i have a 99, 2.2, 5 speed with a GT5 4:10 rearend, i am looking to swap out the pumkin and replace it with a 3:73 or maybe even a 3:42. i know that the speedo will be off (which way I'm not sure) but does anyone have any comments or ideas about doing this because of the computer. the reason that i am doing this is the motor is screaming at 70 mph

im pretty sure you can go to a dealer or talk to someone with a programmer to reset gear ratios. as far as things go i have an 02 2.2 5sp with 3.73:1 and i would NOT go lower than that. the thing pulls about 3k@80mph but if you went to like a 3.42 the thing would have a 0-60 of about 2 mins, seriously. id just drop it down to a 3.73.

thanks that is a big help as far as the ratio, now does any body have a comment as to switch the whole rearend or just the pumkin in my pickup thanks

i forgot to ask what kind of gas milage are you getting

i forgot to ask what kind of gas milage are you getting
There is no " pumpkin" this is a Salisbury type rear, the gears and diff are built into the housing , so the complete axle housing has to be replaced or just have a ring and pinion installed, remember the speedo error here also.

well for the sake of longevity an entire axle housing would be the best route. and besides its not that hard. if you replaced the carrier you would have to check your pinion depth, backlash and gear tooth pattern and adjust accordingly. trust me, replacing the entire axle assembly is a lot easier. and im pretty sure you can change the ratio thru the computer, just tell it its a 3.73 but you have to have a scantool that can do it. as for gas mileage i get about 26-30mpg. i do a mix of driving too and i only beat it when i have to but i take care of my truck too ;) but when i do a long haul i run about 75mph for about 3 hours and get 28ish mpg.