I've got an '89 4x4 pickup with 22re, 5 inches of Superlift, and a few engine mods and was wondering. I'm wanting to put 35's on it and want to know what size gears are recommended (4.88 or 5.29). I realize I will probably need a body lift to fit them under my fender wells. I drive around town mostly and tow my dirtbikes back and forth some in the mountains where it gets a little rough on my 4banger. With that smaller engine what would be best to go with. Also what kind of special tools and how hard it would be for me to install myself, having pretty good mechanical skills. Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Adam

 

Well, let's see if I can help a little.

An example: Steve here on the board has a 3rd Gen with the 2.7L 4-cyl, 5-speed (I think). He is running 33's, and has 5.29 gears. I don't really know what to recommend to you, but just wanted to give you an example.

I wouldn't attempt to install something this critical and exact myself. I definitely think having a competent shop install your gears is a better idea.

 

I have 5.29's in my 95 with a V-6 and 33's.

If I were putting 35's on that rig, I would take 5.29's for sure. If you see a lot of highway time, then 4.88's would keep the revs a little lower, but 5.29's would not be overkill.

Installing gears takes time and experience to know they are right. If you have a bearing press, inch pound torque wrench and dial indicator plus access to someone who will look at your patterns and tell you if they are good, then it would not be insurmountable to do it yourself.

 

Is there a brand anyone would recommend?

 

Precision gears are supposed to be about the best.

 

US Gears are good.

im running 35s with 3.0v6 at 456... i kno lotsa ppl go 529s but then the gears get weaker... so ppl recommend 488s.

but since u have a 22re, atleast 488s.

 

Got another question for ya. Where could I get a good set of gears for a good price, and would you recommend getting the master install kits that the companies offer with the gear sets?

I appreciate all your help.

 

i know a guy out here in cali that does a great job for a good price.... but ur far from cali.

i kno a few ppl that have gone to Randy's Ring and Pinion and have like it. He ships the complete 3rd member to you and u just drop it right in. The gears you want... and any locker you want.

 

I have Precision.

Precision and Yukon are high end.

Stay away from Genuine Gear.

Look at the back of a 4wd Mag for places like Reider Racing, Randy's Ring and Pinion or Drivetrain Direct.

I have done business with Drivetrain Direct on a number of occassions and highly recomend them.

The most weakness comes from 5.71's. If you are just in the stages of looking for a gear manufacturer, I doubt you are wheeling it hard enough to toast 5.29's.

 

How come the 5.29 and 5.71's can get burnt up so easily as opposed to just a 4.88?

 

the lower the gears, generally the pinion head gets smaller or ... the teeth do or theres less teeth on the pinion head. meaning... it will be weaker than a higher gear set. so 488s will be stronger than 571. how much stronger? ... im not sure.

heres a good article about R&Ps and their gear sizes:
Randys' R&P