ensign_lee

Hey y'all:

So I know at some point, I want to change my gears from my stock 3.31s (I have an auto) to either the 3.73s or 4.10's. I was going to do it soon, but for one thing: I'm taking a big road trip this summer - think like 4,000-5,000 some odd miles. Would I be better off leaving the 3.31s until I get back or should I just do it now?

My main concern is wear on the engine, not gas mileage. I don't want to seriously hurt my engine this summer, seeing as I'll be up at 60, 70, oh who am I kidding 80 mph for most of the trip.

That being said, there are some nice hills up around here in Austin that I'm sure a gear change would make even more fun. And I'll be driving through the Rockies during part of my trip as well, so the twisties should be more fun there as well (I think?)

So what do y'all think? Change gears now so that I can enjoy them here in Austin, plus in the twisties on the road trip (when they come)? Or change gears afterwards so that I don't wear down my engine so much?

06VistaBlueGT

I don't have my 4.10's yet (end of the month) but everything I've read on here says your RPM's won't increase too much. I'd say get them sooner.

thewarmachine

I think the engine wear associated with a gear change is a myth. Personally, I think my 3.31 gears are worse for my clutch life than the 4.10's would be.

Bluestar

I had the 4.10's in for a while, had to change them out for3.73's, because of the amount of Interstate Driving that I do. Trust me, 3.73 is very Highway friendly....you'll love'm.

Meangreen1200

Just Do it!

DeStonn

My freeway driving is 100 miles round trip about 6 days a week and I have 4:10s. I cruise around 80 mph and the rpms stay around 2500 in fifth gear. I constantly have to downshift cuz my cams like the higher rpms (above 2600).

smythge

Do it, I had mine done last week and I love it. You go through the gears so much faster.

ThumperMX113

I almost wish I would of got the 3.31s, just so I could go up to 3.73s ... Going up one gear size just isn't worth it.

Motor wear because of a gear change like 4.10s won't happen.

moosestang

Do yourself a favor and mark the position of your driveshaft and pinion flange before they do the gear change. Tell them to line it back up when they reattach it. A paint mark right before the install should suffice.

ensign_lee

Wow that sounds like really good advice.

Hmm...I wish I was more mechanically inclined so I could do it. [8D]