The 4.88 mega thread!!

Some quick math tells me 5.29 on 33s would still be under 3000RPM in 6th @ 90mph. (someone check my math pls).
I drive with stock gearing and 33s in S4 at 3000RPM all day every day @70-75.

 

96mph at 3000 rpm on 33"s. Gas mileage is gonna suck though. I think that is the difference. There are people that want reasonable mpg and there are those who would rather have maximum performance. It's all tradeoff

 

It's not so much the RPM that gives you the MPG hit. Sometimes a lower RPM at a higher gear requires more work to maintain speed. Running at 90 will be a lot of aero drag but I wouldn't be concerned with the RPM.

 

So 4.88s generally better fuel economy and 5.29 better performance? Unless you have a super heavy rig

 

Hey How was your Regear??

 

4.88 vs 5.29

2019 TRD Off-road access cab, 26,000 miles

- Stock tire size, will probably go to a 265/75r16 when I need tires
- Orange Virus Tune
- I drive a lot for work, but very little interstate and speeds are usually around 60-65
- I don’t off road just to off road, but there are places I go in the National Forest that require a 4x4, and at times it gives you the confidence to go someplace you wouldn’t in 2wd
- Not getting any younger, don’t want the truck any higher or I, and especially my wife, might not be able to get in and out.
- I live in the Ouachita mountains, not much elevation but lots of steep crooked roads
- I sometimes tow an aluminum boat

I’ve been saving money toward a re-gear, and I thought I was set on 4.88s but now I think I may want 5.29s

It feels like I’m lugging the engine in the hills. And I think that most vehicles are geared too tall these days. What would 4.88s or 5.29s do to my gas mileage? I can usually get 20-22 on the backroads here and I rarely drive the interstate.

opinions?

 

I'm running stock tires right now and I lost about 1.5 mpg. I tend to drive 75 and 80-90% interstate driving. I would average around 19.5 with an all time best of 22 with stock gears. I feel like I'm geared slightly low with 4.88 and stock tires so I would hesitate to go 5.29 unless I had a ton of weight or bigger tires. You seem to drive slower so you may be ok

 

Hello all, is there a Gear install professional in or near Sioux Falls SD?

 

I average 18-19 mpg highway with 4.88s on 285/70/17s. I have averaged as high as 20mpg. I turn 2000rpm in 6th gear at 70mph.

 

Good to know!
I am heading down to East Coat Gear Supply for 4.88 (have been waiting for 5.29 since April from a local shop). I spoke with those guys and 4.88 seems to be a better option for me and my trucks configuration. My tire size is the same as yours.

Any other good information you care to share?

 

I was super conservative on the break in, followed it to the letter and changed fluid at 500 miles with 85/140. The fluid came out as pure glitter with large shavings; it’s normal and the shavings will be the phosphorus coating not metal. If micro-polished gears are an option, get those. No major break in process and they run significantly cooler.

 

tough decision - sub'd

 

Been creeping on this thread for a while.

Currently running 265/75/16s on my truck and have thought about regearing. My last 3rd gen was a manual and I really liked the 4.30s.

I wanted to ask for some real world input on what rpms you guys are turning at 80mph with 265/75s. I’ve used the calculators available though videos I’ve seen seem to be a little different?

Anyways, appreciate the input and thoughts (whether it’s worth it on 265/75s or not, though I may move to 285s some day)

 

I went straight to 285 but the difference between the math and reality is a real thing. I think it is because I read 70 on the dash when I was doing 67-68 on GPS with stock size. The math assumed the stock speedo is correct. The difference is honestly pretty small though. On 265/75/16 and 4.88 you should have 2400rpm at 80. Give or take

 

What is a good price for a set of 4.88 gears (like if I were able to buy a new set of Nitro Gears' for $1200, is that a decent price?), and is Nitro Gear the best option or are there better choices as far as manufacturer is concerned?

Similarly, what am I looking at cost- wise for installation just generally speaking? Appreciate any guidance

 

I was quoted ~$3K for parts and install, from what I’ve seen it’s in that ballpark

 

The cheapest way in my area is to order an assembled third member from east coast gear supply and install yourself or have a shop install for you. Install was around $300 an axle. It cost me less than $3000 including oil and the upgrade to the ecgs bushing with an elocker for the rear

 

Just did mine about a month ago. Went with assembled thirds from ECGS with the front ARB locker. After core return it was about $2600. Installed myself in a few hours. ECGS used Yukon gears in mine which I prefer.

 

I had ECGS install a front LS and 4.88 for about $3600. Took a weeks vacation with the family and had it done. Break in was done in the Outer Banks!

 

So I just got the truck back after the 4.88 were installed and doing my break in. I'm actually using 6th gear!!! 20.6 mpg at 62 mph and 1900 rpm. I have 31.5 in tires. I'm already excited. Before was 16.1 mpg at 63 mph at 2850 rpm.