7MT 4.46 Upgrade - How to add lockers and new gearing?

[MythlinMasterdo]

Hi everyone,

I have a big bend 4D 2.3L with the 7MT and 3.73 gears. I really want to turn this into a better off-roader but I am also new to the off roading world and am looking for advice. What do I need to do in order to get a locking front/rear diff and shorter gearing? Do I need to do them all at once? Can I do the gearing first, do I need to do both the front and rear diff at the same time? Like I said I am a noob, and am looking for advice!

Edit: 4.46 gearing, not 3.73

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[kodiakisland]

Right now it is very limited on what can be done with the front diff. Your best option currently is getting the 4.46 gear set/carrier for the front from Ford and adding a Torsen or Trutrac LSD to the rear with 4.46 gears. The gear sets are welded to the carrier in the open diffs, so you will need to do both gear and locker at the same time.

As far as doing both front and rear at the same time, yes if you want to use 4WD, no if you keep it in 2wd. If you only do the rear and forget and put it in 4wd, it will be an expensive mistake. But yes, you can do one at a time as long as it never goes into 4wd while they are mismatched.

 

[grayshadow]

Sale it and order you one that already has those items. It will be to costly and time consuming to modify that one.

 

[1970AMCAMX]

Hi everyone,

I have a big bend 4D 2.3L with the 7MT and 3.73 gears. I really want to turn this into a better off-roader but I am also new to the off roading world and am looking for advice. What do I need to do in order to get a locking front/rear diff and shorter gearing? Do I need to do them all at once? Can I do the gearing first, do I need to do both the front and rear diff at the same time? Like I said I am a noob, and am looking for advice!

Manual transmission Big Bends come with 4.46 gearing not 3.73

 

[NurseDan]

If I’m not mistaken, the 7MT is only available with 4.46 gears

 

[kodiakisland]

Manual transmission Big Bends come with 4.46 gearing not 3.73

Well, that makes the gearing easy. Just get an LSD and new gear set for the rear and he'll be good to go.

 

[Murph914]

The labor for lockers and gearing is almost the same. If you really want to put off some costs, maybe you install the differentials and lockers, but push out the electrical / air plumbing and wiring. We’re still brand new to this, so not much available. ARB will have an air lcoker kit, and other companies will have electric lockers and still more limited slips (LSDs). To me the most interesting option would be to go oem, especially if it is system integrated.

lots and lots here to learn to be honest.

your best option today is to trade in for a badlands (but I suspect you already know this).

 

[North7]

Hi everyone,

I have a big bend 4D 2.3L with the 7MT and 3.73 gears. I really want to turn this into a better off-roader but I am also new to the off roading world and am looking for advice. What do I need to do in order to get a locking front/rear diff and shorter gearing? Do I need to do them all at once? Can I do the gearing first, do I need to do both the front and rear diff at the same time? Like I said I am a noob, and am looking for advice!

If I’m not mistaken, the 7MT is only available with 4.46 gears

Like Dan said, you already have 4.46 gears.

 

[M Redwood]

im base and was wondering about same for LSD...isnt there a non switchable LSD mechanical only unit that increases traction greatly without needing to turn on and off...? if so, anyone, is this a fairly easy remove and replace procedure or requires technical skill? never done ..im auto 3.73

 

[NaturalFlorida]

Sale it and order you one that already has those items. It will be to costly and time consuming to modify that one.

I concur

 

[kodiakisland]

im base and was wondering about same for LSD...isnt there a non switchable LSD mechanical only unit that increases traction greatly without needing to turn on and off...? if so, anyone, is this a fairly easy remove and replace procedure or requires technical skill? never done ..im auto 3.73

The gear set in the open diff is welded, so if adding a LSD, a new gear set will be required and requires the knowledge and ability to set up correctly.

 

[Jason]

I really want to turn this into a better off-roader but I am also new to the off roading world and am looking for advice.

Since you’re new, I recommend you get out there and off road with your stock Bronco. There is a lot you can do without lockers.

As you gain experience, you will be in a better position to decide if you want a limited slip diff, gears, a lift, lockers, bigger tires, and/or just keep rolling stock.

 

[M Redwood]

The gear set in the open diff is welded, so if adding a LSD, a new gear set will be required and requires the knowledge and ability to set up correctly.

thxs for answer...dang it...well it

The gear set in the open diff is welded, so if adding a LSD, a new gear set will be required and requires the knowledge and ability to set up correctly.

tanks for intel..im bummed...

 

[bigblueboing]

Not to hijack a thread but what is the function of 4wd if you don’t have lockers. Won’t one wheel slip no matter what. Even in 4wd?

 

[Oldhippie]

You can actually buy complete front 44 and rear 60 with 4.70 and lockers from Ford/Dana. Bolt them in and sell your axles. Nice setup and maybe cheaper than having gears and lockers installed.
https://spicerparts.com/ford/bronco/2021

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