The 4.88 mega thread!!

I just don't want to be at 3k rpm at 70. Although many times I get better mpg at 70 in 4th at 3k rpm than in 5th at 2k rpm.

 

That's where I'm at with the 4.88 regear, 33 skinny-talls and a whole bunch of armor and rtt.

I'm hoping the OVTune will help remap the throttle-gear switch points

 

I don’t get the impression that is the case. In fact it seems just opposite. You’ve probably checked out the 5.29 thread, if not it’s worthwhile.

Everything I’ve been able to find and read about the 5.29’s is all positive.

No worries though. The 4.88’s are still better than the 3.90’s.

 

Been awhile since I updated my experience with 4.88’s and the whine. So I’m still glad I did the gears. Not sure I will put 285’s on because I like the way it drives and tows with the 265’s. I have about 1100 miles on gears. I had the TSB for gear whine completed and it reduced the noise probably 30%. I may put additional sound proofing in the rear cab behind back panel. I have heard rumors that it may be a harmonic issue related to 3rd member housing casting and some whine more than others. Also I’m going to try Redline 75/110 gear oil and see if that helps.
As a side note I had the front timing cover leak fixed on the engine and seems to be fine.

 

Anyone know how much oil the front diff takes in?

 

Great thread thanks for all the info. Definitely helped me out.

 

I got a 2017 trd sport 4x4 with 285/75/16 falken tires on method wheels about 80-85 pounds per tire&wheel the Truck has trouble holding 65 oh the highway mpg is horrible. I’m not sure wether I should go 4.88 or 4.56.

 

With double overdrive, why bother with 4.56

4.88 or 5.29 all the way

 

^ +1

 

Get the OVTune if you don't have it & 4.88's for sure for 32-33" tires and 5.29 for larger tires.

I am pricing out 4.88's with front and rear ARB lockers. I have 33" tires with 6 spd and I rarely use 6th gear on the highway. This engine likes to be run at higher RPM's. Debating on going 5.29's but my hesitation is if I eventually get the OVTurbos then I won't need the lower gear ratio with added HP and torque.

 

I would get the ov turbos but I’m in Cali and it wont pass smog unless I take the system off before smog.

 

I am considering going to 4.88 gears and am a noob when it comes to figuring out what I need. Is it cheaper to just get the pre-assembled or is it better to find a reputable shop and just pay for the gear kits? I am assuming my diff size is 8.75" on my rear diff and 8" on the front diff on my PRO?

How do I go about getting the front/rear combo on their site? Is this the correct combo?

Rear: Stock #: DIFF-BUILD-T8.75
Front: Stock #: DIFF-BUILD-T8CSB

What customization options are necessary? New bearings? Add CV bushing? Sorry new to all this.

Do you get it with the added gear oil or put in your own?

Also, any preference between ECGS, Nitro, or Yukon?

Is it relatively easy to just do the front/rear diff swap if you purchase the ECGS 3rd member assemblies?

 

Man thats a loaded question. The cost for labor and parts is about the same. You can also use .

@ZUK

New bushings and bearings will depend on the miles. For Diff fluid, just buy your own.

Personally, I did not want to deal with core charges and shipping and removing the diffs myself so I purchased the gears and master install kits myself and found a local guy to do it.

Some shops will require you to purchase gears and kits through them.

I'm sure there is a local 4wd shop that does differentials in Oregon

 

I'm hoping to go your direction soon. The shops around here are shying away from building those up for a Tacoma, they only do Jeep diff builds around here.

I was quoted $500 by a 4wd shop to just swap out the clamshell and 3rd. I'd rather have the experts at ECGS build it and get their warranty then have a local shop install.

I don't plan to add new bearings since I'm still under 10k miles, but I might get their diff oil just in case there's any warranty issues.

I'm also adding the front ARB locker since I'll have on-board air.

 

Would I need to do new bearings at 30k when I do my gears?

 

I'd email or call ECGS and ask for their recommendation and reasoning

 

What ever you two choose just do it! I put on 285’s and my truck was a dog... I just got it regeared with 4.88 and I’m so happy with the truck. I had my local shop do it and had them put in the ECGS needle bearing replacement bushing at the same time. If your getting the built clamshell from ECGS ask if the put the bushing in the builds.

 

Sorry I didn’t read your post well enough. Your going the route of arb locker. Bushing not nessasary.

 

Howzit, are you located on Oahu, Hawaii?

If so, what shop did your install?

Looking for reputable shops here that have done this install on 3rd Gen Tacomas.

 

Go with ECGS prebuilt units and install them yourself if you can. If you can't install yourself then it's still WAY easier to find a shop to swap out the prebuilt units then it is to find someone to set up gears.