My 4Runner came with the 31" tire package which means I have 4.56 gears. I read somewhere that in order to change gears it is necessary to replace the entire 3rd member. Is this true? If so why?

Right now I have to different gear ratios front and rear, and am trying to figure out if I need to buy a new 3rd, or if I can just replace the gears in my current one.

 

Ummm, you read wrong. If you had an automatic, and therefore 4.88's, you would have to change the whole diff/thirdmember because the pinion is offset to keep the ring gear from being so thick.

4.56's are the normal diff, so you can change gears. Since you have 35's and manual tranny, I would go 5.29 if you drive on the highway much, 5.71 if you don't.

 

Actually I have a automatic with a diff code g254

G = 8.0" gear
25 = 4.556
4 = 4 Pinion, Open Diff

 

ahh just buy a built diff from marlin or TrailGear

 

I wish I could fork out over 1k to do that, but I am in high school, and dont have bottomless pockets.

 

Looking on here it says that 4.88s came with 22re with an auto. So problem solved. Thanks
http://toyota.off-road.com/toyota/ar....jsp?id=274535

 

Then it didn't come with 31" tires, but regardless, if you have 4.56 it can be regeared. With the auto and the damn superman overdrive, 5.71's are your only choice, and even then your overdrive is going to be about worthless with 35's, but you are probably used to it by now.

 

That is misleading - I don't think the 22RE was ever offered with the 31" tires and an auto (the 31"+auto definitely has 4.88's in it though, and is undergeared at that).

Note that if you want to put in factory 4.88's (which are way too tall for your tires anyways) that you will have to swap the whole diff/third and THAT diff/third will never be regearable.

Regearing isn't cheap, no matter how you look at it. But then neither is getting the kind of gas mileage I would assume you're getting now with having to keep the pedal on the floor all the time.

 

Kaleb, if you're willing to send me the rear R&P I'd buy from you

David

 

I might be selling it pretty soon. I see you live in spain, you would have to pay shipping.

 

Hmmm, it's interesting that you have 4.56 with auto and 31's stock.The first one I've heard of. When I was looking for my truck, all auto with 31's came with 4.88 gears. I had 31's 5spd with 4.56. I still have the 4.56 carrier somewhere in my garage. If you're thinking about getting a locker in the back, now is the time to do it.
you can do most of the work yourself. pull out the third member and have a shop do it. I did just that for 100 bucks....about 5 yrs ago though.

 

Yeah my truck was 4.56's 5 speed, v6 with the 31" option. Honestly I'm a strong believer people over gear here so in my opinion my 4.56's have been perfect with my 33's and 4.88's should do me just fine with 36's. Automatic is a whole nother beast though.

 

save your money and do it right (aka add the traction diffs at the same time)..

Also - many dealers slapped 31" tires on trucks that were not geared for 31".

 

Basically buy the gears, locker, and setup kit. GO find a shop who will do it on the side for 100 a pop. I know a guy here in colorado that does em that way. Good work too.