SF Bay Area Shop - Re-gear to 4.88?

Hi Folks,

I'm looking to re-gear my 1st gen 4x4 to 4.88's but having issues finding a good local shop to do this. I live in San Francisco. Can anyone suggest a place that does good work?

Otherwise, I can always trek up to Sacramento to Stellar Built but that's far away and the work takes 2-3 days.

Plz help!

 

Post in here:https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/norcal-spotted-and-bs-thread.53517/page-8058#post-23733660

you’ll get a few recommendations real quick.

Schaffer’s Off-road in Alameda is popular.

 

@Dcsleeper408 is in fremont and just did some great work on my truck at his shop.

 

Are you auto? Have you considered 5.29s? What tire size do you plan on running

 

Yes it's an auto, I've considered but wasn't sure 5.29's would be the right choice. I also have a GFC camper but I don't carry super heavy loads or have off road bumpers (it's my DD). Any advice on how to make the call?

Tires are: 255/85/16 (so ~33's?)

 

Well, I’m running 295/70/17 also 33s, might be a little heavier than you because I’m fully armored and I have 4.88s. If I could do it again I would have done 5.29s. So if you have annnnnny thoughts of adding bumpers or bigger tires. It’s a no brainer to go 5.29s. I didn’t listen to the advice I was getting from the 1gen thread and kick myself sometimes for it. If you are in concord ever you are welcome to come drive my truck with the 4.88s

 

Also rear end shop in Livermore did mine.

 

Is there any downside to doing 5.29's if Im not as heavy as you?

 

Shaffer’s Offroad in Alameda is the shop most people will recommend, as will I. 4.88’s with 33’s on an auto box might feel a little short on a 1st gen if it’s mostly a DD. If you aren’t into super technical trails, you might find 4.56’s more to your liking.
But, if you call Mike at Shaffer’s Offroad, he will be able to steer you in the correct direction. His experience in the Offroad community is well documented. As well as his racing chops...

 

Shaffer’s re-geared my truck. Awesome guy and solid work.

 

@Mike-S

 

Second this.

 

I think the topic is settled, haha. I have an email thread with Schaffer’s Off-road in Alameda for a quote and guidance.

Thanks all for the advice!

 

Picked up my rig yesterday from Shaffer's and seems great so far but will know for sure once I'm thru the break in process!

 

How long did it take them to install etc?

 

Dropped it off at 930am and it was ready by next morning. 1 day.

 

That's way faster than I originally thought it was going to be lol

For some reason, rear end specialties quoted me 4 days so I was working off that number

 

Their standard, I think, is ~2 days but always strive to do it in 1.

 

They got mine done in a day also. Great shop.

 

Sweet rig! Did Schaeffer's have your gears in stock, or did you order them elsewhere and bring them to the shop? What brand of gears did you use? Total cost out the door?