Gears to spin 33's

[Dishtowel]

You have a V8.

I've got 4.56's with 36" SX's and now i'm wishing I woulda went with the 5.13's

See, this is what I'm talking about.

My MATH says that 4.56 + 35" rubber will put me almost exactaly on 'stock' ratio. Stock ratio + V8 RBV = fun offroader.

But then guys I trust like Sasquatch say things like "I wish I was 2 more steps overgeared".

So, I remain confused. I want to buy gears, soon. And this is a large expense and I dont want to spend the money and time only to be wishing I had made a different choice after driving it for a month.
(My truck will see highway driving, I have an AOD (overdrive) transmission with a OD ratio of 1.3333)


Edit: Perhaps I want 4.88's. But that would put my highway cruising RPM at 2400. Too high for a V8, IMO

 

[Jason]

You will find that most times people change gearing in one direction or another, they always wish they would have gone further. Problem is, there is always a point that is too much and you don't know where it is until you go there.

 

[Evan]

You will find that most times people change gearing in one direction or another, they always wish they would have gone further. Problem is, there is always a point that is too much and you don't know where it is until you go there.

Agreed. When I regeared to 5.13s I still had my 33s while I was waiting for the 35s to come in. Those gears were too low for 33s. Freeway driving was almost impossible.

With 35s, the 5.13s are perfect for me. My RPM sits a little high on the freeway, but I stick to trails, back roads, and city streets mostly.

EDIT: I have also ran 33s with 3.55s. I would say being geared too high is better than being geared too low, if you have a truck that sees road time and is not trail only.

 

[Dishtowel]

EDIT: I have also ran 33s with 3.55s. I would say being geared too high is better than being geared too low, if you have a truck that sees road time and is not trail only.

Just for clarity's sake...
What your saying here is do not go too deep right? If i'm going to see road time then just get the 4.56 and be happy with them. (?)

 

[Evan]

Just for clarity's sake...
What your saying here is do not go too deep right? If i'm going to see road time then just get the 4.56 and be happy with them. (?)

Exactly, my recommendation is not to go too deep. Err on the other side of the spectrum.

For example, on a trail/road rig I'd rather have 4.10s with 33s than 5.13s with 33s.

Now, if I never drove my truck on the road, 5.13s would be fine with 33s.

 

[TrucksGetDirty]

You'll want 4.56 or 4.88s reardless, I'll tell you right now 4.10s arent enough for 33s with a 3.0. He has a 2.9 and should get 4.56s or 4.88s.

2.9?


I wouldn't put more then 31s on that engine.

Is this a trail rig or DD?

 

[Dishtowel]

Thanks for the input Evan! I was waivering between 4.56/4.88. Deep down I kinda knew 4.56 was the right choice. (also, because if I get deeper gearing thats just an invitation to get bigger tires, and that will just lead to brokenbrokenbroken)

2.9?


I wouldn't put more then 31s on that engine.

Is this a trail rig or DD?

Perhaps not for real life use. But guys put 38 and bigger rubber on 4 bangers for compition buggies. It really does just boil down to gearing.

 

[KELLY88]

Amazing how many factors have to be considered for decisions such as this. No wonder it makes people nervous.

 

[Dishtowel]

Amazing how many factors have to be considered for decisions such as this. No wonder it makes people nervous.

I can't sleep at night!


(BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA, its serious, but I will always sleep at night. Always.)

 

[Hahnsb2]

2.9?


I wouldn't put more then 31s on that engine.

Is this a trail rig or DD?

Your 3.0 is the same turd as a 2.9...

Dishtowel, even though certain gears will put you near stock with stock tires you have to realize most RBVs are too high geared to begin with. I'll tell you right now my 34s (measure around 32.5) with 4.10s is around stock with 3.45s and it's a total turd, so with a v6 it's a good idea to go one step deeper than stock, with a v8 you're fine.

 

[4x4junkie]

2.9?


I wouldn't put more then 31s on that engine.

Is this a trail rig or DD?

Yeah, well I put 35s on mine, and would have no qualms putting 37s on it
It's all about what gears you run.

You will find that most times people change gearing in one direction or another, they always wish they would have gone further. Problem is, there is always a point that is too much and you don't know where it is until you go there.

This is why everyone's trying to help others in making their decision.
I have 5.13 gears with 35s on my BII and am perfectly happy with them. My Ranger though (33s & 4.10s), I do wish I had gone lower though (4.56).


Dishtowel, 2400RPM ain't nothing unless you've got a big block V8 (and even then, it's still not excessive)... a 302 could spin 2800 and not complain. I'd seriously think about 4.88s on that since you have an OD trans for it.

 

[Dishtowel]

Dishtowel, 2400RPM ain't nothing unless you've got a big block V8 (and even then, it's still not excessive)... a 302 could spin 2800 and not complain. I'd seriously think about 4.88s on that since you have an OD trans for it.

Again, serious input from someones who knows their junk. Hahns, I appreciate your input too!!

I am pullin my hair out on this.

My old chev 350 didn't like spinning at 2500 on the highway. Well, I'm not 100% certain how it felt, I didn't like it.

Fuel economy would be the pits when I have to road to the trails 1-2 hrs away.

 

[Shran]

I am running temporary 3.45's with 32" tires currently. 1st gear is fucking rough but once you get 'er goin it's alright. It's completely driveable in 4lo but we all know why

I am waiting for this damn rain to quit so I can throw my 4.10's in and wheel it this weekend. I am expecting a big difference. My buddy is running 35's on his EB with 4.10s right now and it's held up real good.

It does not matter what motor you run offroad. You're not in a frickin drag race... lots of guys I wheel with run 4 banger Yotas and Jeeps with deep gears all day long and never have a problem.

 

[4x4junkie]

Fuel economy will be the pits simply because you have a V8 and an auto behind it.

 

[jimd1050]

4.0 Sohc

For what it's worth... I've got 4.10's with 33's and it's not enough - wish I had done 4.56's!