Rear differential oil change, metals found at drain plug

So I just called local shop and they quote me $4000 for both front and rear gear ratio change including new gears and lockers and labor. I have another stupid question now I think supercharger is also around that range if I got supercharger do I still need to change gear ratio.

 

If they’re ARB lockers at $4k, then that is a hella good deal. I think installing a SC is at least twice that.

Regearing is optional regardless if you have a SC or not. It all depends on what your end goal is. If you just want to go fast, then SC and no regear is fine. If you want to tow, then you should regear. If you wheel, then jump on that deal.

 

$4k sounds about right for gears, install and lockers. Gears and a supercharger are different things. A SC adds power, gears bring power back and puts the power train at the correct ratios. SC are usually around $6k + labor. If money wasn’t an issue, I’d say do both.

 

Also what shop did you call? I’m looking for an installer and OH isn’t too far. There are no 4wd shops around here.

 

Front/Rear ARB Lockers, gears, and oil alone is about $3600 BEFORE tax. I paid more than $4k for parts and labor.

 

Oh ok thanks for all the suggestions guys. I feel relieved now. You guys saved me tons of money and headache for now. I will do regear stuff in future tho. I also checked underneath truck I think I also have carrier bearing drop kit installed.

 

It’s pickup plus Lewis center Ohio

 

My rear end was replaced under warranty at 45,000 miles on my 2018 Limited. I had a real loud whine like the lash was set too tight. I'm also not lifted at all, with 275/70/20s. I didn't read the whole thread lol just putting it out there that I had similar issues.

 

I don’t have any issue at all. It’s running like as if I have supercharger installed. But dealer just scared me little at my first front and rear differential oil change at 45k.

 

That’s how they remain profitable.

 

yup, like how they “had” to swap out my CVs but after they took them off they are in perfect condition…. $2k later I have a good set of spare CVs for when I DO break em lol

 

That dealer is bad ju ju stay far far away from them.

Your difs look fine from what you showed us.

You should find out if you already have 5.29 or some other gears in there, as it sounds like you bought this truck already modified.
(37s on stock gears is like bogging the engine down)
You don't need lockers or LSD unless you offroad heavily.
Our trucks have electronic rear LSD as already stated and it works fine for many many people.

Regearing is to prevent drivetrain strain/damage, return torque figures closer to normal, and economy and over all responsiveness/performance.

Supercharger installed is around $8-9k+ where I live, this is for more HP and fun.
If you think it feels like you have a supercharger now, with stock gears on 37's, you probably have never driven stock tires on beast mode, let alone stock tires supercharged.

Personally, I would not drive on 37's with stock gears more than very briefly, not worth the risk to tranny, drivetrain etc, imho.
That is 5inches larger diameter tires, huge ratio changes there.

YMMV

 

I believe that looks like a carrier bearing drop, but I did mine over a year ago and have not seen it since so I could be wrong.

Drive axle does look fairly straight.

Maybe whoever modded this truck for you did the gears also......

You should find out, and that would explain you feeling like it has plenty of power, with stock gears it should feel very sluggish imho.
My 34's are notably sluggish compared to my stock tires.

 

@Seafury thanks for the suggestion man. I got truck lifted from Atlanta Ga from very reputable shop. I might get the regear stuff done from them too.

 

This is from my 2021 at 29k. First diff oil change since I’ve owned it from new in 1/21. Since it’s from new Im assuming the metal is mostly from the break in. No issues or problems.