The 5.29 Mega Thread!!

So I just called my local diff shop for a quote but before I did I asked about replacing the needle bearing. He started in on how he won't touch it and my truck is lifted too much (1.5" up front ) unless I do a full rebuild because the spider gears and housing are probably shot too. Then he said he can't warranty the work either because the truck is lifted. Needless to say I'll be doing the needle bearing myself and looking for another gear shop.

 

I'm not sure i understand, wouldn't going to 33's improve fuel economy on 5.29 vs stock tires on 5.29. You'd be turning less rpms with 33's than stock tires.

 

My shop in Colorado just replaced the needle bearing when I did 4.88 gears at no additional cost since they had it open anyway. I only paid for the parts. My truck is mildly lifted with the Bilstein 5160/6112 combo.

 

You are turning heavier tires with more drag and rolling resistance. So many variables at play. The 4.88 and 5.29 can help compared to stock gears with oversized tires but probably never gonna get you back to stock mpgs.

 

Good on you. Just did 2 of em a couple of weeks ago 1 after another. Showed a buddy how to do it, then supervised him teaching another guy how to do it.

 

what's your mpg average on this setup, adjusted for the 33's ? i'm planning a future build and torn between 4.88 and 5.29. leaning toward 5.29, but this will be my DD. where I live, I'm often am pushed to drive to around 70-75 mph to keep up with traffic during long trips down the interstate. I do tow a 4,000lb travel trailer from time to time in the summer months, towing around 55mph.

 

gotcha, I guess i just thought it would be, larger the tire better fuel economy on lower gearing, but that probably depends more on the type of larger tire like you're saying.

 

exactly. FWIW. I've been able to get 20 mpg with 4.88 and 33 skinnies ST Maxx in best case scenario. As soon as you start spending lots of time at 75+ or in stop and go it drops. I did notice an improvement vs stock gears for my situation but I am at 6000 ft elevation and running the OV tune.

 

I am wanting to regear my 2017 Tacoma off-road to 5.29 nitro gears. I’m located in north-central West Virginia. Does anyone have any recomendation in WV or the surrounding states that have experience regearing these Tacomas. Thanks in advance.

 

Do it once do it right drive down to ECGS in Raleigh NC!

 

So all but the crazy steep stuff the truck didn’t have to upshift to 4th?

Would it stay in 6th on the flat/level doing 75/80? I normally cruise at 65 doing the speed limit so truck says 18/19 most the time. 17s overall most the time for the tank tho.

 

At 75/80, ya it only dropped to 4th on the long steep grades and stayed mostly in 5th on flat ground and bounced between 5th and 6th depending on grade it was mostly 5th. Less than 70 it was in 6th most of the time I dont recall it ever really going to 4th on the way home.

 

I hear they are doing REM polishing now. Not sure what truth there is to that.

I wish I had the money for gears

 

They are.... too late for me! I’m broke in now! Kinda!

 

Yeah my regear plans got interrupted a la expecting our first this December...might not get it until my '17 is a Classic and the kid(s) are out of HS, HAHA!!!!

 

Congrats. That's exciting and terrifying at the same time. My little one is 16 months now and it has been quite the experience. Like others will tell you, get and enjoy your sleep now while you have the chance. Good luck!

 

Don't let a kid stop you...ours is 20 months old now. I've poured a shit ton of money into my truck since the first of the year. It's been a complete transformation since December...

Also, the first year sucks ass, it gets better though.

 

You only live once, get it in while you can! Gears will only make it a better ride

 

SearArtist and @WrecklessAbandon: Thanks guys, I'm not too happy about the whole sleep loss aspect, I'm already trying to (and my dog has gotten into 2:30 and 4:30am potty strutting in the bedroom of late) train my body/mind with less sleep than normal.
I started out babysitting as an early teenager for money (babysat my sister prior) and started with 3 month olds...it's the 1st through 30th day old baby that has me less in my comfort zone.

Now back on subject, the 5.29 Nitros a la @ECGS and their front bearing fix are certainly going to happen, just need to finish our new home projects and baby room/furniture before trying to align funds for fun stuff endeavors.

 

Not sure what my real adjusted MPG is yet, I'm waiting to refill again to calculate it and calibrate my Ultra Gauge.

My biggest issue is drag. Once I put my roof/bed racks on, I went from 20 to 14 MPG with stock gear and tires. I'd guess I'm around 17 now with the 5.29s.

From driving the 5.29, I wouldn't go 4.88. The truck feels like it's supposed to with the 5.29.

From everything I've read, it seems 4.88 is good for 2nd gen and 5.29 for 3rd gen.