4.88 or 5.29?

Hey guys,

I've got a 2021 Tacoma 4x4 OR. I'm looking at building the truck up to a daily/pre-runner/will handle a little bit of everything you throw at it. I've been looking into JD fabs 4" LT kit with the lower arm pivots on 33" tires. Eventually plan on throwing on a fabricated front/rear bumper with a winch. Already have an uptop roof rack with an Onx6 lightbar. Also running a dual battery kit.

I live in California and do plenty of commuting through the mountains where speed limits are 70+ mph (with how California's drive). I mainly use the truck as a daily. However, I do plan to occasionally take it out to the desert as well as on some moderate offroad trails. Every now and then I'll use it to tow my motorcycles to and from wherever.

I've been looking at regearing the truck and I'm stuck between 4.88 and 5.29. A lot of the threads I'm seeing praise one or the other and seem specifically focused on a single purpose. I'm looking for something that will be able to handle the inclines of the mountains, considering the extra weight I'll be adding. However, I don't want to be a snail on the freeway while everyone is passing me at light speed. Also trying to consider saving as much mpgs as I can (I know it's going to drop quite a bit) as it's still my daily.

I know I'm asking a lot, probably going to get told to go read several other threads, but if anyone could help me out it would be greatly appreciated. If you can't tell, I'm relatively new to all of this and don't even know where to start.

 

Suggest starting by using the truck just as it sits, then consider mods that improve what you find as shortcomings. Generally speaking, most folks never really utilize 'a little bit of everything' vehicle, particularly a daily, as they dream they will.

An upgraded tire (maybe a + larger) and a good driver will do way more than most would guess.

Your written plans have already killed that.

Build the vehicle for how it's used 90% of the time and 3-4 years from now you'll be much happier with it.

Should you decide to press on, this might help.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lets-fight-about-4-88-vs-5-29-gears-again.808406/

 

You’re planning on LT and lift plus adding over 200-300 lbs weight and heavy E rated 33’s and mostly driving hills/mountains….5.29’s and get it tuned.

I’m long bed on 4.88’s and tuned with 32’s p rated tires and 2” lift and leer shell…. drive 90% flat lands. 4.88’s are sufficient and work for me. I average ~17-19 mpg on highway. Over 75mph or heading into wind, mpg’s drop quickly. Any more added weight plus e rated 33’s and I think I’d want 5.29’s…..

Either lower gear ratio you’ll take a hit on mpg vs stock configuration but don’t think it’ll be much of a difference between the 4.88 vs 5.29. With that said, the added benefit of lower gear ratio and a tune will vastly improve drivability! And I’ll repeat myself….the tune is a big part of the added benefit.

 

I just regeared my 2yo DC 2021 to 5.29. I’ve got Bilstein 6112/5160 lift (set at 5/6), Icon AAL, KO2 285/70/r17’s, RC Speedo calibrator. No armor or racks (yet).

Went with Premier West Gears for the gears Friday (REM polished but still did a break in), and just got the OTT tune with Quac at TK-421 tuning this morning. Best upgrades ever!

I consistently hear from others “I should have tuned and regeared first”. I can vouch for that - I should have done this first! I live in a hilly area of SoCal so it probably made more sense.

But I’ve got zero “whining” with 5.29’s (even over 80 MPH - granted I have a Black Widow exhaust which might dampen the sound), WAY better throttle response, and the gas pedal is super responsive now.

I am overly satisfied!