Best Value Rear Differential Gear Set

Hey everyone,

Part of my 2007 RCLB 4X4 upgrade consists of switching to an ARB air locker assembly, but I want to ensure I'm also considering the right gear brand when I tear apart the rear differential. Initially I was going with the set from Yukon, but recently I've seen a lot with Nitro (especially the 4.88 series). Only problem I have with Nitro is they ran $2K, and money's kinda tight right now. I think my rear diff is going, and instead of replacing with an OEM for $1800, I figured I'd get the ARB for $1200, add the Yukon Gear, and either break even or pay just a little more to upgrade. I just don't know which gear set to go with that will last me the life of the truck.

Can y'all weigh in? Appreciate your thoughts, thanks everyone.

Dave

 

If you don't mind using 2 different brands you can get Motive 4.88 rear and USA standard front reverse 9 inch pretty inexpensive for $275. Get each one REM polished. Some people don't like using different manufacturers but it isn't an issue.

 

Thanks for the recommendation @Mdl ! Do you think the Motive Gear is a good brand? I haven't really heard of it, but willing to mix brands - that's not really an issue!

 

They are not top of the line and have been used throughout the years by others. My local gear guy has no issue installing them. I installed motive 5.29's with no issues but still breaking them in. Still have to do the front.

One thing I was told was to get them REM polished to not have any issue with break in.
Just posted as an alternative to not break the bank. I'm sure others will chime in to give you some ideas.

 

Nitro is no longer, or at least not right now. If you care about a warranty, I'd probably skip them unless the sellers will guarantee them for you or give you a heck of deal. You can use the Google box for more research on what happened with them over the past few years.

 

@Mdl Thanks again, I hadn't heard of Motive Gear but I guess they are manufactured in Italy and have a really good reputation - given the price, this could be the brand I'm looking for.

@bflooks Since Nitro isn't around anymore (and were pretty pricey anyway), do you have any other brands you would recommend for the ring and pinion?

 

I think everyone is liking the Motives, but I believe Sierra and Yukon are the other big brands. Just do your research on where they are manufactured and you should be good. I fell into Nitro because there wasn't really anyone else in the 5.29 market just yet, only 4.88s.

Others can def make more informed recommendations based on their actual experiences with the other brands in other platforms.

 

Here's the thread for more Motive discussion
https://www.tundras.com/threads/extremely-cheap-5-29-gears-motive-gears-ok.149056/

 

Awesome, thanks @BreyTundy !