Installed 4.88 Gears in my 2016

I think 2500 to 3000 estimate is for regear AND lockers

 

Ahh that would make more sense.

 

'The easiest way I have to describe it is that stock gears are like trying to ride up hill on a bicycle in too low of a gear. You crank slowly, but it's hard to push. Shifting to a lower gear is like downshifting. You'll pedal faster, but with less load and can get up the hill easier with less strain on the driveline.

 

OK got it, makes sense, but...(on flat surface)
- in 3.91 gear I drive at 75MPH @ 2000RPM & 20MPG
- in 4.88 gear I drive at 75MPH @ 2700RPM & 17MPG
I miss to see the advantage of regearing unless hauling, climbing or towing a lot. Also it may improve start and roll from dead stop but after that is not an improvement. At least the way I see it.

 

Unless your truck can't even get to 5th gear at highway speeds

 

I'm not replacing anything and I have way more miles than that. Only thing I'd recommend would be to replace the crush sleeves, $20 from Toyota and pinion nut, about $8 from Toyota, and maybe a pinion seal $18 from Toyota. But I've reused both in the past and have been 100% fine. New bearings and seals are not needed unless you have 75K + miles.

My front seals still had factory grease in them that hadn't been worked out yet. No need to spend $500 + on master install kits.

 

Biggest advantage you missed is you lower the load on the engine at any given rpm, and that is where you save MPG.

2,100rpm with 90% throttle to maintain 70mph = bad MPG.
2,800rpm with 25% throttle to maintain 70mph = better MPG

Also, you put your engine back in the powerband it was designed for.

 

Thanks for the info,I'm not going to sweat it. I appreciate your time.

 

All I see in numbers are disadvantages. Not a gear expert but logic is not motivating me to move to lower setup.
2,100rpm with 90% throttle to maintain 70mph = cool engine = longer oil life = longer engine life
2,800rpm with 25% throttle to maintain 70mph = hot engine = all the bad stuff
Why not regear with something like 9.72? Think about how much gas you save!!!
6500rpm with 0.2% throttle to maintain 70mph = super MPG.
But then again, what do I know? Is your truck and can do whatever you want to keep you happy. For me is not logical. And spend $3000+ to save a few $$$ on gas.

 

I did sort of mistype, by 90% throttle, I also meant 90% engine load which equals poor fuel economy. More throttle more engine load.

Less load on the engine the better mpg was the main take away from my post.

This is why taller tires hurt mpg, not just because of increase weight and rotational mass, but because the increase in engine load to maintain speed.

I had a meter on my Cummins that would tell me percentage of load on the engine. Stock with cruise at 70mph was 27% engine load. 37's with cruise at 70mph 38% engine load. Which one do you think is better for the truck, and better for mpg's.

Just because you are turning lower rpm does not mean you are getting better mpg.

Sorry if this is scattered, I've been posting from my phone.

 

Also I can't see anybody regearing simply for an mpg increase. That's just an added bonus.

 

Forgiven for mistype. Here is a beer .
Stock I have 265/75/16 and want to replace with 275/65/18. Will be pushing a bit but not warranted to regear. Not used for off-road, towing or hauling. Just mall-ing

 

I'd stick with stock rim size. More sidewall will give you a cushier ride which is much more beneficial than a couple inches of wheel size in looks.

 

Cushion? Cushion? What 'r you talking about cushion?
The PRO stock shocks are too soft for me, waiting to install my Icons w/700# springs on the stock front. No need tire cushion..

 

I got quoted by 4wheel parts for 1200 just for labor front and rear! That seems crazy compared to what some guys were posting in here.

Anyone know a good place for gears in the Frontrange of Colorado area?

THanks!

 

Would like to know as well since I'll be back to the CO soon. In VA I was quoted $1000 per axle so $1200 for both looks pretty good. lol

 

Very good info.

 

wow I would probably not go to 4WP for any labor, much less any gear work that's just me though

 

Shoot me a pm and I'll give you the name of the CO guy who does all the gear installs.

 

Pm Sent!

yea wasn't crazy about them either, just figured it was a starting point for price, and my local auto shop said gears isn't something they normally do.