4.88 gears, 31" tires and mpg

[Spydus43]

I currently have 235/75/R15s and I am thinking of running 31s or 32s and regearing to 4.56 to maintain decent gas mileage and power.

My mechanic suggests I go with 4.88 gears for better power.

Any body have an comments on this?

I am, looking for the best blend of fuel efficiency and power (if the is such a thing). I do a lot of outdoor recreation in the mountains and would love to be able to get above 55 mph on the way up the hill, but still enjoy getting the fuel benefits of a 4cyl.

thanks,
WM

 

[fourwd1]

To get the best out of any vehicle you want to keep it in the original configuration. The manufacturer designed it for the best trade off between MPG, power, etc.

For 31-32" tires 4.56 gears will do that. 4.88's is best for 33-34" tires.

That's based on a 4 cyl/5 spd setup.

 

[Alabama4Runner]

X2

 

[Red]

What's the easiest way to find out what gear setup you have?
I know there were a few different options. Mine is a 1995 SR5 4x4
were 4.56 and 4.88's available?

 

[fourwd1]

What's the easiest way to find out what gear setup you have?

Get the axle code off of the VIN plate on the door frame and we can tell you.

 

[Red]

Get the axle code off of the VIN plate on the door frame and we can tell you.

Axel code is G254

 

[fourwd1]

G254 says you have a V6 and 4.56 gears.

 

[Red]

So I currently have 4.56 gears and 31" tires

If I go up to 33" tires would it be wise to go with 4.88? or what do you suggest?

I know you kind of answered this for the other guy but he has the 4cyl/5 speed where as I have the V6 5speed. Does this make any difference?

 

[fourwd1]

I'd try the 33's with the stock gears for a while.
You may not notice a big difference with the 6 cyl going from 31's to 33's.

 

[Red]

I'd try the 33's with the stock gears for a while.
You may not notice a big difference with the 6 cyl going from 31's to 33's.

Ok, thats kind of a relief.
I didnt really want to add a new gear set to the shopping list.
Its already getting up there with a suspension set and tires.

I'll try the 4.56 and see, maybe play around a bit with that after I recover from the suspension and tires.