Rear end gear change?
Asked by dad3353 Aug 28, 2016 at 01:11 PM about the 1991 Chevrolet S-10 EL RWD
Question type: General
I would like My 1991 S 10 pickup to be
able to cruise at a higher speed than 55
mph, if I change the gears in the rear end
will that do the trick? First gear is so low, I
hardly use it, 5 gear is so low I feel I am
wasting gas and over running the RPM's to
high?
9 Answers
If you can get a "lower"ratio rear end like a 2.90 or whatever is available for your truck....a 4.11 will give you rapid jack rabbit starts , but it will limit your top speed... See this article, really depends on what you want,. http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/understanding-axle-ratios/
First thing, you need to determine what ratio your differential currently has. Secondly, do you want to spend $400 to $600 or more on changing the ratio? Not only will you need a ring and pinion gear set, you will also need to replace various bearings, shims and seals. Also you will need to deal with the speedometer error that changing the gear ratio will cause.
Thank you both for the answers you gave. It gives me lots to think about, and consider. Do you think it would be worth the it in the long run? Thanks again to both of you for your input and knowledge.
That S-10 if it is still stock was designed to do some light hauling and run up and down roads and interstates in it's current configuration. I would leave it as it is. Running it at speed at 3,000 or 3,500 rpm will not hurt it and besides the extra $400 to $600 dollars spent on a new rear gear will take a very long time to get back in fuel savings.
dad3353- Look, I don't know what you are trying to achieve, but, if it were me, I would get another vehicle.... WHY? SAFETY. The vehicle is over 25 years old. A lot has changed in 25 years. A newer late model say in 2009 or newer would be a lot better choice.
The highest ratio I normally see are 3.73. Typical gearing in a s10 are 3.42's. Do you know what rpm your running in 5th gear? There are glove box rpo codes you can use to see what the truck came with stock. The ones your looking for start with "G" and are 3 digits long. Examples are Gu6 or Gt4.
you can buy a good used rearend at pullapart for125.00
Just put lil taller profile tires on it. Speedo will be off, but use GPS to confirm actual vs indicated. Bonus...nice new tires.
1995S 10 pick up I would like to convert rear brake drums to this breaks they make a kit for that
