That was probably me. When I did the re-gear, I also added a "lunchbox" auto-locker (Powertrax Lock-Rite), and that I was not happy with. I have since removed it and put the original spider gears back in (but kept the re-gear to 4.10 - that part works great).Wiley wrote:I may be confusing you with someone elses post, but awhile ago someone I read that someone did this and was not happy with 1 part of the upgrade, maybe it was with the carrier...does this ring a bell? I really should just go to 4.10 if I am keeping my van.Herbie wrote:For a 30" tire, I'd definitely go 4.10. That's right about the height I've got (~29.5") and it's just about perfect. My highway cruising is still at a decently low RPM (at least at the speed I can realistically cruise with the Astrobrick + roofrack, etc.), but hill climbing, etc. is much improved. I really spent WAY too long with the stock gears.Astrophysics wrote: Now I trust the Astro to go off roading to try out the 30" Cooper tires.
My 3,42 axle ratio really needs to be re geared to 3.73 or even 4.10.
To be fair to the Lock-Rite, I think my van is too heavy for it to work right. My axle was previously bent (probably due to the literal ton of pavers I hauled one time), but even after straightening, the axle shop warned me that the locker might play up if the axle bent again. I suspect the housing was flexing ever so slightly as the suspension moved, which would cause the locker to engage in a weird way (which in turn caused the uncomfortable clunking, etc. I was getting.)
We all know the 7-5/8" rear is undersized. Until we find a reasonably simple drop-in swap, or I pony up the bucks to build something custom, it's what we have!