Just wondering if I might run into problems doing this. I intend to tow a large and heavy trailer with the 4runner - within the weight capacity, but I'm at Colorado elevation and power ain't what it is at sea level. I'm thinking of increasing the gear ratio a bit to get some better accelleration with that thing on there, but I also have a 4wd with the limited slip in the rear, so I dunno if that will come back to bite me.

I've never changed gearing on a car/truck before (I do it on the racebike all the time, but that's significantly easier) so what am I getting myself into here? Any recommendations for both gear sizes and manufacturer (or supplier)? I can't see this being terribly expensive and will probably make the whole "towing a 20 foot behemoth for hours at a time" experience a little more enjoyable for me. Suggestions? Comments?

Thanks!

 

You have the right idea. If you are asking if changing the gears to get more power is a good idea - it is. If you are asking if there is a problem doing this with a limited slip in it already - nope, no worries. As to suggestions - what gears do you have now and what tire size are you running?

 

Stock gears. Tires are Pathfinder A/T's, in the 265/75R16 size (stock size with the SR5 upgraded wheels, though these have some semi-aggressive tread so may be slightly larger - negligible difference tho prolly).

I won't be putting larger tires on, though I'm considering a heavier-duty suspension with a slight lift like an OME, since my stock springs sag like crazy with any additional weight or load (my girlfriend's Saturn takes bumps with less spring flex than this thing)... Plus the trailer tongue is higher than my receiver so this'll help with that.

 

The only drawback to doing this is the increased revs when you don't need them. Not necessarily a bad thing, especially here in Colorado but it will have detrimental effects to economy. As such, I'd only go down one step; 3.90→4.10, 4.10→4.30, 4.30→4.56, etc.

 

265/75 isn't stock, 265/70 was (same as 31x10.50). 265/75 is a 32 inch tire. No matter. If you need some more grunt frequently, one gear size as toy283 suggests would probably make you smile. Or, you could put in a small block.... <grin>

 

I went 4.10 --> 4.30 with 265/75/16's and I am very happy with the results.

 

So stock gear is a 4.10 then?

Thanks for the input guys!

 

depends on which transmission and engine you have.

Also there is an axle code on the VIN plate/sticker... drivers side door jam.

 

Not sure about the axle code, the tranny code is R150F. It's a 5 speed, with the 5VZ-FE (V6), 4wd. The chilton's book I have is useless for this one... Hopefully someone can tell me what gear size I have out of that info, though...

 

Not really related, but I noticed the colorado sportbike club link, and I thought I'd ask if you've ever ridden with my good friend Sean Whitmore (used to have a buell, I think he's got a triumph now-also got a taco, of course). He's just outside of Denver, in Littleton.

 

The name sounds familiar. Do you know what his screen name is on the CSC board? I'm the admin there ... if he's registered, I prolly know him.

 

Only way to be sure is to jack it up in the rear, mark the shaft and the housing with white out, spin the tire two full revolutions, and count the amount of times the shaft spins. You will be able to see it.

 

K. I'll try that.

And preferred vendors or manufacturers for this part? Anything I should stay away from? I only want to go up one step so I don't think this'll be too hard to find, nothing excessive here...

 

I think its just SeanW. He says he hasn't ridden with you guys in while...work and all..