Which Brand of Gears?

Xenous · October 10, 2003

I have a 2001 Tahoe, with a 4" (6" Rancho) lift running 35"s. WHen I ordered the truck I ordered it with 4.10s. I was running 33"s and I liked the performance. I am now looking to get 4.56's but I don't know which brand is best.

I went to the local 4Wheel Parts in my area and the guy was pushing Genuine Gear. I am not sure if they are pushing them because they receive the greatest margin on those, or because they are the best performing.

In addition, I was looking to put in a rear locker and again the guys at 4WP referred me to an Auburn gear. How does Auburn measure up.

I do limited off-roading, but I do tow.

Finally, does anybody know how 4WP measures up on their gear installation process. I am just starting to shop around and I want to see if I should go with them, or search elsewhere.

kaspar139 · October 10, 2003

Regarding 4WP, and installation of gears... they did my 3.73 to 4.10 upgrade on my Silverado. In less than a year, I had a bearing slip out and chew up the ring & pinion. Had to get all that replaced, and 4WP was a pain in the a$$ about warranty work, and it was going to be more expensive than the dealer to get fixed, and I was pissed. So, I went to the dealer to get it replaced, and now I have another 60K mile warranty on my NEW rearend! Anyway, it could be a fluke, but it was my $1500 nightmare Aside from the warranty part, though, I do like 4WP and have/would use them for other things (including my lift, tires, wheels, etc).

I don't know anything about the Auburn Gear locker (or much about lockers for that matter), but I am in the process of looking for something too and doing research. I want something that is switchable from full locking to limited slip, like the Detroit Electrac or the ARB Air Locker. They are both pretty pricey, and that is the only thing holding me back. But, they both sound rock solid. I do a little off roading, but it is not mudding. Moving around on our deer lease and such (since it floods ALL the time it seems), can be tough, and I want the ability to not worry as much without a winch.

Let me know what you find and go with.