For the record and others considering a gear change -- here's my experience. I couldn't be happier with the gear change to 5.29 for my 2.7/AT/33 inch tire combination. I've done about 300 miles mixed highway/back roads since the swap and it feels like the stock set-up. As you know the 2.7 is no rocket but I can accelerate briskly now as opposed to building up momentum.
I struggled with what gear size to go with from stock 4.56 - I only want to re-gear once ($). I thought 4.88 was the way to go until I researched more. The web charts all make you think this, but they weren't contrived based on our engines, transmission and weight (with off-road mods). Smarter guys than I also say the same thing - 5.29 with the 3RZ/AT/weight issue. The shop/guys (whom I also wheel with and know my truck) that did the install (Iron Pig Off-Road, Fredericksburg, VA) all agreed during our test drive that it feels like a different truck. My gas mileage also went up 3 mpg in the tank I burned after the gear install. Thanks again Vince and Cam!
With the addition of the gears we installed an ARB rear air locker and compressor and did a U-bolt flip and shock tabs from Ruff Stuff Specialties. But the greatest contributor to the ride were the Demello frame reinforcement plates - holy cow - what a solid ride. The suspension is REALLY doing the work now as opposed to the frame flexing and transmitting the ride to the driver.
I'll post back how these changes fare after the BBRC Fall Crawl, 2-3 OCT 09, Rausch Creek Off Road Park, PA.
I struggled with what gear size to go with from stock 4.56 - I only want to re-gear once ($). I thought 4.88 was the way to go until I researched more. The web charts all make you think this, but they weren't contrived based on our engines, transmission and weight (with off-road mods). Smarter guys than I also say the same thing - 5.29 with the 3RZ/AT/weight issue. The shop/guys (whom I also wheel with and know my truck) that did the install (Iron Pig Off-Road, Fredericksburg, VA) all agreed during our test drive that it feels like a different truck. My gas mileage also went up 3 mpg in the tank I burned after the gear install. Thanks again Vince and Cam!
With the addition of the gears we installed an ARB rear air locker and compressor and did a U-bolt flip and shock tabs from Ruff Stuff Specialties. But the greatest contributor to the ride were the Demello frame reinforcement plates - holy cow - what a solid ride. The suspension is REALLY doing the work now as opposed to the frame flexing and transmitting the ride to the driver.
I'll post back how these changes fare after the BBRC Fall Crawl, 2-3 OCT 09, Rausch Creek Off Road Park, PA.
