Regearing

[KJ]

I have an '88 4x4 with a 4 inch suspension lift and 33 inch tires. Its all stock other than that. It has hardly any power. I want to regear it and am wondering which gears would do best. I'm also open to any other suggestions.

 

[piotrsko]

the option (if it ain't there already) would be a stock 4.10. Richmond gear USED to make a 4.86 and a 5.35. You could also start in 4 low but use 3 rd gear

 

[KJ]

Oh ok. I was kind of thinking about putting 4:56 gears in it. Good or bad idea?

 

[holyford86]

You will have a hard time finding gears for that D28 any lower than 4.10s if you go the new gear route. I have 4.10 gears in mine right now, it is bearable but after driving with them for over a year I got sick of it and I'm going with 4.56 gears and a D35

 

[KJ]

If you don't mind me asking, how much did that package cost you?

 

[jamie4ltr]

Get rid of that little D28!!! If you use your truck for mostly commuting, especially highway, then I would go with the 4.56 gears. If you mostly use it for wheeling then go with 4.88's. For GEARS and MASTER INSTALL kits you shouldn't pay more than $700-800. If you don't want to spend that much keep your eyes open for a Ranger or Explorer with 4,10"s, it won't be that bad! I ran 35" M/T's with 3.73's and a 2.9ltr for over a year! Don't get me wrong, it was under powered but still did a dozen highway trips through the Rockies like that! Check the tire and gear chart on this website, I think 33's and 4.10's would be almost the same as stock tires and 3.73's.

 

[holyford86]

If you don't mind me asking, how much did that package cost you?

for the front I bought a 1995 D35, I had to put new pads,rotors,calipers and brackets on it, new ujoints and I bought a centersection already regeared to 4.56 with a L/S. I have about 800 into it. I am waiting on the coin to buy a detroit for the rear axle before I regear it and I will be into that for about 750-800 into that as well. Should be going together within the next two weeks. I think it will be worth it. I did research and decided I would build exactly what I wanted all at once. I would assume that you could get a set of axles and regear them for much less.
I can drive around all right with the 4.10 gears but 4wd is a dog and you really have to ride the clutch to get it moving in the slop in 4hi. It tachs about 2k rpm at 55 mph and loses speed on mild hills. Forget about anything above 50 in a good sustained headwind without pounding the piss out of it.

 

[KJ]

Ok, well thanks for all the info. i think i'll try to find some D 35s. Then put 4:56s in them.