Well I did a to get 12 hour wrench session today on the Luv. I power washed the differential and undercarriage last night to try and get most of the muck off. The seals were clearly blown in the old carrier as there was oil and grime everywhere.
Swapping a 3:42 in for the stock 4:56
I started out pulling off 2 bolts for the carrier and then backed out one of the studs for reference. I shot over to pep boys and got 2 90mm bolts for the 81 carrier I picked up (2 bolt holes on the 81 carrier require longer bolts). Everything went pretty easy except breaking loose the old carrier, that took some work. My old unit was shot turning it felt gritty and was binding up. The new one was smooth. Here is where I freaked. Both ring gears had 41 teeth and when I turned to pinion it went 3.5 turns per full rotation of the gear. So I am thinking I got a 4:56 replacement not the 3:42 it was supposed to be. I was pissed, but I wasn't going to put that grinding carrier back in so I went on. It went together smooth and easy and after wrapping up the rearend I replaced both rear wheel cylinders and shoes cleaning everything along the way.
After wrapping up the brakes I fire it up and go for a short cruise. Well its a 3:42 for sure I don't know how but it is. Before it would almost shift into 3rd by the time you crossed an intersection. Now it cruises nice shifts like a car is supposed to. I cruised around a bit and I am amazed at the driveability now. Honestly the 4:56 made it drive like a john deer and the top speed was probably 45 without making it scream. I was going between 45-50 and the tach was on 2k. I think I may keep the 14"s on it now its that much better.
I think its a cake walk from here, everything else I want to do is easy stuff.
Here is a photoshop of what I want to do to the truck.
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