hi everyone i just joined not too long ago. im actually starting a project that im hoping you all can help me get started. the victim is my new 08 z71 4x4. im going for a 6" lift cold air, catback, programmer, gears, and a set of xd 20's wrapped in 35's. the 1st project is going to be my gears. im getting rid of the 373's for some 456's. ive helped with gear swaps before but ive never done one on my own. im looking for some expert 1st hand advice or very detailed resources of equal value so i only have to do this once. ive done a few muscle cars but this is my first truck build. thanks in advance for having me here and everyones help. looking forward to having you all along for the build.

 

1st of all welcome to the site!


if your looking to do a gear swap, do you have all the necessary tools to install the gears properly? if not, i would seriously think about having them professionally installed. nothing worse than a bad installed ring & pinion....

 

Welcome to the site! If you search this section for "gear swap" or just "gear", you should find a few threads with some tips/tricks and pics. Remember that since you're 4x4, you need to do front and rear gears...keep that in mind. Setting up the gears can be a PITA and very tedious...pinion depth and backlash are very important.

As for your other plans, it all sounds good except for the part about the programmer. The handhelds are just generic cookie cutter tunes that provide minimal gains...we have some sponsors here that can give you a custom tune that's tailored to your set up. BlackBear, Wheatley, and Nelson (links to the right) are well known and well respected. Justin at BlackBear will do a scan cable tune, where he sends you a cable that goes from your laptop to the OBDII port and some software, and has you log your truck while driving around. He then takes that info and tunes the PCM accordingly, as well as helps diagnose other possible problems that you may have...all for a price that's cheaper than a handheld

 

thanks for the replies. yea i know the hassles of precise automotive work. i just built a custom stroked 400 for my chevelle (436 ci). it runs great and i got all the info i didnt know from online. the only tool i dont have, but can borrow, is the micrometer. i have full confidence in my ability to do this install but there is a dissapointing lack of information online. if i can get a hold of some solid and detailed instructions it could save me some hefty labor bills. not to mention i just like having the bragging rights of saying i did it myself when all is done

 

bump.....anyone?