Thoughts on 4.11-4.56 gears with an H55F (1 Viewer)

[HemiAlex]

I’m contemplating changing my ratios up as a refresh on the truck and to give it some additional help moving around. I did light/medium trails with my 3.70 open gears and stock split case ratio and I was impressed. I need a locker more than gearing, but it seems reasonable to take the move to 4.11 to help the 300,000 2F feel less strained.

I just wasn’t happy with the downhill portions of the trails. In 4L, first was 2500 rpm and really slow, 2nd was better but I had to ride the brakes a ton. I didnt hurt or warp anything but it was nerve racking to be on them that much.

The truck is daily driven and I’m averaging 350 miles a week. 4:1/overdrive t case gears aren’t out of the question with 4.56 or 3:1 and 4.11 but I just had the split case redone by georg and it’s working perfectly.

I’ll likely put an arb locker in the rear.

I don’t mind cruising at 70 instead of eighty. I can tolerate about a 2700 rpm cruise easily.

What should I do?

 

[Godwin]

With 4.11s and 33s you can run 70 mph at 2500 in 5th. Can't give an answer regarding the low range benefits in rocky terrain like the photo. I've had the 60 in steep, rocky situations and low range and 1st gear was adequate.

 

[JTU]

Stock 2f? I just swapped from 3:73s to 4:11s in my h55 60. I now can use 5th gear and with 33s the speedo is correct. I don’t remember my Rpms but I can find out.

 

[Willard]

I believe the standard for 33" and a H55 is 4:11 gears. Everyone who had this setup during my initial research are very happy with the setup.

Also remember this thread
gears for FJ-60

Look at the gearing calculators on there. It should help you out.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

33s, 4.11s and the H55F is a great setup for city/highway. IMO, it is a little off for trails though. I seemed to be constantly shifting between 1st and 2nd gears. So, its a give and take like most things.

Or throw some more money at it and get a ToyBox too.

J

 

[JTU]

I pulled my 416 trailer loaded the other day and did notice it had a noticeable power loss even with 4:11s. I don’t have any hills around where I live but I’d say pulling a trailer is my equivalent to driving in hills/mountains. I could definitely see wanting lower gears than 4:11 if you live in the mountains.

 

[DickM]

33s, 4.11s and the H55F is a great setup for city/highway. IMO, it is a little off for trails though. I seemed to be constantly shifting between 1st and 2nd gears. So, its a give and take like most things.

This sums up my experience very accurately. It really is a good overall compromise. For improved trail performance I am looking at TC gearing from Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters for next year.

 

[OSS]

The stock 3:70 gears pushing 33" tires with a 2F is a horrible match in my opinion. Gutless. 4:11s will get you back to something civilized. In my opinion, 31s are the max size to use with the stock gears.
But if you're serious about not getting stuck out in the boonies (or being able to climb a steep hill) budget in an ARB locker as well.

 

[Boss Hog]

I’ve been pondering this same conundrum ever since I got my 60. I had 33s on my Pig and the gearing was 4.11 if I remember correctly. It hauled ass (relatively speaking). My 60 with 31s and 3.73s feels wimpy in comparison. Offroad is fine (feels perfect, actually) but going up and over highway mountain passes is a lesson in patience. I’m thinking gearing AND a tbi to get over Vail pass...coming out of Salt Lake is a b*tch too!

 

[HemiAlex]

I honestly don’t mind the performance with the 3.70 gears. The first gear of the h55f is nice, but it pains me to do an upgrade of the locker and then stay at the same ratio.

 

[franklin40]

i had 4:56 when i swapped in my h55. i run 33 inch tires and found that i was reving higher than i likes and couldn’t get over 120km/hr to pass on the hwy without feeling like i was going to blow up. 4:11smfixed it and i wouldn’t go back. it just feels right. go 4:11

 

[NookShneer]

I honestly don’t mind the performance with the 3.70 gears. The first gear of the h55f is nice, but it pains me to do an upgrade of the locker and then stay at the same ratio.

I’d borrow a 4.11 diff from someone and throw it in the rear axle and drive it around town. If it feels good go that route. I think you’ll find it to be a good choice. If it’s not enough low gearing, order a 3:1 or 4:1 kit and see if Georg has a spare back half of a split case to get machined. Then send him your back half and reduce the truck down time. Then set-it up yourself.

The with 4:1, h55, 4:11’s Third gear is about where 1st is on a stock 60 with 3.70’s and h41. So that would give you 2 additional lower gears.

Locker options. Spartan is inexpensive and you can do it yourself, the on road manners take a little getting use to. Otherwise, your in for an ARB. Or a fullfloat and a Harrop.

 

[Willard]

I’d borrow a 4.11 diff from someone and throw it in the rear axle and drive it around town. If it feels good go that route.

Yep if you were closer @HemiAlex I would lend you the one or ones I have on my shelf (I have a complete front and rear). They will not go into my rig until at least the beginning of spring. I think shipping would be a killer though.