Bigger tires mean re-gearing?

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I'm running a 22re (for now) with 4.88's and 35's. I can run 75 up a pretty good hill and 65 up the same hill with a good headwind. 65's probably the lowest speed if hit when struggling in 5th. 4th gear gives me the power to get back up to 75 if I need to. I've got up to 22mpg but usually run between 16 and 18 with 14 being the worst. This was with just a few easy mods.
 
I'll explain my preferences on gearing.

I started with 31's on stock 4.10 gears.
Then I upgraded to 32's on stock gears.
Then I added 4.88's, power increase wasn't anything to write home about.
Then I upgraded to 35's (which really measure just a hair over 34", btw), power loss wasn't that noticeable.

Theory: I have a 5 speed, so I always have the control to drop it from 4th gear when needed. 4th gear isn't so low that I feel like the motor is going to fly apart on the highway. I rarely have to use 4th though.

5TH GEAR RPM@70MPH = 2869 (Good for MPG/cruising on the highway...basically OD)
4TH GEAR RPM@70MPH = 3375 (Good for POWER and not too hard on engine)

A cam, headers, CAI, etc. can help move your torque band down lower to help with high gear torque. If you have an auto, this could be very helpful.

On the trail, I have plenty of power. I recently burnt up a clutch spinning all 4 in second gear low trying to pull a Ford Ranger out of a hole. If I need more low end, I could go with 4.7's in the case or duals. I am happy with highway manners though, so I won't touch the diffs until I really go up in tires. At that point, highway speeds in such a light truck probably wouldn't be comfortable.
 
PS - The greater the ratio, the fewer the teeth. Less teeth = less mating surface area = less strength = more prone to busted R&P. Strength wise 4.10>4.56>4.88>5.29>5.71.
 
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Went with 31 by 10.50s
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also worth noting, 31s on stock 4.10 gearing will add to wear on your clutch. especially if driving uphill from a stopped position (uphill intersections) is a common part of your commute. though, this is probably more of an issue for us 4runners. i've actually never driven a truck with 31s on 4.10s im sure its a bit less sluggy. so maybe you're better off than i am.
 
i haven't regeared yet and 33's and 411's pretty much sucks. can barely keep it in over drive on the highway. wants to down shift if you stomp on it . manual tranny might be better, but you would still be out side your power curve.
 
Ya my dad told me I would more then likely snap an axel with the stuff I put her through so I went with 31s I pretty much can't tell the difference from my stock 29s. Lol what year is yours? My truck don't have overdrive
 
regearing is a pain in the ass mostly because its so expensive. it is something you only want to do once. there are so many variables out there. a regular cab 4x4 with a 5 speed like yours is the lightest body style toyota made that year. regearing that truck will be way less noticeable than a 4runner of the same year. unless you plan on making it a crawler anytime soon i think you made the right decision. good luck and enjoy your toyota, it looks like a nice truck. i have always liked those regular cab 4x4s.
 
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liveoak said:
regearing is a pain in the ass mostly because its so expensive. it is something you only want to do once. there are so many variables out there. a regular cab 4x4 with a 5 speed like yours is the lightest body style toyota made that year. regearing that truck will be way less noticeable than a 4runner of the same year. unless you plan on making it a crawler anytime soon i think you made the right decision. good luck and enjoy your toyota, it looks like a nice truck. i have always liked those regular cab 4x4s.
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Thanks man it got some problems but she does good for the most part. I was backing off that rock and idk what tire it was but it totally ripped off my front bumper.
 
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