Planning to Re-gear the Truck, Yukon or Nitro

Finally getting around to putting new, lower gears in the truck. Been doing as much research as I can, but am wanting to hear from those that either install both brands or have possibly tried both in their own vehicle (present or past). Figure it's like finding a unicorn to talk to someone that has ran both. Talking to shops, they all seem biased on what they sell. Just looking for an end users experience.

Observations:
Nitro seems to cater to the Toyota crowd and offer a 2 year warranty. Yukon has been around longer with a 1 year warranty, but you can purchase a lifetime warranty for $45/axle. Looks like both brands are made in South Korea. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong on any of this.

Also, I've been quoted the following prices locally for parts and labor from 2 different shops:

• Nitro gears w/new bearings and clamshell bushing to replace needle bearing: $2,200
  • 3.5 hour drive one way
• Yukon gears w/new bearings and clamshell bushing to replace needle bearing & lifetime warranty: $3,000
  • 1.5 hour drive one way

I have 8k miles on my truck but both shops said new bearings are the way to go (adds more $$) since they are in there replacing everything anyhow. And this way it would be all new parts . Anyhow, anyone with advice/experience on either company or ideas on pricing, please feel free to share.

 

We had our '17 re-geared at ~2,500 miles and still went with master install kits, just for peace of mind. Before the Toyota I've used Yukon exclusively in our Jeeps, and have been completely happy. Nitro doesn't have the best reputation in the Jeep world, but that's due to axle shafts, not gear sets. The Nitro 4.88s have been installed in the truck for over two years, and have been quiet and 100% trouble free. I'd probably make the longer drive to save $800.

 

appreciate the advice. Considered asking the nitro shop to do the work if I brought Yukon gears for the warranty, but I think the nitros will be just fine. Plus, I liked the conversation I had with the nitro shop better. Was more personal and willing to answer questions and talk me through it. Where the more expensive shop had a more “take it or leave it attitude” and acted like I was stupid to even consider nitro gears.

 

Its funny enough had both yukon and nitro (now). I first wanted nitro but there was a huge wait. so the shop I worked with ordered me up some yukon. they also mentioned to me that the supplier to both companies was the same so no real difference between them. well my first set of 5.29s was making lots of noise at 1000 miles. so I took it back and to be on the safe side the shop decided to swap out the yukons with new ones. however they happen to have a set of nitros there from a customer that changed his mind. so they threw those into my truck. I have about 3k miles on it now... the nitros are relatively quiet but do make some noise at certain speeds. nothing unlivable or anything but still gets my OCD going from time to time. overall I am happy and glad I ended up with nitros.

 

Nitros. 5.29s. ECGS diff swap. Zero noise increase over stock. Very happy!!

 

that’s how I feel too. I told both shops I thought the need for new bearings was unnecessary. But they disagreed. Personally, I think it’s easier for them to rip out my old ones and not have to worry about damaging them since they are adding new. And that’s their reason behind it.

One shop said (Yukon guys) that they didn’t want to put new everything in besides the bearings and then if something is wrong, they would start pointing fingers at the “old” bearings. It’s an extra $200 for the bearings from prices I’ve checked online.

Nitro shop also said it would be $200 in labor and parts if I chose the solid sleeve over the crush sleeve. Again, I think it’s mainly because it’s more difficult to set a solid sleeve and shims over a crush.

 

I watched this last night. Yep all 17 minutes. The Nitro Tech is the mechanic we all pray for to work on our cars. If I was in the market and closer, there would be absolutely no question this is where I would have the work done. I would say this guy has performed thousands of swaps.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHGhrBuo3sQ

 

The noise is most likely due to the set-up, not the gears themselves.

 

what do you mean? the tires and lift? dont think so... the noise is "accelerator pedal" related. sometimes it makes noise when I lift. sometimes when I am on. depends on speed, heat, how hard I am pushing, etc.

 

I think he means on how the gears were setup (installed).

 

gotcha... yeah, I dunno. the good news is that its overall quiet. and it doesnt seem to be getting worse. just learned to live with it.