Anyone re-geared an Alpha?

[amrg]

Has anyone done any re-gearing on the Alpha? I've seen mentioned somewhere that someone has, but couldn't find any write-ups or impressions anywhere.
My question is, is it worth it? What tools/parts would I need and what sort of trouble to expect? My friend runs a local Jeep mod business here and he quoted me $1400 w/out parts, so I'm actually interested to see how much it would cost for the full job, and if the results justify them!

 

[4speedfunk]

I think Kflips has a re-gear in his Alpha.

$1400?...WTF? Thats some friend you got! Try $300 labor...$400 for new 4.56 gear-sets. Around here a set-up is $100, if you bring an axle...$150 if you want it swapped while under the truck. Add another hundred per axle if you need bearings.

BTW...I got a nice set of used 4.56s for your rear 10-bolt. Only 30,000 miles....$75 shipped.

 

[kflips]

I have 4:56 gears, raptor transmission. Love the set up but cannot recall $$ for the regearing, part of a set of mods. Not as much as the quote you got.

 

[silvrzuki77]

Here in vegas its about 900 bucks total for each end. I wouldnt recommend doing it yourself. When I did my other trucks i would have a buddy swing by and double check the first couple lol.

 

[amrg]

Guys remember I live waaaaaaaaaaaay on the other side of this world. Its probably expensive, but hes the only one doing such a job in the whole country and he charges others $2500 front and back!!!! I may show him this thread and bring down his price though

As for parts, Im gona try sourcing locally first, since shipping oversees is extremely expensive. Kflips, was the transmission necessary? Overall where you satisfied with re-gearing? I'm not going to add a locker up front, no need for it considering the type of wheeling we do here? and do you re-call what parts were required?

 

[amrg]

BTW...I got a nice set of used 4.56s for your rear 10-bolt. Only 30,000 miles....$75 shipped.

I'll get back on that later, Im gona see how much the dealer would charge me here or If I can get a used set locally before I'd have to worry about international freight costs!

 

[4speedfunk]

Guys remember I live waaaaaaaaaaaay on the other side of this world.

Ohhhh...my bad...I didn't realize that. You may be right about the gear swap price. Sort of like doing work on a Lada here in the states.

Lower gearing will definitely help compensate for 35"+ tires...and on any other axle, its a no-brainer. But, I would be very reluctant to put more than $500-$700 into any stock H3 front axle. Have you considered swapping the entire F&R axles with non-Alpha versions? Given your situation, this might be cheaper than a re-gear. It can be done in your driveway and requires no special skills or tools. The center assembly of the front axle is very small and lightweight...easy to ship. The rear axle however, is quite heavy and that might be an issue. Both axles are a very simple swap with only hand tools (much easier than a re-gear).

I see you've got an 09 so I assume you want to keep the cast iron front case, and that alone might force you into an actual gear swap. Since you're a base model...the ideal donor H3 would be an 09 5-cyl. with the Adv. Pak. This would allow you to also upgrade to front and rear lockers, lower gearing, and keep a cast-iron front case. However, that particular set of axles will be a challenge to find, as the production numbers fell off sharply that year...and there are not as many 09s in the junkyards yet. Finding a source for wrecked H3s in your area might be tough. Here in the states, H3 axles are common place, and 4.56 versions (both open and locked) are everywhere.

Beware...the Jeep guys are gobbling up H3 rear axles because they fit XJs & ZJs really well. So well, that they have replaced the Ford 8.8 as first choice for these rigs. If you start shopping for an H3 rear axle...you might find yourself in a bidding war against Jeep guys! Ironic indeed.

 

[kflips]

what 4 speed said -- gear swap and keep the cast iron diff. trans was not required, me dreaming up my build.Really good low gear that, along w 4:56 is great. I can look at old files for parts. Yes, for me, it was worth it. Also agree that front lockers are nice to have, not need to have, in my opinion.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

what 4 speed said -- gear swap and keep the cast iron diff. trans was not required, me dreaming up my build.Really good low gear that, along w 4:56 is great. I can look at old files for parts. Yes, for me, it was worth it. Also agree that front lockers are nice to have, not need to have, in my opinion.

I'm so close to pulling the trigger on a front e-locker, and putting a detroit in the rear.... but now that I have on-board air, I may lose the "e" altogether

 

[Sethmark]

Have you any actual experience with a Detroit? They're an animal unto themselves.

 

[silvrzuki77]

Detroits arnt bad unless you gun it around corners and bangs into action. Great to see peoples reactions! I have heard and had friends experience alot of problems with airlockers leaking. These were professionally installed correctly.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

Have you any actual experience with a Detroit? They're an animal unto themselves.

lol... yep. Hwy 26 westbound, into Portland (aka Zoo hill) in a 1974 K10 Blazer. Nice rainy day and I'm flying along - let off the gas.... I swear I only did a 720 and I most certainly didn't ever leave my lane; However, my passengers have some wild claim about 4 times around and something about threading between two stopped cars while still spinning - but they wear glasses, so what do they know? no harm, no foul - all is well

 

[Sethmark]

Yep. That's the basic premise. I put them in every off-road vehicle I've ever built. Nothing like the joy of the Detroit on ice or wet pavement. Add a manual transmission and you're really in for some fun.

Having run a Arbs and Detroit's, I appreciate the ARB on the street, and never had any trouble with it but the Detroit is much simpler.

Most of the trails I'd run the lockers would be locked at the beginning of the trail and unlocked at the end. Hydro assist insured turning.