Looking at putting in some 4.56 gears front and back since I'm running 35" tires. My question is can I get by with the minor install kit (doesn't include new bearings) since I only have 13K miles on the truck? Just trying to save some $$ but only if it makes sense...

Thanks,

 

I would say you're probably okay. If it were me I would go ahead and get a master, though. It'll just be that much longer before you have to open it up to replace bearings again. But if you're tight on cash I'd say don't worry about it.

You'll probably want to pick up a couple axle seals though, as they don't come with any install kit and are sometimes damaged when removing the axleshafts. $4 a piece.

 

thanks for the tip about the axle seals....I finally got everything together in terms of the parts. I shopped around quite abit and he's what I came up with:
$215 for Ford Racing 9.75" 4.56 gears @ the local Ford dealer
$77.13 for Minor Install Kit 9.75" @ Randy's (ringpinion.com)
$218.75 for Yukon 8.8" IFS Reverse 4.56 gears @ Accuautoparts.com
$27.95 for Minor Install Kit 8.8" IFS @ Accuautoparts.com
TOTAL for Parts ~ $540 + axle seals mentioned above

Labor quote I got was $387 per axle at local 4wheelparts store + ~ $100 for oil and friction modifier (for rear LS)
Total for Labor = $875

Total (not including shipping and taxes) = $1410....

 

$80 for a minor install kit?! I bought a master install kit (for my 8.8) from them for $80.

Yeah you really just have to shop around. I got lucky and have a really good 4x4 shop right near me that only charges $250/axle ($350 for IFS).

I got my rear gearset and install kit from accuautoparts for $200 total. I bought a minor kit because I had just rebuilt the rearend less than 5k miles before that.

I found a guy on Ebay selling a brand new Yukon gearset and master install kit for the front for $200. That was a hell of a deal.

Axle bearings and seals from the shop were $50, fluid and LS additive $20.

I had the rear done first and then shopped around for parts for the front. I had them change the fluid in the rear when I brought it back to have the front done. Grand total was $1100.

 

i paid $1,000 for 4.88 yukons front and rear, a detroit for the rear and a minor install kit for the front (which was $18) at esentially offroad

 

Going to tag in on this one,

Far as master install kits go, is there a different master install kit for the front and rear axles? Reason I am asking is that on accuautoparts.com when I sellect the IFS 8.8 front they have the master install kit there for $86.67 and then on the rear 8.8 they have the master kit for the same price. I'm wondering if I order these kits If I'm going to get the right kits for each axel.