1990arizona4runner

I own a 1985 4Runner, 22RE, 5-Speed with 63" chevy springs, lockers front and rear including 437 gears. I love the truck but when I go wheelin I have some issues going over larger obsticles. So heres my options;
1) But a ready-to-run transfer case with a 4.70:1 gear ratio
2) Install a dual transfer case marlin crawl box with a 2.88:1 gear

The Dual transfer case set-up would get me a 5.20 ratio which is better than the 4.70 but it is a little more costly and involves getting a shorter drive shaft. I would like to know if anyone runs with either of these set-ups and would like to know what they think. Is the difference between the 5.20 and the 4.70 really that big of a difference?
Heres the link to Marlin: http://www.marlincrawler.com/htm/tra...ickup_dual.htm
Help me figure this one out guys. Whatever the majority is I will probably go with.

AxleIke

I ran a 4.7 case before installing my second case.

The 4.7 case was awesome on obstacles, not so much in between.

Why comprimise? Get the 4.7 and the 2.28. I love it. Its exactly what the doctor ordered.

ozrunner

I plan on going the 4.7 at some stage because it seems pretty cheap and easy, but I can see myself using H4 a lot.

I'm interested to hear what experienced others say.

AxleIke

You will use high range, but not terribly so.

In low range, you can actually wind it out pretty good with a manual tranny. Figure to get up to 15 to 25 miles per hour you'll be at 4-5k RPMs.

Its an easy mod, can be done in a weekend no problem. Using Marlin's site, its easy.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Dual cases would be a better option as far as flexibility. You still get stock low range and then a lower range if needed. I like stock low range as it essentially splits the transmission gearing in half and with two low ranges, you can pick a gear range that allows you to shift the transmission to go up or down in ratio as needed. With a single 4.7 case, you get low range 1-2-3-4-5 then high range 1-2-3-4-5. If you get onto easier terrain where stock low range would be good, you'll be in 4.7 low range in 4th or 5th gear a lot, then have to stop, shift into high range and use 1 and 2 and back if the terrain changes. Also, with 2 cases, you get a "free" 2L mode which has its own uses. Not all that expensive to change driveshaft lengths, and getting a longer front driveshaft is a good thing, as it cuts down on the angle of the shaft.

1990arizona4runner

Thanks guys I appreciate all the feedback so far. At first I was leaning towards the dual t-cases but now I am looking towards the 4.70. I also found out that the crossmember for the dual cases is around $200.00; unless someone on this site has the dimensions for a homemade one.

Keep the comments comin.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

You can run dual cases with the stock crossmember, just clearance the top of the stocker for the front drive shaft CV joint.

jmazoso

I've got the clocked adaptor and it works just fine with the stock crossmember. I'm going to get a BudBuilt before fall, but that's just cause I'm trying to gain some more clearance and clean up my belly.

I thought about putting in 4.7's, but went with the duals instead. Just gives you more options, and you can always get a gear kit later if you need more low range in the future. You end up with a similar crawl ratio with stock gears and duals as you do with the 4.7's, but again, more options. Besides, having 2Low is great. I have ended up using it alot. It'sw great out on the trail to keep in the right rpm range.

myyota

I would recomend an inchworm duel transfer case with 5.7 gears, in my opinion its a better set up than the marlin case and its only 650.00 dollars. several people that i know have them in there 4Runners and they work great. most of the wheeling we do is on the rubicon and we have never had any problems at all

muddpigg

iTrader: (1)

I put the 4.7 in last year, loved the additional capabilities of super low. The thing that I didn't like is the lack of options inbetween low and high. I chose the 4.7 for ease of install, a year later. My skills have increased and I installed a crawler box. Right now I'm running on the front drive shaft, till I get my rear suspenion set up like I want it then I'll have the rear drive shaft made.

AxleIke

The Inchworm set up is awesome.

However, not quite accurate on the price, as far as I know.

650 is for the adapter plate and a reduction box. You have to add 450 bucks for the gears.

Thats about the same cost as the Marlin, depending on where you get your reduction box from.

Inchworm is a great company to deal with. I personally like Marlin because I've been treated so well by them.

ozrunner

What about other brands of gears? I'm in australia so I feel kinda limited to ebay to get cheap parts from the states.

trail creeper 4.7 gears for $330 all over ebay. any good?

1990arizona4runner

I checked into the trail tamer gears that are around $400, but I figured that for $700 I could get the t-case with the gears already in it. I've never rebuilt a t-case so am a little hesitant to do so.

1990arizona4runner

I just checked out Inchworms website and their t-cases don't look half bad. They actually offer a little more ratio options than Marlin. I do have a question though; if I get a whole new t-case can I get it with a 23 spline shaft? Do I have to change anything in the tranny?

muddpigg

iTrader: (1)

Check on Marlins site to answer you 23 spline input. If you don't have an R-series tranny you don't need/can't use a 23 sline. IE: 22ret or 3.0 motors. Marlin comes with heavier bearings if that matter to you. There's really not much of a difference of the gears. Once again check Marlins site and forumn also check pirates4x4 faqs, there's articles written on the difference. I went with Marlin's but bought it used, saved a ton of cash, found it on craigslist.

muddpigg

iTrader: (1)

I went with Sky manufactoring, got it off craigslist too, was brand new. watch the classifieds with fuel prices like they are people are selling everything. But if'n your down under really don't know if thats the best option for you.

scottd

Assuming you have the original transmission in your truck, you will need to get the transfer case with a 21 spline input shaft. As stated above, only the later V6 trucks and 4 cyl turbos used the 23 spline input.

By the way, I have the Marlin Crawler 4.7 transfer case in my '79 and I am very happy with it. On easier sections of trail I drive in 4-Low and 4th gear. If that's too slow, you can always shift into 4-High. The dual case set-up does give you more gear choices, but to use them you will still be shifting the crawl box from Low/High.

dirtoyboy

Read some of these articles....Marlin is the original and best

http://www.marlincrawler.com/htm/support.htm

1990arizona4runner

Well guys, thanks for all the input on this thread. I talked to Marlin and inchworn and decided to go with the inchworm 5.7:1 ready to run t-case. I could pick it uo for around $600.00 and install it myself in day with no extra mods. That way I have some extra money for some other small things. Marlin had mentioned that the 5.7's were weaker and he didn't recommend them but inchworm said they only had 1 ever break and they replaced it for free. I'll keep everyone updated on how it works out.

muddpigg

iTrader: (1)

Cool, I did the transfer case regearing first. Caution though modifying your truck is like drugs, addictive. But cool.