My question is it a worthwhile venture to put some 4.10's in my stock rear end (currently 3.42's)? Will it destroy the rear end/axles/clutch, or am I OK? I am really looking for some quick power (I know this isnt power, but big improvement in acceleration...). I don't currently have the means to do a cam swap, although that is in the works for next year, but I'd like some more speed for this summer and I have been considering gears for some time.

Thanks for any responses in advance

Educate me...

 

There is less area contact so they wear out faster but i have never heard someone go to 4:10 from the stock ones and not love them. One of the best mods out there for the price. If you do a lot of freeway driving they are a little bit much otherwise they are awesome.

 

I am not too worried about highway driving since i rarely use sixth gear as it is, and I am sure I will love the jump from stock to 4.10's, but my question is can the stock axles and carrier handle the new gears, or or is it necessary to upgrade the rear to something like a strange rear end?

 

The gears themselves are more fragile.
Just depends on how often you race.

 

The main thing why I haven't changed gears yet is because with the goals I have for my car, I know the stock rearend will not be adequate and it would just seem pointless for me to buy a gear set and pay the installation cost when that could be a nice chunk towards an aftermarket rear. If you plan to stay with a bolt-on or mild powered car where the factory rearend will be adequate for you, then gears would be a good upgrade to do at this time IMO.

 

If you plan on launching the car hard I would spend the money on a better rear. On the other hand if you plan to keep street tires on it and not planning on getting the car to sixty foot then you probably could get away with it for awhile.

 

4.10's are tons of fun!!! I actually have 3.90's behind my T56 now, but I had 4.10's behind my A4 before, and the low ratio is great for getting off the line and cruising around. 6th gear actually becomes useable, and you can still get decent mileage on the highway .