COYS
SILVER Star
What gear ratio should you choose for your Re-Gear (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter HeavyWeight
- Start date
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Stock gearing is extremely high, with a top speed well in excess of 120mph before redline (on stock tires). The engine doesn't have enough power to overcome drag to get to redline, so power is compromised in the search for mpg and the returns are negligible. Not to mention that low fuel economy is something most of us here have come to terms with long ago. I have 37's and 5.29's and have hit 100 mph comfortably (with regards to engine rpm, at least). That combo is 8-9% under the stock ratio. If there were lower gears available, I'd be looking for them in my next build. IMO cruising at 80mph isn't a concern with 35+ tires and 5.29's. If it were, I would have to look at what my truck's intended use is. Cruising down the highway at higher-than-legal speeds? Stock gears and stock tires, no lift, and maybe a trade for an IFS platform. Wheeling, and being able to drive the toy to and from the playpen comfortably? I could, if necessary, keep the speed down a bit on the highway for the benefits of lower gears off-highway. But as has been mentioned, 80mph is an easy cruising speed, even when geared lower than the stock final ratio.
The argument for strength has some validity in theory and possibly in extreme cases, but is not as much of an issue as some people make it out to be if the gears are set up well. Most of the ring/pinion failures I've heard of were definitively traced back to, or suspected to be due to, poor installation.
To the OP's original question- @cruiseroutfit has posted some ratio tables, so you can see which gears (diff and transfer case) and tire combos result in what ratios. Search for cruiser outfitters, gears, or something like that, or he may chime in.
The argument for strength has some validity in theory and possibly in extreme cases, but is not as much of an issue as some people make it out to be if the gears are set up well. Most of the ring/pinion failures I've heard of were definitively traced back to, or suspected to be due to, poor installation.
To the OP's original question- @cruiseroutfit has posted some ratio tables, so you can see which gears (diff and transfer case) and tire combos result in what ratios. Search for cruiser outfitters, gears, or something like that, or he may chime in.
I'm happy w/ 5.29's and 37's.
5.29 on 37s and I'm so glad I went that route. I can't imagine having 4.88 gears and 37s; that would have been instant regret for me. Vehicle is only driven on the weekends.
MoJ
Moderator
lumbee1
Native American
35's and 4.88's here and love this combination. My only regret is not doing it sooner. One of the most expensive mods I've done to the Cruiser and easily the most impactful. I live in NC but want to drive to Arizona again just to experience the long grades with 4.88's instead of the factory gearing.
thatcabledude
GOLD Star
MoJ
Moderator
It would be a rather uneventful experience.He wants to see your noise, vibrations, and harshness.
Well I guess me singing along to music would qualify as harsh.
thatcabledude
GOLD Star
I enjoy the NVH of my stock gears and 35s.
I'm thinking 37s soon, so probably 4.88 next year.
I'm thinking 37s soon, so probably 4.88 next year.
MoJ
Moderator
Cheater
Dandy thread here....
gofast
SILVER Star
6400 lbs loaded and with me in it. Fully armoured, front and rear steel bumpers sliders and 1/4 inch full skid, 4 inch with slee arms, 4.88 about 12% under geared. 35's roof rack and hardshell rtt
Cruises 80 through Idaho all day long
12. 6 mpg consistently if I keep my foot out of it. Also have 25% t-case.
I've gone trail running with a stock geared 80 with only mods being 33's and arb front bumper. Same fuel economy.
Love the t-case gears for slick rock and loose slopes. BUT I'm always tail gunner. I'm slow compared to stock case on trail
Cruises 80 through Idaho all day long
12. 6 mpg consistently if I keep my foot out of it. Also have 25% t-case.
I've gone trail running with a stock geared 80 with only mods being 33's and arb front bumper. Same fuel economy.
Love the t-case gears for slick rock and loose slopes. BUT I'm always tail gunner. I'm slow compared to stock case on trail
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I run 35s w/ 4.88s and I go 85+ on a regular basis. I don't get great gas milage (10 MPG) because my rig is very heavy but it will definitely go fast with this setup.
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Plan ahead, regear once. That's what I did. Went Nitro Gear 5.29s knowing that eventually I'd end up with 37s. Good thing I did also, ended up jumping from 315s to 38s.
