I need to know how 5:12 gears will work with 31-33's with a stock engine and t-case. I have read the 1995 front diff and earlier will bolt right in to the front Zook housing. And a 1996 and newer front will bolt right in to the rear ,both front and rear without any modifying. Is any of this true? Also I realize that the Kick carriers are aluminum and more prone to breaking but for street driving and some light offroading would this relly matter? I want to stay on a budget cause the truck is a little rusty and Kick gears are in the junkyards around here. I also cant set them myself and swapping the carriers would be easier and cheeper without having to buy a pin sleave and new crush bearing. Any and all help is appreciated Thanks

Aint nothing just a bolt in the front will but they were never equiped with proper oil passages to the front bearing it will burn up 2nd you have to then put the gears onto your stock rear carrier so hence sleave and shim do it right the first time
or pay just as much the 2nd time around plus your time!!!!!
Welcome newbie:smokin: :smokin:

OK that is what I thought, but will those gears bring me close to stock with 31-33 tires??

you will pull 33s just fine with a stock t case.

33 ("nominal" tire)/25=1.32>>32% increase
5.12/3.73=1.37>> 37% increase

Sounds about right, anyone want to verify this?

Yes 5:12 will pull just fine 32" even 33" Rpm might ba little higher
I noticed your in wisconsin I am in Ill/on the Kenosha border I checked itto what you want to do but unless you have an insider
at a wrecking yard plan on paying $250-$285 a carrier then another $60-$80 for shim /sleeve kit you can get 4:57 brand new
gears and a mini kit for $414.00 the yards in our area are raping
on those diffs:smokin:

I can get the whole install kit from Petroworks for 50 but I havent checked the yards yet for gear prices, I see you had a 4play link at your web site,are you in that club?

Yes I am the Webmaster for 4play4wheelers (http://www.4play4wheelers.com) this is the link to the new sight I'm in the process of switching over the old links to this one

I use to be in OFF ROAD OR WHAT when I lived in Milwaukee and used to kind of know a few people by face , but that was 7 years ago. I have been out of it for a while so I have to catch up on all the new builds