I have flirted with the idea for years and finally am ready to take the plunge. I sourced a e-locker axle and a spare front diff, going to call ECGS and get the order in and mail them off this week. I need some closure to my internal and apparently eternal argument.

4.56 or 4.88 gears?

I run 295/70 R17 Nitto Trail grapplers. I will probably upgrade to a true 315/70R17 next time. I pretend I wheel, but I don't do it often. Mainly trail riding and Ill crawl down into a creek or a river bed from time to time. I have however been timid in the sense that getting out of these areas has been dicey as the truck is always straining. I do a lot of Sunday Funday / highway drives with the wife and this is a weekend vehicle, non DD. I have steel bumpers front and back with a full size spare and intend on fabbing up full skids. My guess is Ill be pulling an extra 1500 ibs of weight around before people add in. I do not intend to S/C. Basically I need a fully capable rig that will get thrashed maybe 5-8 times a year and remain safe for highway use. I live in Florida, not a lot of hills but make an annual trip to boone for a week. Lots of driving there.

Let me know what your thoughts are.

Again 4.56 or 4.88 gears? And yes I am adding an Arb to the front.

I am NOT the expert here but I read a similar post about a week ago. It seems the consensus was to go with the 4.88 considering your tires and added weight. Again, just what I read.

If I were you I would definitely go with 4.88s. If you went with 4.56s the difference will be so minimal that it wouldn't worth the money. Good luck!

4.88.

I'm running 315/75 and am right about 2.5k @70.

4.88

4.88's.. this calculator helps ease the confusion.

Tire Size Calculator - Compare Tire Sizes

I'm a big fan of too much gear. Go with the 4.88s.

I agree with Keven on this one 4.88s.

4.88s

/thread

Order in to ECGS! Details forthcoming in my build thread. Thank you for validating my 4.88 decision.