Gearing

94Runner4

94Runner4

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So I was thinking about changing the gearing in my rig. I don't know too much about this. I would like a little more torque low end for climbing. But, Im thinking if I do this it will restrict my highway speeds even more. I already don't like to cruise at more than 70 to keep my rpm's under 3k. Does this sound normal? And am I right in assuming that if I lower my gears my highway cruising speed will be sacrificed even more?
 
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94Runner4 said:
So I was thinking about changing the gearing in my rig. I don't know too much about this. I would like a little more torque low end for climbing. But, Im thinking if I do this it will restrict my highway speeds even more. I already don't like to cruise at more than 70 to keep my rpm's under 3k. Does this sound normal? And am I right in assuming that if I lower my gears my highway cruising speed will be sacrificed even more?
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Exactly right. The higher your gear ratio, the higher your RPMs at any speed. That's great for crawling through rocks or gutting it up steep hills, not so hot for highway cruising.

If you like your highway speeds where they're at but want a little oomph for off road, look into a dual transfer case, a set of 4.7 gears for your existing case, or both.

I don't know about your 3vze, but my 22re likes high RPMs. Even with my after market cam, most of my power seems to be 3000-3500 rpm.
 
The 3vzes like the lower rpms. And the tcase is chain driven. So to do 4.7s, your looking at swapping in a top shift case and you need an adapter plate for that. It gets expensive quick.

What gears are in the truck now? Dropping down one range probably wont be as bad on the highway as you think, but will be noticeable. Also, what size tire are you running?
 
So I can change the gears just in my transfer case so I get more torque in 4x4? My engine def likes the higher rpms too, I just like to keep them low on the highway.
 
Hyde802 said:
The 3vzes like the lower rpms. And the tcase is chain driven. So to do 4.7s, your looking at swapping in a top shift case and you need an adapter plate for that. It gets expensive quick.
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Well, no wonder nobody likes your silly 3.0 then.

94Runner4 said:
So I can change the gears just in my transfer case so I get more torque in 4x4? My engine def likes the higher rpms too, I just like to keep them low on the highway.
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Apparently not, I misled you. All the cool kids have top-shift gear-driven cases, but not you.
 
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I don't know what gears are in it now. I'm pretty sure there stock. My rig has the tow package which I'm assuming came with slightly lower gears and I'm running 31 bfg at's
 
94Runner4 said:
I don't know what gears are in it now. I'm pretty sure there stock. My rig has the tow package which I'm assuming came with slightly lower gears and I'm running 31 bfg at's
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Your door sticker has a code to tell you what rear end is in it. Google for the code axle information.
 
94Runner4 said:
I don't know what gears are in it now. I'm pretty sure there stock. My rig has the tow package which I'm assuming came with slightly lower gears and I'm running 31 bfg at's
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To know for sure, jack one side of the rear into the air, spin the tire forward twice, and count the number of times the driveshaft turns.
 
Sorry for the huge pic.. Do you know which is the axle/gear code?
 

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i think its the G284, you have an 8 inch diff, 4.3 gearing, 4 pinion open diff.

Gearratiosanddiffs

maybe look for the code G254. thats what i had before i went to 4.88's, which is G144, and i will admit that i preferred the 4.56's for highway use but i have lots of power with the 4.88's. if you want to swap out you gears id look for the 4.56's, they are more available than the factory 4.88's, i think you will be happy. i just sold my old set to my uncle to replace his 4.3's.

look for guys who are parting out their rigs, some dont know what they have and might give you a better price. thats how i got my 4.88's guy sold me the complete ifs front and rear axle for $300. make sure you check the codes first!!!
 
well with 33" tires my speedo was spot on with the 4.56's not sure about 31's. as for me i swapped out 4.10's for the 4.56's and it was a night and day difference. same with the 4.56's to the 4.88's just not as much. you will be able to feel the difference as soon as you take off, you might add another 100-300 rpm on highway speeds. i think i added 250 ish going 75mph from 4.56's to 4.88's. i dont like how the 4.88's are with 33's, i plan on getting 35's when i have to buy tires next. kinda miss my 4.56's... o well.
 
plus if you run 4.56's you can always be on the look out for a diff with a factory locker out of a late 90's toyota. they made them in 4.56's but not 4.88's. that would make a world of difference for mild wheeling.
 
Before we get too excited, understand that even with 4.56 and a 3.slo (like me) you will not see anything amazing on the highway. Now offroad, it is awesome. With the addition of the rear locker there is no where I can't go offroad. 4Lo allows me to climb some wicked things.

The 3.0 will never give you power in 4th or 5th gear. It is just not there to give. Gears 1-3? Great!
 
agreed! so... the weak spot seems to be the 3.0.... atleast for high way driving. go swap it out for a 3.4 and then you wont need to regear it haha
 
I still say its the Auto. My 92 pickup 5speed had 4.30s and 33 and I could be in 5th gear all day on the highway.
 
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