Re-gearing for 255/85/16????

[Andrew Costa]

I have a 97 4runner limited 4wd with E-locker. Im looking at purchasing a 255/85/16 mud-terrain and I am about to install a 3" lift kit. I was wondering if I am going to need to regear or will my stock gearing be sufficiant??? Let me know guys! I appreciate all input and opinions!!! FYI. Ill be doing only light wheeling and ill be riding on roads quite a bit in between trails. This is my weekend ride not a daily ride.

 

[Andrew Costa]

I did forget to mention that this is the 3.4 V6 just to make sure there is no confusion.

 

[fish0281]

I noticed my brakes more than anything when I went to 285/75's... so with that in mind, I am perfectly happy with my stock gearing. I also can't justify the $$$ to regear.

 

[TheSixShooter]

I'm by no means an expert on if you should re-gear or not. But I just lifted mine and added 255/85 MT and I have no plans to re-gear. I didn't notice a substantial loss in power and don't feel the need for it myself.

 

[MattedMatt]

You should be fine with the stock gearing, especially if its not a DD. A lot of guys on here run 285/75/16s which are just a little bit wider and they seem to be fine. It's when you get into 35s that you need to start thinking about that.

 

[vthokie]

I have a 3 inch lift with 255/85/16's and I dd my 4Runner. I noticed a little loss in power, but it isn't anything bad. I don't think it is necessary to re-gear. If you have the money and want to then go for it, but you could just drive it as it is.

 

[Andrew Costa]

Thanks for all the feedback!

 

[thor999]

2.5" OME lift, 265 MTR's, in the foothills of Colorado, and have NO NEED to regear

 

[gotopless]

Im only running 265/75/16 and I noticed loss in stopping power and speed. My truck almost forgot how to go 80mph. But if its not your dd I wouldnt worry about it unless you find nice used gears.

 

[hungryeddy]

Im only running 265/75/16 and I noticed loss in stopping power and speed. My truck almost forgot how to go 80mph. But if its not your dd I wouldnt worry about it unless you find nice used gears.

i think the gears are the cheap part... its the installation that sucks you dry.

as they said above, you should be fine with stock gears... you might notice a little power loss and stopping power loss - nothing tundra brakes can't fix.

drive it around for a while with the new tires. you might not even like them and want to go bigger. once you know how your truck handles the tires, you can make a more informed decision. my 2 cents

 

[chuck norris]

The E-locker means you have 4.30s, which are okay with 33s. I'd personally want to swap to 4.56 gears but if you don't want to spend the money...

 

[Toyotacolin]

It's funny you asked this, I just did the swap to 255-85-16s this last week. First I love the look and the traction over my old set up. ( I just did the SS 1.2 lift too) but yes I feel the difference. HOWEVER I live at 7,000 feet and my drive is from there down to 4k feet and back on a 7% grade or so. My truck can barely maintain 50mph in 3rd with OD off, in two spots it will down shift to 2nd now. Now my truck has had a hard life and has 235k, so its down on power as it is. I also noticed a big difference in breaking so far. I was thinking about a re-gear until I learned about what is involved in doing it. So I'm going to say its liveable as long as you don't have any crazy climbs to do, or live at 13k feet!

EDIT- I too have the 4.30 e-locked rear.

Here is my test run picture from this weekend. (still working on the front bumper)