1st gen/35s 4.88/5.29? +Duel boxes with IFS

Part of the fun of any Truck is contemplating your options. This is a topic I've been mulling over for a bit. There's a few debates out there. But as the topic gets deeper, it's usually for serious SaS hardcore set ups... Not so much for people who use it as a DD with IFS...

Some basic info 1st before I dive in:
2004 5VZ-FE V6
Manual Trans
DuraTrac 285/75R16 (33"x11.3")

Recently I was inspired by Stumpy (@mrbeggins build). Now I've been dreaming of 35s. I have some work to do before I slap 35s on. Primarily clearance the fenders and tub, then re-gearing.

I'm mulling of these build options:

1. The Highway Hybrid, 4.88 with a 4.70 Marlin TacoBox (not installed right away But added to the build list). W/O a box, my crawl ratio = 44:1 There would diffidently be some clutch riding when wheeling. Add a box and it goes up to 206:1 which I think would be awesome, but is that low of a ratio ok for IFS?
2. The K.I.S.S 5.29 Plain and simple, not to mention economical. Would have to deal with higher hwy rpms. But I'd get a reasonable 47:1 which is way better than what I currently have. And possibly better mileage?
3. The Junk Yard Duel 5.29 with duel Toyota 2.28 transfer cases. It's an economical option, and who doesn't love pick and pulls!? My crawl ratio would be 108:1. Would probably blow my mind since I haven't experienced the "Ultimate 223:1".

Pros for 4.88:

• Still a good option for 33s while I get ready for 35s.
• Feels better on the Highway.

Cons for 4.88:

• On 35s w/o duel boxes, not the greatest for wheeling.
• The above means I'd probably spend more money.

Pros for 5.29:

• Better Mileage and over all more economical option.
• Alone (no duel box)with 35s probably still good for wheeling.

Cons for 5.29:

• Don't cruise as well on the highway.
• Specially if 33s or smaller are ever used.

I'd love to hear your opinion, specially if you have experience with these options.

Couple helpful links on figuring out ratios:

• https://www.marlincrawler.com/java/ratiotable.html
  
• http://www.brian894x4.com/Gearratiosanddiffs.html

 

Not sure if this thread is still relevant but I'd like to chime in. I'd personally go with the first option. It's actually what I plan to do except with 36"s. It's been a while since I've dabbled with the numbers but with 4.88's and 36" the final drive is about 3% shorter than a 4.10/31" setup, which is what I have on the truck now and is a perfect ride IMO (granted this is a s/c'd truck). It'll crack 110 mph if I really want to and easily cruises at 80 at around 3k.

I hadn't looked into the T case gearing all that much, it was just the solution I had arrived at logically. Seeing the numbers you're posting solidifies this choice in my head. As you've said, the only issue are the CV's at this point but they are cheap and easy to replace so it's a wash IMO.

I also like what you mentioned about the 4.88's being able to run either size of tire where as with 5.29 you're stuck with either the 35's or something even larger which brings a entirely new set of variables into the mix. I think a 5.29/35" setup is going to be a lot shorter than you're expecting, especially for a DD.

 

Hey! I'm surprised to see some activity here. Thought I was just rambling to myself...

Here's the route I'm taking. A local guy is selling me his 5.29 setup because he's going SaS, He was happy with the gearing on 35s. That'll put me 75mph @ 3k rpm(with 33s and 4.10 I'm running 75 @ 2500 rpm). So with 5.29s I'll be a little higher than stock, but will have more torque. Also 75 is really as fast as I wont to be going anyways.

So you're going to be running 36s? what kind of lift will you be using? My main concern with 36s is the stress on the front drive train... mean shoot, that's also my concern on 35. With CVs and a 7.5" ring gear it's not that beefy. But none the less, if you go 36s keep me posted!

 

5.29/35's is the standard, especially for offroad applications and if you're getting a deal on it then hell yeah. I had a third gen pickup with the legendary 4-banger, 4.88/33's and it was a perfect setup but that was also with the mindset that I was pretty much throwing away any hopes of legitimate transportation. You have quite a bit more freedom with the 5VZ but I think you'll definitely be happy with a 5.29 setup in the dirt and it also opens the possibility to put even bigger tires on!

My plan is to LT the front so I'll only be looking for 3-4 inches of lift. I live in the mountains so I probably won't be getting the absolute most out of it but I've always been more of a speed freak than a crawl-guy so I'll definitely get my money's worth. I'd like to keep a taller drive ratio which is why I think 4.88's will be best and since I've got the s/c as well I don't think I'll have too many issues. The only concern at this point becomes the scarce but inescapable situations where a low gear ration is mandatory. Figured I'd just slap 4.7:1 gears in my case and call it a day. I'm not terribly concerned with the CV's either, I expect to break a handful or two. I can get a rebuild for about $60 here and replacement is about 1-1.5h so it's no biggie. I plan to keep that diff open as well, for obvious reasons...