fixing to do a gearing change, couple q's first

[reed1285]

well im taking my runner in to have the tranny and transfer case fixed. while it was there I was gonna have the guy put in a set of 5.29 gears. my 95 sr5 has a 4 inch suspension lift and 35's, with stock gearing, needless to say its very very sluggish on the trails. Ive never done a gearing change before, thats why im gonna let the shop do it. sorry if this is a nub question, im new to off roading so im trying to learn. anyways, do i just buy a set of 5.29 gears to go in the rear diff and thats it? what else comes along with changing gearing, if anything? do you have to do anything up front, or just the rear?

also, are the 2nd gen sr5 runners 8" rear ends? and where is the best place to buy the gears from? im new to 4runners so still trying to find out who/what the quality dealers/parts are hopefully itll be done next week. thanks for input.

 

[Hyde802]

Need to do a front ring and pinion too, for a 7.5" diff. Front and rear gears must match.

Its possible to re use bearings, but best to change them while youre in there. You can get "install kits" Which will include everything to install one R&P into a housing.

You can get gears lots o places, from TrailGear to Randys Ring and Pinion (just google it)

Now also a good time to think about installing a locker while you have the diff apart, if youre interested.

Good Luck!

 

[reed1285]

Thanks alot for the info, again, me being new to this. Whats a good locker and how much do they run?

 

[BucknutBob]

I second all of Hyde's comments. As for installation, that is definitely something to be left to a shop that has plenty of experience setting up diffs--it takes special tools, and an experienced eye to properly set the clearances, lash, etc.. If this is done wrong, you'll wreck the whole thing and have to start from scratch. Another possibility that even someone without experience could do is buying a complete diff, with the gears (and locker, limited slip, or open diff) pre-installed and properly set up--all you do is pull the old one out and install the new one. Sure, they cost more, but you're paying for someone's set-up expertise along with the parts. Best of luck!

 

[reed1285]

ok so lets see if i have my info correct. I need two sets of 5.29 ring and pinions (one for front, one for rear). the front diff is 7.5", while the rear is an 8". and if i can spring for it buy a locker for the rear. A front locker isnt necessary right? i guess a front locker would help but im kinda on a budget.
also, are the 5.29 ring and pinion sets gonna be the exact same for the front and rear? thanks again

 

[BucknutBob]

Yes, you will need the same ratio for both axles, but the sets will not be physically identical--that's where the 7.5" and 8" measurements come from (the front set will be physically smaller, but the same ratio). A locker in the rear will help out quite a bit on the trail. Since you're talking about buying on a budget, I'm assuming the locker would be a less-expensive mechanical style that's always "on"--that means you will notice some changes in the way the vehicle handles, but with some familiarity, you'll get used to it. Since you can't afford a "selectable" locker for the front (one that you can turn off with a switch), I would leave it open (stock). While a great help on the trail, a locker in the front will make for dangerous steering quirks on the road if you engage 4WD, so it's best to wait until you can afford a selectable one if you still desire one later. Have fun!