What gears to use?

AZFX4 · Mar 19, 2011

Ok so im in the middle of swapping a 4.0 into my 1990 B2 I will be using a stock auto tranny and stock transfer case. I will be running a full width dana 44 HP in the front and an 8.8 out back. I would like to run 35-37 inch tires. I am in need of new gears in both sets of axles. Any advice on the ratio? I was thinking at least 4.56 but a buddy of mine has a set of 5.39s for cheap any thoughts?

The Jester Race · Mar 19, 2011

I'm running 5.13s with 37"s. Your A4LD will hate 37"s with 4.56, and 35"s would be unbearable with 5.39s. But if you run 37"s or 38"s with the 5.39 you should be good to go.

-Jester

Hahnsb2 · Mar 19, 2011

5.39 will be a little deep for 35s with a 4.0 but with an auto it won't be too bad. I'd certainly take 5.39s over 4.56s.

RavoHimself · Mar 19, 2011

if you get 37's or 8's go with the 5.39's
if you get a 35 just stick with 4.88's or 5.13's(probably 5.13's because you have an auto)

Surrey · Mar 19, 2011

I would question how long that auto is going to hold up behind a 4.0... I would go with the gears you can get cheap. Unless it is a daily driver, the higher gears shouldn't really bother you.

The difference from 4.88 to 5.39 is only about 10%.

AZFX4 · Mar 19, 2011

Ok but it sounds like 4.56 is out? I would like to run 37s im just not sure how they are gonna fit with only a 3.5 lift spring.

The Jester Race · Mar 19, 2011

AZFX4 said:
Ok but it sounds like 4.56 is out? I would like to run 37s im just not sure how they are gonna fit with only a 3.5 lift spring.

Just fine if you're not afraid of a sawzall.

-Jester

BLOODBANE · Mar 19, 2011

5:13's are as deep as the 8.8(unless its a FS 8.8)will take. I have 4:88's in my 4.0 Explorer with the 35's and its a little deeper than stock ratios. a buddy of mine(Thumper113) runs 37's/38's on his 94 Ranger and has the 5:13's and it does really well. I agree that with a tire that size, go as deep as possible.

AZFX4 · Mar 19, 2011

Yeah its a full size 8.8, And I have already done some work with the sawzall to clear 32s at stock height. So it sounds like I should be looking at 4.88s or 5.13s. It will be used as a daily driver on occasion so I would like to be able to run 60-65mph and get decent mileage.

The Jester Race · Mar 20, 2011

Here's mine.

Running 5.13s with 37"s, I get just over 15 MPG city with a 2.9L. I cruise at 60 MPH at 3k in 5th gear, you should do better with the 4.0L.

-Jester

Surrey · Mar 20, 2011

5.39 to 5.13 is less than 5% diff. If they are available, and you want to run 37s might as go with what's cheap.

AZFX4 · Mar 20, 2011

That looks good jester! Thats about the height and stance im looking for. Although now that I have compared the price of 37s vs 35s im gonna have to take out a 2nd mortgage just to afford 37s. What size lift would you say that is Jester?

The Jester Race · Mar 20, 2011

AZFX4 said:
That looks good jester! Thats about the height and stance im looking for. Although now that I have compared the price of 37s vs 35s im gonna have to take out a 2nd mortgage just to afford 37s. What size lift would you say that is Jester?

Thanks. I'm at about 8" of lift.

http://www.trailworthyfab.com/37-x12.50-R16.5-Military-Goodyear-Tire.html

They're no boggers but they're a fifth of the price(same tires I have). The don't work that well in the snow, but besides that they are great.

-Jester

59bisquik · Mar 20, 2011

Where do you find 5.39's for a D44/8.8 combo? The lowest I have seen is 5.13's.

FWIW, I have 4.88's and 35's with a A4LD. I would like to have 5.13's or deeper.

AZFX4 · Mar 20, 2011

justdifferentials.com has 5.39s for both axles. my 8.8 is from a full size bronco though not from an explorer.

What gears to use?

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