Gear Selection w/ Lift

[H2 Doberman]

Hey guys,

My wife is going to have my truck lifted for me for christmas. I going with the Fabtech 6 inch lift, 18x10 weld cheyenne 8's, 38x15.50x18 nitto mudgrapplers. I know I need the HD tierods and the steering stabilizer. And a tune to correct the speedo. Do you think that I will be okay with the stock gear ratio? I don't really care about top speed or racing anyone(thats what cars are for). Is there anyother parts that you guys might suggest. This will be my first lifted vechicle so it's all new to me. Thanks for you help and this forum rocks!!!

[drmiles]

First if you are going to lift, then thats the time to add a front locker and regear. I had an 03 with same tires and skyjacker lift 5.5". The only time I wished I had regeared was towing and long highway trips. Also in 4 lo, the truck moved to fast and could have used regearing to slow it down hills.

If I were doing it again, I would go with 4.88 gears and a front locker. But as I said I did not regear so all I know is the 4:10's with 38" tires.

Good luck

[OrangeCrush]

As I posted in a previous thread, I put 4.56's when I put the 38's on but wish I had done the 4.88's instead.

The problem I have is trying to maintain 70mph on cruise control. If you're on a flat road, no problem... the least incline (or towing anything) that comes along and your damn truck will be shifting like crazy.

My .02 worth.

Mark

[OrangeCrush]

Phil,

You must drive like Miss daisy...lol. I can't stand the way mine is on top end (highway speeds) and I did the reprogramming, gears and volant air intake.

My only cure now is a supercharger.

Mark

[H2 Doberman]

Thanks for all the input! I think I will just try the programmer and if that isn't enough I will go the the 4:88's. My main concern was putting too much strain on parts by not re-gearing. It seems that people have run 38's with the stock gear with no damage. Once again, thanks for all the great input!!!

[ASTAR]

I thought the same thing. I'd get a programmer, exhaust, and an intake to recover the lost power from 38's. Man, all i can say is I agree 100% with Orange Crush. I did a regear to 4.88's and it drives 100% better. Not awesome but I am used to a 700+hp, twin turbo CTD Dodge so what should I expect? I was planning to do a supercharger but I am leaning more now torwards a diesel conversion.
Just plan to do the gears, you'll want them.