5.29 gears, parts and labor questions

Ok, so i'm about to be moving from Las Vegas to Phoenix and i've got 35" red letters. It's a pre runner and the gears are stock.

When I move, i'll be towing an 18' enclosed trailer with a car in it and possibly a bike in it... (if the bike doesn't go in the bed of the truck). There are some hills along the trip and I daily this truck. I've been due a regear for a little while IMO. Now seems like the perfect time to do so.

I do drive the truck on the freeway and do like to take it in the dirt.

With all this said, I spoke with my local shop that I go to and he suggested (for my intended use), either 4.88's or 5.29's. He planned on using OEM toyota bearings and Sierra gears. Total parts and labor equalling out to roughly 1200. Now that seems pretty steep to me but eh.

Then I called ECGS and for a complete 3rd after everything is said and done parts would be roughly 700 then either install it myself or pay my shop to install it...


So my questions are, has anyone used 5.29 gears and what are your inputs on it? I know everyones labor rates are different but does 4-500 sound about right to do ALL the labor if I had him build it up?


EDIT:
Or would I be ok as is?

 

Gear install front & back is stupid expensive these days. On my 89 chevy k5, I had 4.88s installed and it was over 2k$, but I did have a new Limited slip installed aswell. Do you have an auto or manual? Usually you can get away with a numerically lower gear if you have a manual. Im not sure what 1st or final drive ratio's are 2nd tacomas, but your gas mileage prob. wont be the best anyway. I would think 4.88s would probably be enough-that's just my .02. I have a 2010 dcsb with a 6spd manual and 287/70/17s, which is close to a 33" tire and I have stock gears and don't feel the need to re-gear. Guess it comes down to preference.

 

dont go 5.29 ....way overkill for 35s....i would go with 4.56 personally....would go anymore than 4.88.

 

Yeah I was thinking 5.29's would be a bit much... So I'm thinking i'll go with 4.88's mainly for the towing aspect... But IDK... I just don't wanna re regear LOL

 

how much have you guys paid for a prerunner to get regeared? Parts and labor?

 

Contact Adams Driveshaft in Vegas. Web page here http://www.adamsdriveshaftoffroad.com

They are not only the best in town, but they are known throughout the country for their drivetrain upgrades.

I went with ECGS to buy the master kits and Nittro gears. Then brought the parts down and had them install it all. They are great people, very knowledgable and most of the guys who wheel hard in a Vegas do there for drivetrain service.

As for the ratio, go with 4.88. 5.29 would be horrible above 55mph.

I'm still wanting to check out your rig man, it is sick.

 

Buy the 3rd and install it yourself. Its plenty simple and will save you some coin.

Also 4.88 is deffinately the lowest i would go with 35's

I personally ran 4.88 with 35's in one of my old play trucks and as some one else mentioned 4.56 would probably be a better choice.

5.29 is weaker, and would be hell to drive on the street. 4.88 would kill your mpg, and would be overkill for recovering lost power. 4.56 would be good mix

but that is just my vote.

 

i actually think 4.37 would be a good R&P for 35's and the v6, does anyone make a proper set of 4.37 for the "8.4" and does anyone else run 4.37 if they do?

I run 4.37 in my 81 with 31x11.5 swampers and
also 4.88 in the 92 with 34x10.5 swampers, or boggers
ran 4.56 in 89 with 33x12.5 and it was pretty well matched (less power in the 3.0)
and my 92 runner was 4.88 with 31x10.5 stock. 12 mpg and a differe R&P than all others (thinner ring gear)
my 86 4.88 with 35x15.50 swampers 11 mpg

 

your in luck..

they don't make 5.29s for 2nd gens.

so..4.88s it is.

 

ahh. lol

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-139110-yukon-8-4-tacoma-t100-rear-non-eld-ring-and-pinion.html

4.56 says call for availability

 

id do 4.88s really for 35s anyways.

 

I have 315's auto v6 and regeared to 4.56 it is great all around performance. If your going to be wheeling on a weekly basis then 4.88 would probably be better. After 4.56 the ring gear and pinion start to get thinner though. Whatever you do, make sure you follow the instructions for the gear break in period to a T. Low speeds and constant cooling of the diff and tempering of the gears. You don't want to do any heavy towing right after a regear either.

 

5.29s are weaker you say?

 

Sorry the pinion is smaller correct? But yes a 5.29 gear is more prone to breaking than a 4.10 4.37 4.56 4.88

 

actually its not really..but the pinion is smaller.

Most disasters you read almost all are due to improper installations and break ins.

 

Ahh. I see. You live in a beautiful state. I was checking out your build page. Nice truck.

 

Thanks man. Yea, love it there! should come out some time

you got a nice one going as well