How tall?

[Mr. Leary]

Alright, so I'm still on the fence about what gear sets to install in the 4Runner...

The facts:

-I drive like grandma, so lets just get that out in the open before the argument starts. Highway speed for me is around 62-65 most of the time.

-I usually pull my trailer when I drive the 4Runner.

-Right now I leave the OD off all the time because I like how it drives with a little more spin (4.10 gears)

-I've had lots of buddies tell me to go with 4.88s or I'll be sorry on the highway, but I don't drive as fast as they do, and I'm usually the only one pulling a trailer.


So... 4.88s or 5.29s?

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[sasaholic]

5.29's without a doubt. rpm difference is only like 200 difference and the power and crawl speed difference it quite a bit. ive had both in my truck and wouldnt go back to 4.88's. plus ur rig is heavy so just one more reason to go to 5.29's. btw im running 35's now, but have ran the 5.29's with 235 85 16's and it still wasnt crazy on the freeway and i cruised just fine at 75

 

[xcmountain80]

I'm going to have to say 4.88's with 33's (295.75.16), 65-68 mph @ 2300 rpm's 70mpg pushes to 2500 rpm's. Slow accel similar to you, 16-18mpg avg in FL with ethanol blend varrying and having a major effect. I have talke dto folks with 5.29's and they just seem a bit tall. On the flat lands the cruise control doesn't have to drop down when I come to bridges. When in mountain states I still have enough power to maintain 45mph up hill on steep grades without pushing her to hard. I went from 4.10-4.56-4.88 I feel these are the best match for my setup. I wheel and while the lower gearing the 5.29 would offer in those situations was not enough to warrant such a change in highway drivability.

A

 

[TangoBlue]

Need a couple more facts about the vehicle... engine, transmission, added weight (armor). Do you intend to tow; suspension modifications?

 

[CYi5]

Need a couple more facts about the vehicle... engine, transmission, added weight (armor). Do you intend to tow; suspension modifications?

x2. Would give input, but a little too tired to go on a scavenger hunt atm.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Loaded for a trip my truck weighs in at around 5500 lbs (with two people and two large pups), and I usually pull my trailer, which weighs in at a little under 1000 lbs. loaded.

My Build Thread.

3.4L V6. 1999 4Runner. 3" total lift, heavily armored. Very heavy 4Runner, with Tundra brakes, heavy load suspension, and reinforced frame.

I run 255/85/R16s tires, so a tall 33.

 

[corax]

If you plan on going no bigger with the tires, I would say 4.88 should put you near stock final ratio taking tire size into account with the speedo somewhat accurate. If you plan on pulling heavier loads through hilly areas somewhat frequently, go with the lower gearing (5.29). If you plan to upsize tires later, go with the lower gearing. If you plan on adding more gear to the truck or loading the roof rack up, go with the lower gearing.

One thing to keep in mind is that your question is purely geared toward street use. If you're looking for better control offroad you want to talk about gearing your transfer case lower, not your differentials.
For example
xfer case ratio (I'm assuming 2.28) x rear diff = final gear ratio (trans in direct drive, a/t in D or m/t 4th gear)
2.28 x 4.10 = 9.348
2.28 x 4.88 = 11.126
2.28 x 5.29 = 12.061
4.7 x 4.10 = 19.27 - off road crawl ratio is affected much more by xfer case gearing

 

[Mr. Leary]

If you plan on going no bigger with the tires, I would say 4.88 should put you near stock final ratio taking tire size into account with the speedo somewhat accurate. If you plan on pulling heavier loads through hilly areas somewhat frequently, go with the lower gearing (5.29). If you plan to upsize tires later, go with the lower gearing. If you plan on adding more gear to the truck or loading the roof rack up, go with the lower gearing.

One thing to keep in mind is that your question is purely geared toward street use. If you're looking for better control offroad you want to talk about gearing your transfer case lower, not your differentials.
For example
xfer case ratio (I'm assuming 2.28) x rear diff = final gear ratio (trans in direct drive, a/t in D or m/t 4th gear)
2.28 x 4.10 = 9.348
2.28 x 4.88 = 11.126
2.28 x 5.29 = 12.061
4.7 x 4.10 = 19.27 - off road crawl ratio is affected much more by xfer case gearing

I don't plan on going any bigger, nor smaller with tire size. I am very happy with the 255/85/16 size.

I do pull heavy loads through hilly areas frequently.

I actually like the stock transfer case gears. I don't crawl much, but have found that the slush box does pretty well as slow speeds if needed. Transfer case gears seem to be much more important to those with manual transmissions. So yes, the gears are more for on road use, which is the only place I am having issues with power.

 

[CA-RJ]

For the weight of your 4Runner loaded and the speeds you drive on the freeway, I think 5.29's would be best for you. Remember that Scott Brady ran 5.29's on his heavily modified double cab Tacoma with 255's and loved it.

 

[jim65wagon]

I'd have to say that with the towing you'll be happier with the 5.29s....of course you'll need to take that with a grain of salt: I have no direct experience with the 3.4 in a loaded 4Runner - I'm just guessing.