I dont really post questions in the forum since working on toyota's is my everyday job but I thought I would get some insight from anyone here that has upgraded gearing on 3rd gen 4runners with larger tires. My 97 has the 3.4,auto trans with the door sticker saying it came with 225's on 15" rims. I'm now running 33/12.5/15's. From reading the chart on sonoran steel's site and my gear code being VZN185L-GKPGKA, there was 3 gear options. There was 3.90's, 4.10's with the 265's and a 4.30 option. I havent put it up on the rack to truly check my ratio, but am most certain I have the 3.90's since my speedo is about 5-6 mph slower than what it really is. I've done alot of searching here and found quite a bit of info.

I just aquired an older tent trailer and we are going up north to oregon in sept to go camping. Up I-5 there are several long grades going over passes along the way and I know my truck won't be at its best trying to pull it and all of the crap we need to bring. I have been wanting to get a S/C and now that I have the cash to do it, gas prices suck horribly. I thought I would instead change out my gearing for better everyday driving/mileage and now for towing.

I've thought about trying to find some used factory diffs to install but not sure I can find the right ratio for what I want. Im leaning in the direction of either 4.56's or 4.88's. I know that the 4.56's are hard to come by from the factory and the 4.88's arnt offered for the 3rd gens. I'm not set up at home or at work to tear down my diffs, but am plenty able to swap out my diffs. What would you 3rd gen guys do?

 

After seeing your rig in person, I would definitely re-gear rather than get the SC just because of gas prices. And on top of that, you have some very meaty tires which I am jealous of so that's another plus for re-gearing for better gas mileage. Anyhow, sorry I can't help you out in terms of technical re-gearing info but if you ever need a hand whenever you do decide to re-gear, let me know.

 

If your gonna ever trail rig your truck or go bigger than 33 i would do 4.88's, 4.56's are nice with 32"s and the 3rz.

 

It is and will be used more on the street than wheeling for sure. I think 33's are gonna be the biggest I will go for awhile. I just want a good balance for highway driving, mileage and towing