I have stock gears with 33" tires and a mostly stock 22RE in a 4runner. It's low end is very under powered so I was thinking about getting some gears with a little more pull but haven't been able to decide which gears to go with. I still want to get able to comfortably drive it on the highway as well. What do you recommend?

 

I believe it's about 4:88, pay extra for high-quality gears, if you can. I swapped in some stock 4:30's, 4:56 and 4:88 also stock options(rare). I really need 5:29 or better for my 35's. Eventualy, maybe. I'm hard on gears, not sure I wanna go lower than my 4:30's. Oh yeah, heard good things about Richmonds' spendy stuff.

 

I run 4.56 on 33x12.5's with a v6 and happen to think the ratio is perfect despite people telling me its wrong.

 

Automatic- 5.29's
Manual- 4.88's

 

Automatic 5.71 (yes, seriously - you won't be able to hold the overdrive)
Manual 4.88

I have run both 4.56 and 4.88 with my 33's - the 4.88 is MUCH better.

With 4.88's in my manual tranny 4Runner, I tach 3000 RPM at 70MPH. By comparison, my girlfriend's automatic tachs about 2500 RPM with 5.71's and 35's and won't hold the overdrive hardly on flat ground - forget about uphill or into the wind. (Yes, my girlfriends truck is bigger than mine)

 

X2, you'll love the 5.71s with an auto and 33s

 

i have read that with anything geared higher than 5.29, there will only be one pinion tooth in contact with the ring at a time, and the teeth are a lot smaller as well, so thats something to consider, especially if you're taking it offroad...all the dudes on pirate 4x4 say not to go over 5.29

 

That's a myth... ZUK did a good job of debunking that, see Are 571 gears really that weak?.

Lots of great info on gears/installs on his site...

 

what if you go up to 35's with 5.71's? how will that feel?

 

Well ,with all due respect, I disagree. Anyone who told you lower gears aren't weaker, lied. I won't bother to look at such and such website. An install of anything lower than 5:29 in the 7.5" axle, is begging for failure. Without extreme care taken not to over-load that puny 7.5". I've chewed up 4:10's(strongest stock 4x4 gears avail.), with my 35's, in there like it was nothing. Hate to ruffle your feathers, sorry.

 

Maybe like 33's with 5.29s

Here's a great calculator to see any combo you like:
http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html

 

Why? Zuk is one of the best gear installers around and has very detailed measurements.

 

With all due respect, you really should read the link just this one time. It's not just bunk.

 

Again, with ALL due respect, so am I. I'm just relating my pers. exp. Nobody get bent outta shape. I think someone forgot to do thier homework, to state that a lowering of gears, has no drawbacks concerning loss of strength. These are facts. Forgive me if I offend by them. I know exactly what it takes to cause gear failure, I run my 35's HARD, have done several of my own gear jobs. No help/advice needed,thanks. Maybe when I'm bored sometime, I'm not ruling it out.

 

Oh and here's an rpm chart I stole off a tire website, mayne ntwonline...

To use it just find your stock combination and what rpm it points to, then look at the new tire size and find the gear that has a close rpm to that.

 

What broke the ring or pinion?

 

I agree. I run 4.88s with a manual 22RE and would recommend it. plus the speedo being pretty much dead on is a nice plus. I will say its a toyota, which arent known for power, so dont expect to get the feeling of a sportscar from a gear change.... (Thats why mine's gettin a 302 as soon as I quit buyin more toyotas)

 

It won't hold the overdrive.


I think it's interesting how everyone seems to think 5.71's are SOOOOO weak and 5.29's are just fine. Both pinions have 7 teeth....
http://www.precisiongear.com/toy712.htm

The setup is more inportant than the brand of gears and the ratio IMHO

 

Ring first set, unsure ring or pinion second set. Third set 4:30's, which survived total side gear masacre a month ago, barely I hope, no find any chips on wear surfaces. The 8" in rear, no problems even with swapped 4 cyl. third member(2 pinion), tech. weaker than V6(4 pinion) third that came stock. I ain't easy on my rig either, I constantly test limits. Parts are cheap, and fixin' it is my hobby. Just wanna warn the folks that hammer the trails, like me, anybody else, I say you find out your boundaries, I found mine.

 

That makes sense because the 4.10 ring gear is smaller and weaker than the 5.71 ring.

Have a look at the 4th pic down here: http://zukaz.tripod.com/410suck.htm and tell me which ring will break first, the left or right?