Which gears to run?

[LONGHAIR]

I agree........If you really are going to 'wheel this truck, up-grade the rear-end at a bare minimum. You can step up to a 12 bolt and keep the 6 lug wheels, as a lower dollar option. This is not the best way, but the most cost effective for a minimal use non-competition vehicle.

The biggest thing, reguardless of which axles you end-up using, is proper break-in procedure. This is even more important in lower ratio gears like these. First of all use a synthetic lube. Second, drive no further than around the block on the first voyage. Park it and let it cool for a while. Then drive a mile or so and wait again. Then no more than 5 miles or so, cooling again. After that some in town driving w/o highway speed for the next twenty or so. Then you should be good to go. Personally I would pull the cover, inspect the gears (looking for metallic particles in the lube) and change the lube after 100 miles or so.

Again as I always say, do do the gear change yourself. Pay a reputable shop to do it for you. Inquire about their break-in procedures and warranty.