Stock gearing early 88 FJ62?

[ramble59]

I’ve had my cruiser (FJ62) for about 8-9 years now, I previously ran 31’s and just switched to 32's. My setup remains the same 2” lift, w/stock trans and stock 3FE, performance exhaust, and zero cats. Like all 62’s it’s no speed demon but with the 32’s it seems to lag more than before. I just returned from Mammoth and it drove great but most of the time I couldn’t keep it in overdrive and through the passes I was in 2nd gear. On the flat roads it runs perfect and downhill is fantastic...but if I look at an uphill grade it lags. I’ve never had any issues on my last FJ62 because I left it completely stock.

I've been reading a lot about changing the gearing but everyone seems to have their own opinion about what works best. Does this sound like a gearing issue? I’m not sure if it makes a difference on gearing but it’s a 02/88 FJ62. I can't find a clear answer on stock gearing I've read its either 3.73 or 4.11...which is it and what should/could it be?
Suggestions welcomed!

 

[slcfj62]

Stock gearing is 4.11. You could go to 4.88 gearing which would give more engine revs for the same speed. Funny that going from 31 to 32 would make that big of a difference. I think it would be cheaper to go back to 31s unless you need the ground clearance.

 

[RockDoc]

What rpm does it upshift at when you are hard on the throttle? Have you ever adjusted the throttle cable and transmission throttle cable? The power of these beasts (mine at least) is most evident between 3000 and 4000 rpm, so if it's upshifting too soon, you'll never see much of it.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

The FJ62 is very sensitive to tire size.

I went from stock tires to 31s and thought it went from pretty good (for a Land Cruiser) to a real dog.

In this case, you are well out of the optimal power range with 32 inch tires, and 4.88 gears would return it pretty close to stock assuming you wich to continue running the 32s.

All FJ62s came with 4.11 gearing.

Alternatively, you could swap in a 5 speed tranny and keep the current gearing. The 5 speed with 4.11 gears and 32 inch tires would be just about perfect.

 

[Front Range 4x4]

Alternatively, you could swap in a 5 speed tranny and keep the current gearing. The 5 speed with 4.11 gears and 32 inch tires would be just about perfect.

I run the 5 speed, 4:11's and 35's and it's fine. 4:88's would be better but it's pretty damned good as it is.

 

[CruisinFJ60]

I wouldnt go to 4.88's unless you go to 33's at a minimum and really 35's would be like stock with 4.88's. with the 32's you could switch to 4.56's but it would be slightly lower than stock with 33's it would be like stock with the 4.56's

if you dont wheel i wouldnt bother going from the stock 4.11's to 4.56's.

 

[FJ40_Nut]

I've got 33" on two FJ62s and stock 4.11s. I've just learned to be patient. And also make sure a tune up and the throttle kick down cable is properly adjusted. This makes a world of difference. I've been running this way for over 10 years. Once the tranny goes out, I'm likely going to a five speed. But who knows when that will be.

 

[ramble59]

The KD cable is adjusted and shifts great, when climbing grades it shifts into 3rd around 3500 then lags again.

I thought it was tuned well but maybe I should revisit that along with a compression check.

What about adding an air intake system like this TLC Parts along with new headers Land Cruiser Performance Header for 3F FJ62/80 - JTOutfitters?

Would there be much gain with these additions or a time/money waster?

 

[RockDoc]

Money wasters. You already have a pretty good cold air intake and very good manifolds.

Even though my truck looks like a skateboard, this is why I like running stock tires on road. If you are feeling spendy, you might look at the extreme valve body for the transmission. I put one in my truck a couple or three years ago and love it. Quicker, more "intelligent" shifts, and lock up in 3rd gear above the same speed as in OD.

Ultimately I think it comes down to tire/gearing combo, or an engine with more torque. I'm hoping that once I get my 2FE together, my truck will handle 33s like they are 29s and I can bump up my on road tire size.

 

[Tofudebeest]

I am on 31"s, the H55F and 4.11s (being pushed by a 2H). I don't need such a slow crawl and want better highway legs.

I will replace my meats with 33"s within a year and want to know if I will want to go down to 3.73s or if I will be happy with the stock running gears.

 

[RAMZ]

tires or gears

If you can turn a wrench and pull your third members yourself
you can save alot of money.
that being said, remember to buy seals, bearings maybe brakes
for the rear axel.
front knuckle kit ( all seals and gaskets and knuckle bearings)
axel bearings.
and most important FSM..
I am not trying to scare you but if you are going to invest in
gears and you will have it apart anyway.
better to do it now than have to take it apart AGAIN and do it later..
just my 2cents.. good luck..keep us posted.. RAMZ