I just bought my first 4x4 truck and need to know how to id the vitial part numbers(ie. axle, transfer case).  Are there any hidden problems I should be on the look out for.  And last, it has a 6" lift with 35" tires.  Is there anyway to gear the rear end to bring the speedo back to true and if there is, do I do the front too?

I have a ton more questions but dont want to bore y'all.  Any advise would be a huge help.  

Thanks, James D.  

They model year truck should have a toner ring in rear axle the drives signal for ECM for speedo. Changing axle ratio gearing will not effect speedo accuracy but tire size will. You need to reflash ECM if this is the case. Also, I would strongly suggest that you regear axles a lot deeper for tires because you are down a lot of effective ground power now with bigger tires and just recalibrating speedo is not going to fix the power issue.  

"Also, I would strongly suggest that you regear axles a lot deeper for tires because you are down a lot of effective ground power now with bigger tires and just recalibrating speedo is not going to fix the power issue.   "


this is what I would like to do, but I'm still a noobie to the 4x4 scene.  Gear ratio is a math equation I'm not sure how to figure out yet.....what gears do I most likly have and what gears should I use to get the stock "ground power" back.  I'm not to worried about the accuracy of the speedo, I just thought regearing would help with the power/over shifting problem.  

You either have 3.73 or 4.10 if it is a V8 gas motor.(3.73 is std) With 35's I would suggest a 4.88. Do not let numbers scare you because you have OD so it should turn about 2300 RPM at 65 and pull OD well. You do not really want it much taller because it take more power to push truck with lift and tires so you want a bit higher cruise RPM that you had stock so do not shoot for same RPM you had before.  

Would the 4.88 do that for me?  Do I have the same gears in the front(I know there are people laughing at this question)and do I have to change them too.

Sorry for all the stupid questions, I just need to squeeze as many miles per gallon as I can.  That, and logic would suggest a longer trany life as well.  The truck has 180,000mi and don't want the thing to gernade on me a week or two after I bought it.  I bought it from the granson of the original owner.  Popps was a maint. junckie so I'm just concerned about the last 15-20k mi.

Speaking of wich....is there anything I should be concerned about with this particular truck or is there such thing as a bullet-proof truck *fingers crossed*
Its a 5.4 gas, straight axle in fron with manual 4x4(stick on the floor vs. knob on dash),f-250 xlt, king cab w/suiside rear "mini" doors, power everything!

Thank you in advance if you respond to this!!!!  

where can I get  the gears at....is there a special place or are there aftermarket places that you can get them?  

You could try E-bay as some vendors sell new gears there or places like Randy's Ring and Pinion or Precision Gear for starters. Forget about economy and low RPM cruises with lifts and big tires as it increase drag and rolling resistance and that takes more fuel to overcome. Also, if you were really "worried" about a 9 year old truck with 180 K miles on it lasting as long as possible, you would not lift it and install 35 on it as it increases strain on the entire driveline and suspension and steering.