My review of 4.88s on a 2nd gen with 34s

2005 tacoma 4.0 auto 4x4

Just installed my ecgs front and rear 4.88 diffs.

Wow. Truck is like new. Feels light again. Running front and rear steel bumpers with winch and rear tire swing out on 34s.

Transmission is so much happier, no more driveline clunking or gear hunting, pulls up hills no problems or dropping gears.

Running Detroit trutrac in the rear, heard it click twice but locks solid when needed. Open when not needed.

65 mph is 2200 rpm. Definitely not "screaming" like some people describe. Engine is happy and at the bottom of the powerband ready to go. Would not even consider 4.56s now that I've had 4.88s.

Also installed @mightytacoman 3° cam gears and I have never felt a 4.0 idle this smooth. Had to sit for 15 minutes to let diff cool down to break in and it's like sitting in a brand new truck.

The absolute best money I have spent on this truck and it will be the FIRST thing I do on my next one.

 

I just received my 4.88’s from ECGS. I am happy to read your review—and glad I went with this ratio based on your experience. I’ll weigh in once installed. Thanks!

~T

 

Your rig is looking sweet. The stance, ride height, and the 34's really match up nicely. How is the ride quality from the OME/5100s you had and the new FOX 2.5s?

 

Thanks!
The 5100s/885s were firm. The foxs' are plush compression with frim rebound with no jounce. I installed 14 inch 600lb springs today as well and I couldnt be happier

 

I think you will be happy! I know it's expensive but damn it makes you appreciate your hard work the first time you drive the truck

 

I just made the same purchase. Just waiting on my front gears and front e locker then install! Thanks for the feedback. Helps me feel more at ease going with 4.88s

 

I’ve got similar weight, but 35s. Same gear ratio from ECGS getting delivered next week. Glad to see this review and even more excited to get some better drivability. It’s a dogggg right now. Fine around town, but damn I hate driving it on my hilly commute.

 

I have been so worried since I dropped the money I was going to have a rock crawler that could only do 55 on the highway at 3000rpm. Not alot of 2nd gens run this ratio from what I read, and I've been told "yeah 2nd gens on 37s use that ratio" ::gulp:::

It was one of those things I just had to try it for myself. I even would drop it into 4th while driving to see if I could get accustomed to the higher rpm...but 4th is not the same as overdrive.

 

Same boat. Stop light to stop light felt decent. Driving 70 it would just drop into 3rd if cruise couldnt keep up. And I live on coastal NC, the flattest place on earth.

 

I just did the install last weekend but I'm still waiting for the differential actuator because mine came off in pieces from the cast aluminum being ate away by the deicer they use on the roads around here. I'm excited to see the difference these make.

 

love the truck man! the only lift you have up front is the springs and fox shocks? looks like more than 3 inches

 

Thanks! My front fenders are cut so it appears higher. Its actually only 2.5 inches right now

 

AT or MT?

 

AT

 

Cool! You used OEM fender flares or aftermarket? How did you fit them after you cut, I gave been trying to figure out how to do that

 

Cut about 2 inches off the factory flares, of course you have to cut the actual fender as well. I bought brand new flare clips off Amazon and they are holding great. There are a few good writeups about it. Its an unnerving task but it's worth it

 

before and after

 

Cool, makes sense. I have 4.56s with a MT which put me back to about the same as stock RPM levels.

 

I've been making my truck worse for so long I dont remember what stock feels like haha