Tacoma gearing question

[tbbarber]

I have a 98 tacoma. How do I find out what gearing I have? It has a 2.7L, manual tans, I pull a tent trailer and it struggles taking off in first. I would like to gear it lower but don't know where to start. Can anyone help me?

[Jacket]

From the TTORA Tech section for 95-04 Tacomas:

The axle code for your rig can be found on the manufacture's sticker located on the driver's side door jamb as follows:
First digit:

• A = 7.5" ring gear
• B = 8" ring gear

Next two digits:

• 01 = 3:42
• 02 = 3:58
• 03 = 4:10
• 04 = 4:56
• 05 = 3:15
• 06 = 3:91
• 07 = 4.30

Last digit:

• A = 2 Pinion, Open
• B = 4 Pinion, Open
• C = 2 Pinion OEM Limited Slip

some '98-00 models have shown a BO code of "???" on the door plate; so far this turns out to be a 3.91 gear ratio, at least for the 5sp. RZN171L-CRPDKAB with factory 31s/265s should be 4.56 with the AT.
Edit by Ed Quinones on 10-7-05: I used to own a 99 Prerunner ext cab 2.7L with auto tranny and gear code of B07A. It came from the factory with a 4.56 gear ratio.

[tbbarber]

Thanks for the help. I will check the code and see what I have.

[tbbarber]

Ok my axle code is B03A, which means 8" pinion gear, 4:10, 2 pinion, open. what do you recommend? 5th gear is pretty much useless in my truck. So I would like to gear it lower. get me a little more staring off power when pulling my trailer.

[tntoyota]

Originally Posted by tbbarber

Ok my axle code is B03A, which means 8" pinion gear, 4:10, 2 pinion, open. what do you recommend? 5th gear is pretty much useless in my truck. So I would like to gear it lower. get me a little more staring off power when pulling my trailer.

And I just know you got the stock size tire on there right?


We know: its got 150 h.p, its 5speed, you tow a relatively light trailer....


We dont know: trailer weight, truck weight, wheel and tire combination..

[tbbarber]

trailer weights around 2000lbs. Trucks GVWR is 5100lbs. stock wheels with BFG all-terrians 30x9.50-15

[tntoyota]

Originally Posted by tbbarber

trailer weights around 2000lbs. Trucks GVWR is 5100lbs. stock wheels with BFG all-terrians 30x9.50-15

BFG's (I love'em) are heavy as he#$ though, nearly sucked the life (and 100 miles per tank) out of my beloved 91 4x.... 400mi to tank, add 30/9.50's and wallah!, 100 miles LESS per tank!...and less power


steel wheels?



hmmm, I guess you could use these....
(but I wouldn't)

[Jetboy]

If you could find a 4runner or taco at a salvage yard to pull the gears out of, I think going to 4.30 would make a noticeable difference. I've got 4.30's in my 4runner, and it feels, at least in the seat of the pants, noticeably better than others I have driven with 4.10's. I don't know whether it'd be worth the money though. Depending on cost, I might be looking into trading your truck for one with a 3.4. When I was looking for my 4runner I was also considering a tacoma. I didn't notice a huge difference in price between the 4cyl and v6. I think that would be your best bet if you tow a lot. Otherwise, maybe a turbo or supercharger would be money better spent than on gears. I don't know what's available, but maybe just a computer chip and intake would get you there?

FWIF I do have a 3.4l auto, but it's also a 4runner and I run 265/70/17's which are about 32" tall and tow my sailboat with no problems. It probably weights about 2000 lbs.

[d0ubledown]

if youve got the 8" rear in your taco, youve got the TRD flavour. the non trd's have the 8.4" ring. id be willing to bet that youve got the 4.10's as the 4.3's came in with the slushbox.

if youre going to regear and not go too big in tires, 4.56's should be good for you. it may be a bit higher revving at cruising speeds. or like jetboy mentioned, you could find a 4runner ltd or taco DC w/ elocker and get both front & rear diffs. those came with the 4.30 gears.

[tbbarber]

The wheels are the stock aluminum ones. Thinking of going to steel though. To my knowledge its not a TRD but is an SR5 if that makes a difference. Im not super worried about gas mileage. It gets 20MPG now and has 200k miles. I think first thing im gonna do, is replace the motor and head work.

[cali-cruiser]

any + or - for swapping an 8" ring B### for an 7.5" A### gear set.

[Mars]

Originally Posted by cali-cruiser

any + or - for swapping an 8" ring B### for an 7.5" A### gear set.

Might want to start a new thread on the topic?

[Mars]

Originally Posted by tbbarber

The wheels are the stock aluminum ones. Thinking of going to steel though. To my knowledge its not a TRD but is an SR5 if that makes a difference. Im not super worried about gas mileage. It gets 20MPG now and has 200k miles. I think first thing im gonna do, is replace the motor and head work.

Sounds to me like gearing isn't going to be your problem here. From how you described it, I was sure you were trying to push 33" tires or something.

All things considered, if you are wanting to for sure keep the truck and not trade it in for something newer with the v6...the engine work might be your best bet. Putting in a lightly used v6 out of a junkyard yourself would get you the power you need for likely less than it would cost to regear.

[tbbarber]

Yeah. As I have looked more into it, a rebuild is going to be a better solution. Thanks for all the info!

[79coyotefrg]

Originally Posted by tbbarber

Yeah. As I have looked more into it, a rebuild is going to be a better solution. Thanks for all the info!

towing anything and trying to use 5th gear is just stupid

[rpegan70]

TTORA - Gear Codes - Faq
edit- sorry, didn't see someone already posted this

[tntoyota]

if you spent money on the bolt on power you'd get better mpg when your not pulling with it.

low gears will = when your not in tow.


Toyota's aren't exactly tow rigs. Hp and trq #'s aside I dont expect much from them I look at them as DD, mpg and highly dependable off roader's

that and I think your just letting it get to you, everybody everywhere wants a 400hp 20 mpg rig but it aint out there....