Factory 4.88's
 

Hey There,

I've been lurking around here for a while, and finally came to a question that i can't definitively find an answer for.

I'm in the process of building up my '94 4runner 3.0auto, and was about to tear my front and rear diffs apart to start getting ready for an arb locker in both, and a new set of gears.

then i came across some factory 4.88 info, and it stopped me in my tracks.

so, a couple questions i'm hoping one of you could help me out with.

- with this engine/transmission setup, and the intent to run 35's, should i stick to the 4.88's, or should i be looking at a set of 5.29s

- if so, i understand the rear 3rd member housing is different on diffs with the factory 4.88 gearing, (i have a parts truck i can scavenge a 3rd from to build with 5.29's) but is the front housing any different, or can i just bolt the 5.29 r&p in?

thanks for the help!

It really depends on what your using it for, people run 4.88s and 35s all the time but i'd keep the width down to like 12.50 and if your highway driving keep the 4.88s.

With a 3.0 L and an auto trans I would go for a 5.29. I have run 4.88 gears in 3.4 L drivetrains and it is great with a 35. But the 3.0 with an auto trans has significantly less power so I would drop it a little lower and do a 5.29. I know that might be a pain with the carriers you talked about, but it will probly make you more happy in the long run..

For the Auto/35's you'll need 5.71. The OD is 0.70 to one, without the taller gear OD is useless. You'll need to use your parts truck 3rd for the regear....

As for the front, you can just bolt it in, but I would suggest using the parts truck one as well, then you can make a bit of cash selling the front diff and matching 3rd to someone looking for 4.88 gears - there are a few out there!

What about a 22R with 35s? What would you guys recommend 5.29 or 4.88? And its my DD.

Ran 35s on my 3VZ-E/A340H with stock 4.56s and it was a little tall but I could easily maintain 70-75 on the highway. Wasn't terrible around town either.