Regearing T4R

[Fiddynut]

Hey guys. Just looking for some input.
I visited my local ORW to get a quote for regearing my runner. I've got 285/75s and it needs it.
The guy seemed real knowledgeable on the subject. He asked about what type of driving I'd be doing and that they would want to run my vin to see what the factory gearing was.
He suggested 4:56. Total price of $1700 and some change. That's Sierra brand gears (never heard of them) with the install kits front and rear.
I don't know of any other "good" gear shops in San Diego and I don't know of the brand. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[BrandonF]

This topic has been covered many times over. For that kind of money, I would not go to 4.56's. I do not have any first hand experience, but the common consensus seems to be that it's not a noticeable enough difference to be worth that kind of money.

With these trucks, most people stick with stock gearing until they go to 35" tires (315/75/16), at which point they go with 5.29 or 4.88 gearing.

I do agree that you feel you need it though. I am hesitant to go to 285's for that reason. My previous 4runner had 33's with stock gearing and it kind of sucked.

 

[PhdNPrerunners]

If you are going to regear for 285s then I would look into 4.88s. If you go with 4.56s the change would be so minimal that you wouldn't even notice it. If you are going to spend the money then definitely go 4.88s

 

[BigRogers]

So the mechanic is right, but so are the other posts here.

It all depends on what kind of driving you do. If you are running 285's and mostly do all street driving the 4.56's will help with your acceleration, but it will not be a dramatic difference from the stock 4.10's your are running now.
If you wheel the truck I would suggest going to 4.88's. This will put your engine rpms at about 2500 at 70 mph, which isn't horrible and about as fast as i care to drive my lifted truck anyhow.

There are many discussions here as well as other offroad forums regarding the gear manufacturers. I would suggest you do your research and pick a brand that you think is right, not what a mechanic offers. Word to the wise follow the manufacturers break in spec's. I have seen may gear sets fail due to improper break ins.

One other thing to consider, I didn't notice you had any lockers, and if you have ever wanted one, now is the time to drop it in. Most shops will not charge to swap the carrier out if you are re-gearing. Just something to think about.

 

[Doc2012]

I would look into East Coast Gear Supply as well. They MIGHT be a little bit more expensive, but they're worth it. Chase is a great guy to work with.

Stick with 4.88s. On the 4.88s, you can comfortably run up to a 37" tire.

I had 37s and the 4.88s, and it was fine. Running 35s now, and just as fine.

While you're in there, save up and add a locker......

 

[Aznwolf118]

I did the 4.56 thinking that I wanted more of an overland build with 33's.
It barely felt like anything change from 4.10 especially when loaded for a trip.
Also I am on the heavier side, being armored and racked with a roof top tent.

If I were to do it again I would go 4.88 minimum, honestly depending on your set up I might even go 5.29. Each set up is different and at the end you have to decide what your honestly going to use the it for the most.

Freeway rpm is hardly different between 4.56 and 4.88 @70, I think I am just below 2.5k rpm and my co workers 4.88 is just above 2.5k

 

[Fiddynut]

I really appreciate everyone's input.
I don't wheel a lot. I plan on using it as the family truckster for camping up and down the west coast. I would just like it capable to get out further than a stock truck. Later I'm sure my wife will get sick of tent life and want to get a pop up.
It sounds like I should do the 4:88. I have a commuter car so I don't have to daily it. An I know I will probably never go over a 33" tire.

 

[downpour11]

Sierra Gears are good. I have friends running them and a good friend of mine works for them. Haven't heard of any problems with them. Make sure you take it to a guy who knows how to properly set up a diff though.

 

[slowpoke99]

X2 on the Sierra gears! I set up my friends diffs for his truggy running a Detroit front and spooled rear. No problems to date and he's hard on his rig.

 

[tee-bone]

Sorry to not answer your question, but I would like to point out that at $1700 you are probably 2/3 of the way towards paying for a used and rebuilt supercharger.

The SC seems like the better value, and would perk your T4R right up without any high-speed trade-offs. The only disadvantage is the need to run premium fuel, but at today's gas prices another 20 cents doesn't seem that big a deal.