Differential gear change for '82 truck

[wingdaddy]

I have an '82 SR5 pickup with 5 speed trans. Currently  I am running 32 inch Buckshot Mudders but might want to go to 33's. My question is, what gear ratio will work best for road use? My truck has not seen 5th gear in nearly 20 years. lol

[KYOTA]

4.88's might be a little low for 32's but would give you some room to grow some tires, I started on 35's w/4.88's and that was pushin it.

[FIREBALL]

I agree, 4.88's with 33's is a good combo and you'll even get to see 5th gear again.

[wingdaddy]

Thanks, have you had any experience with detroit lockers? In northeast Texas we don't get to do much rock crawling, mostly mudding. Thought the extra traction would help.

[FIREBALL]

Detroits are great lockers. Pretty much bullet proof and you don't have to remember to turn it on. Would be great for muddin.

[DTB]

if its a mudding only truck just weld it or get a spool

[Hilux92]

I am running 5.29's and 33's with Detroit lockers. Wouldnt run anything els but thats my