Vibrations (part duex) 11/08

I wrote previously about both vibrations and the lack of power in these trucks. So again, I did a ton of research and came up with a plan to correct both of these problems at the same time: Contact ZUK to re-gear the rear diff and install an Aussie.

I went with the 4.88 ratio. This was a little more expensive (I couldn't just find a replacement at the junk yard... not that I really wanted to anyway), actually gives me more power than I need and would probably throw my speedometer off even more than the 31" tires did. However, since I plan to upgrade to 33" tires when these wear out, I figured I'd "do it right the first time." I ordered them from JustDifferentials.com. Good service, I just called them up and ordered them. However! I ordered Motive gears and install kit and Zuk received Precision gears with a Nitro master install kit. That was a bummer. I really wanted the Motive gears. (Next time I'll definitely make sure to clarify and have them call me if they plan to send out other gears.)

Zuk is awesome. He gets great reviews from everyone (as far as I can tell) and nothing different from me. Though, at this point, I can't vouch for his work because my frickin truck still isn't mobile. That time is fast approaching though. (I usually support local shops and dealers, but couldn't find any good reviews of any shops near me to do this work and wanted it done right.)

I pulled my rear differential with a friend. She and I had so much fun under the truck that day. We really felt like we were digging in this time. Pulling the axles was easy, removing the brake likes was messy (I have gotta find out if there is a way to plug those lines), and disconnecting the driveshaft called for some serious teamwork (we're not very strong yet so we literally had to use all 4 of our hands to loosen those 4 nuts). When all was said and done we were missing skin on our knuckles and got good and drunk.

Total time to do all of the above: 4 hours with lunch and beer breaks.

I opted to have Zuk cryo-treat the gears (since they'll see a lot of miles and hard times in the future). I also opted for the Aussie in the rear since it gets such good reviews from the people that run them (not to mention the fact that it's cheaper than an ARB, which is just overkill for me).

All in all, a good $1000 well spent, I think.