bpeterson

Here's the deal:

I am running an '86 4runner 22re 5 speed 4WD with bigger than stock 31" tires and a stock differential gear ratio of 4.10. After doing research, I have found that a 4.56 differential gear ratio would be more appropriate for my tire size. So I picked up a 4.56 V6 front and rear third member and am ready to install - however, I think my transmission is on it's way out. It's a w56, has 216K original miles on it, and is making the infamous whirring bearing noise in all gears but 4th. I'm not sure how far gone it is, and the recommendation from my mechanic is to keep running it until it goes out completely - my question is, will re-gearing the rear axle to 4.56 help, or hurt the transmission in it's current state? I understand it makes the motor work less up hills, but will increase RPMs as well, so I'm just looking for a concise explanation of what impact I can expect re-gearing to have, if any, on the transmission. Thanks everybody