Gear Ratios

[VoodooTitan]

I can't remember whose thread I read it in, but I remember someone's build thread mentioning a transmission modification, specifically talking about the gear ratios. I lazily did a search, as well as tried reading up on some basics about transmissions, but I don't think I'll find the answer to my question.

My question is, is there a way to modify the gear ratio to exploit more torque or power via the ECU alone? Can this be done by Toyota upon customer request? I've read some posts about people feeling that the 4Runner is lacking when it comes to power, and while I feel the same way, I'm not to sore about it. I would like to know if it's possible though, since I intend on doing a cross country trip with the wife's vehicle in tow.

I also know that changing gear ratios effect mpg, while it would be nice, not as big a concern as having more available power to tow. Any education along with an answer would be appreciated. It's difficult to research something when you're not entirely sure where to start... I'd like to know the "physiology" of the transmission rather than the "anatomy".

Thanks all.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!!

MURICA

 

[Antman]

I can't remember whose thread I read it in, but I remember someone's build thread mentioning a transmission modification, specifically talking about the gear ratios. I lazily did a search, as well as tried reading up on some basics about transmissions, but I don't think I'll find the answer to my question.

My question is, is there a way to modify the gear ratio to exploit more torque or power via the ECU alone? Can this be done by Toyota upon customer request? I've read some posts about people feeling that the 4Runner is lacking when it comes to power, and while I feel the same way, I'm not to sore about it. I would like to know if it's possible though, since I intend on doing a cross country trip with the wife's vehicle in tow.

I also know that changing gear ratios effect mpg, while it would be nice, not as big a concern as having more available power to tow. Any education along with an answer would be appreciated. It's difficult to research something when you're not entirely sure where to start... I'd like to know the "physiology" of the transmission rather than the "anatomy".

Thanks all.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!!

MURICA

The only thing you can do would be to change your front and rear differential gearing to a lower (higher numerically) ratio. The thread you are probably thinking of is harper7's where he re-geared to 4.56's. This would not be a cost effective solution for you just to tow cross country for a trip. In addition, unless you plan on going with really big tires there are compromises with this solution. Less gas mileage and higher engine RPM at highway speed, which will mean more engine noise during that long trip. Most people re-gear for trail functionality. Here's the link:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gallery/58037-june-2010-t4rotm-harper7-18.html#post1070983

While anything is possible with enough cash, modifying the tranny to change gear ratios isn't happening. The ECU can't help you either.

If you are just under 5,000 lbs for the trip, the 4Runner was designed with that in mind and you will be fine. It will not tow like a full sized truck with a 10,000 lb tow rating but take it easy and it'll get you there no problem.

Good luck!

 

[VoodooTitan]

Thanks Antman. I should just be under 5000lbs. The wifes car is curb weighted at 3450. Prior to the move i'll probably take out the spare tire, and anything else I can do to trim weight and toss it in with the garage stuff that'll get packed up by the movers. I've got some luggage and stuff I gotta pack too since we'll be moving the wife and pups. I just don't want to stress the engine and transmission for long hauls. I know nothing about towing, especially for distance, so I need to do some research. From what I've learned so far I should limit my driving and distance each day and consider temperatures, terrain, etc.

Any suggestions are appreciated. I think the military gives me about 6 days to get across country on orders.

 

[Antman]

Prior to the move i'll probably take out the spare tire....

Really? Cross country towing a trailer with a car on it with no spare tire? :doh:

Why don't you shoot yourself in the foot as well before you get underway?:becky:

Tow in 4th not 5th to keep the torque converter locked. I tow my boat every week, sometimes twice per week and keep a close eye on the tranny temp. There is a dramatic difference in temp (it goes up quickly)when the torque converter unlocks while towing. Heat is what kills a transmission. I have found that I get better gas mileage towing in 4th than in 5th- sometimes 18mpg.

In addition, I used to downshift all the time while slowing down to take some wear off the brakes. After monitoring the Scanguage temps I no longer do this. A TON of heat is introduced into the transmission this way. I would rather generate the heat at the brakes IMO.

 

[derekp]

I'm not sure why he'd need a spare tire to a car that is on a trailer but hey, some folks are more cautious that others.

If you strip unneeded items from the trailered vic that will help, just remember how much you add in luggage. Removing 65lbs of spare tire and jack but adding 350lbs might push you over your original estimate. Look at a trailer with brakes and get a controller. As Antman stated, keep an eye on temps. When you stop for fuel, do a walk around for tie downs, lights, and tires. Remember that your trip isn't the canonball/gumball rally. Enjoy the trip, pack a cooler with sandwiches and drinks to relax at the rest stops. You'll be more relaxed while towing, the 4R has time to cool down, and the pups have a break.

I made a similar move from LRAFB to DC then to GFAFB with my old Taco. I became familiar with the slow lane on hills. I had a good library on my ipod and just putted along enjoying the scenery.

 

[Antman]

I'm not sure why he'd need a spare tire to a car that is on a trailer but hey, some folks are more cautious that others.

If you strip unneeded items from the trailered vic that will help, just remember how much you add in luggage. Removing 65lbs of spare tire and jack but adding 350lbs might push you over your original estimate. Look at a trailer with brakes and get a controller. As Antman stated, keep an eye on temps. When you stop for fuel, do a walk around for tie downs, lights, and tires. Remember that your trip isn't the canonball/gumball rally. Enjoy the trip, pack a cooler with sandwiches and drinks to relax at the rest stops. You'll be more relaxed while towing, the 4R has time to cool down, and the pups have a break.

I made a similar move from LRAFB to DC then to GFAFB with my old Taco. I became familiar with the slow lane on hills. I had a good library on my ipod and just putted along enjoying the scenery.

Oh- THAT spare tire. I was thinking in the 4Runner. Lol.

 

[VoodooTitan]

Oh- THAT spare tire. I was thinking in the 4Runner. Lol.

Yea I was talking about stripping down the trailered vehicle as much as possible to lighten the weight on the actual trailer. There is a lot of stuff I can remove by myself and have the movers transport. I mean, every pound counts right?

Thanks for all the info. The first thing I plan on doing when I get back from my current deployment is to get the scangaugeII. I think for the price this is the single best investment I can make for the 4Runner.

 

[derekp]

:ranger:I kick myself for not buying a scanguage when the tacomaworld guys had a group buy on them years ago. I hear good things about them. I think they give trans temp, so that is good to have while towing.

How much time do you have left on your deployment? I'm down to single digits! :rockon:

Antman, after I posted that I figured one of us had to have misread that. Seeing that your post was at 0457 this morning, I take it the caffeine hadn't kicked in yet? :ranger:

 

[VoodooTitan]

:ranger:I kick myself for not buying a scanguage when the tacomaworld guys had a group buy on them years ago. I hear good things about them. I think they give trans temp, so that is good to have while towing.

How much time do you have left on your deployment? I'm down to single digits! :rockon:

Antman, after I posted that I figured one of us had to have misread that. Seeing that your post was at 0457 this morning, I take it the caffeine hadn't kicked in yet? :ranger:

Dude I don't even know... I'm rotting away on this deployment. I'm still in the double digits but the number starts with a 3... hopefully. I'm fortunate enough to say all my problems are 1st world problems though. It's difficult to go from working consistently and "hard" to being on stand-by 24/7.

In any event... If anyone is interested in a scangaugeII group by I'd be willing to contact the company about it. I don't know though since these products are sold by distributors mainly now. I'd be willing to try though. You guys think it's worth starting a thread?

 

[Jeremy556]

Another option is a bluetooth wireless OBDII adapter, available on eBay for like $20 or $30 bucks, and use Torque on your smart phone. Has all the same info, and probably more, better interface, and logging.

Why not drive the second vehicle? A car hauler is going to be around 1500lbs, you're going to need airbags, brake controller, and probably a transmission cooler.

 

[VoodooTitan]

Another option is a bluetooth wireless OBDII adapter, available on eBay for like $20 or $30 bucks, and use Torque on your smart phone. Has all the same info, and probably more, better interface, and logging.

Why not drive the second vehicle? A car hauler is going to be around 1500lbs, you're going to need airbags, brake controller, and probably a transmission cooler.

We just don't want to put the miles on it. It's 1 of 500 made, not sure the exact production number, but nonetheless. It has low miles and we'd like to keep them down. We'll probably see if the Navy will ship 1 vehicle for us, that being the one.

I'll most likely get the transmission cooler anyway since it isn't very expensive and I can install it myself. I have motorcycles and if we do in fact get orders to San Diego I'm considering buying a waverunner. Granted it's not heavy enough to stress the transmission i'll still get one.

I'll look into the Bluetooth ODBII and torque. I know a lot of guys in the performance community use it for logging. I kind of like the simplicity of the scangaugeII. It also prevents me from messing with my phone while I'm driving. It is something I will look into tho.

 

[Antman]

Antman, after I posted that I figured one of us had to have misread that. Seeing that your post was at 0457 this morning, I take it the caffeine hadn't kicked in yet? :ranger:

HA! Nah- I'm off today for the holiday and since I'm normalle up for work around 2:30am or so, 5:00 is sleeping in (Im pretty sure the post was 5:57 my time so I was already done breakfast and on the second cup. :second: