for gear change?

[79Silv4x4]

I recently installed a lift kit on my '91 Suburban and need to have the gears swapped out for some lower ones. Local drivetrain shop quoted me $650 labor. Sounded kinda high to me. Opinions. . .Suggestions. . .

[Captkaos]

Was that for both axles still in the vehicle? if so, that is CHEAP!

[79Silv4x4]

Yes, both axles in the vehicle. Total with parts and labor was $1250. I know I can do better on the parts . . .

[Captkaos]

Ok, I misread this, but is still isn't that bad. Here they charge $300 per axle if it is still in the vehicle. Parts you probably can do better on.

[piecesparts]

Let's see---lift the truck, remove drivelines, drain carrier housings and remove axles, remove old ring and pinion sets, remove ring gears, install new gears, install pinion shafts, install carrier, set backlash, install axles, install drive lines (inspect U-joints for wear) fill with new lube. You know $1250 is not all that bad, ask what they would charge if you had your own ring and pinion sets? Sometimes it is better to pay just a little more and get it done once and for all, instead of working the monkey for some small change.

[79Silv4x4]

Yeah, I guess it's not out of line b/c I called a couple other places and received similar quotes. It wouldn't be all that bad if I were only doing one axle.

[1FaastC10]

swap to 3/4 tons. that's going to be cheaper than the gears and install for one axle, then buy a set of 8 lug wheels that will fit your tires, and you're golden. that 10 bolt wont survive those tires for very long. the 8.5" 10 bolt carriers are notorious for being weak. when they fail, they take out the ring and pinion too. i broke mine with bald 245 75 16s on it, and was being easy on the truck (heavy traffic).

[79BIG10]

What gear ratio you looking for? I've got a 3.40 set for a 12 bolt for sale. If you wanted an axle to get geared and swap out I have one as well plus I'm close to you.


I guess I got lucky on my rear axle being rebuilt for $100. I got quoted here in town $250 per axle brought in not on the truck.

[bigarmzz]

around here that price is "insane"

there's a local guy that sets up most all rear ends around here, he's the best, he only charges $150 a rear

[see ten]

There is a garage down the road from here that I use that charges $200 labor per axle. When my brother was in tech school I had them regear a truck for me for the cost of the parts. If you have a tech school remotely close to you give them a call. The students have to have projects for their grades and the instructor will make sure the work is done right.

[79Silv4x4]

Originally Posted by 79BIG10

What gear ratio you looking for? I've got a 3.40 set for a 12 bolt for sale. If you wanted an axle to get geared and swap out I have one as well plus I'm close to you.


I guess I got lucky on my rear axle being rebuilt for $100. I got quoted here in town $250 per axle brought in not on the truck.

Thanks but I have 3.42 right now and looking to go to 4.10.

[79Silv4x4]

Originally Posted by see ten

There is a garage down the road from here that I use that charges $200 labor per axle. When my brother was in tech school I had them regear a truck for me for the cost of the parts. If you have a tech school remotely close to you give them a call. The students have to have projects for their grades and the instructor will make sure the work is done right.

Yeah, now that the vo-tech is open I might check into that. . .

[79Silv4x4]

Originally Posted by 1FaastC10

swap to 3/4 tons. that's going to be cheaper than the gears and install for one axle, then buy a set of 8 lug wheels that will fit your tires, and you're golden. that 10 bolt wont survive those tires for very long. the 8.5" 10 bolt carriers are notorious for being weak. when they fail, they take out the ring and pinion too. i broke mine with bald 245 75 16s on it, and was being easy on the truck (heavy traffic).

14 bolt SF for the rear but what about the front. Is an 8 lug D44 the way to go?