Cheapest, fastest and most efficient way to get more low end is a gear swap.

 

Soooooo True!!

 

Alright, so how involved is a gear swap? How bout a stall?

And Gonzo, this truck was bought extremely late in 2002. If I ordered it would be a 2003 and some of the rebates I had available would not have worked. I know a 5.3 would have been better, but beggers can't be choosers. Talking **** doesn't make anybody's truck faster!

Josh Hucks
NXS Customs

 

You make it sound like you had no choice of getting a 5.3 option,like no other 02 existed at the time you bought yours.Are you going to stop whining about the weak 4.8 you bought and do something about it?talking ****?name one thing i said that wasnt true.

 

I ain't worried about it. I do what I do, I don't build my truck to satisfy anybody else!

So, what all is involved in a rear gear swap?

Josh Hucks
NXS Customs

 

A gear change would need to be done by a speed shop or a drive train shop. Make sure whoever changes the gears for ya has done plenty of them in the past. It's a real PITA to do and takes a lot of time to get it just right. While you are in the rear, you might as well upgrade to a locker or limited slip diff like eaton or auburn.

Costs will run like this:
Gears and Master install kit - $250+
Good LSD or Locker-------------$350 to $500
Labor -------------------------$250
Total -------------------------$850+

You could skip the locker and keep the g-80 and save $300+ but traction won't improve, in fact it would get a little worse due to the extra torque the gears put to the ground. IMO, do a search on torque converters and yank because that would be a solid move to help off the line performance as well.