I went to the local offroad shop to investigate getting rid of my 3.55 gears in favor of 4.10 or 4.56's (that's another discussion).

The shop owner recommended doing a master install kit for both diffs on my truck. He said that was the only way he could guarantee the work (12k/12mo warranty attached). Total quoted price for both front and rear on my FX4 was about $1900.

My truck has 40k miles on it. Should I consider a master install kit? Reason I ask is because both parts and labor to do the master install kit would almost double the price and time required to do the work. Was hoping to get the regearing done for around $1000 or less, if possible.

 

I know its tough to swallow that much money. But if you're gonna do it you might as well do it once and do it right the first time. Cuz if something does go wrong and you have to go back in, your gonna be ticked

 

With that many miles on it your still good to run your other bearings and still be fine. But I can tell you that if it were me I would find all the parts and bring them into the shop. You can get good deals on master install kits and save a good chunk of money doing it. I could probably find all the parts I need for approx $500 and then its just a matter of getting a good install guy for approx $1000. See with rough numbers your already ahead of the game and you can get it done the safer route with rebuild kits.

 

I regear trucks pretty often.

I always suggest getting a master install kit. Always. I don't charge anything extra, since I am in there already, and its just swapping parts, doesn't really add much time to it at all. I always recommend it, simply because what if ? And why not ? The kit itself is pricey, no doubt about it. These 9.75" axles are some of the priciest out there ! But why not swap it all out now, while I am in there ? That way you don't have to worry a little ways down the road. You know its all new, so if something fails its warrantied. Otherwise, once something does go, and lets say a bearing goes out, your going to have to pay the same labor charge for me to dig back in there, swap out bearings, then reassemble to diff. That will double your costs quickly. If you have been off roading, wheeling, or around sand at all in those 40k miles you can have dirt and debris in the diff, and could have a bearing starting to pit. Why risk it ?

$1900 is about right.

Yukon list price (quick notes, so its the "rough" list price )

front 4.56 $258
rear 4.56 $312
front install $218.56
rear install $342

Figure anywhere from $700 - $800 for labor

I charge $740, so that puts the total right around $1870

Maybe shop around. I know I can offer discounts to friends, military, or F150online members.

Oh, and many shops do not let you bring your own parts in. Or, they void any warranty if you do so. (you don't bring your own steak to a nice steakhouse, do you ? )

 

LOL, I cant even imagine what you are going to find in my diffs.

Well, besides a destroyed stock LS that is...

 

Thanks for the input. I believe in doing the job right, but I also don't want to do unnecessary work.

I feel pretty confident about the quality of the shop, but I didn't want to end up paying for work that isn't really needed so they can fill hours and make a quick buck. This was more of a sanity check for the shop than anything else.