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Should I upgrade to 4.56 or 4.88 Gears

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Javi's Taco, Feb 16, 2025.

  1. Feb 17, 2025 at 9:43 PM
    #21
    6P4

    6P4 Well-Known Member

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    "Need" is a funny thing, especially when you're talking about a vehicle that doubles as a hobby.

    You've already got two threads on this topic, and you've gotten a lot of sound advice. There's no true need here, just a question of your priorities.

    The most pragmatic thing to do would be to switch to a smaller and lighter tire. A 245/75r15, 265/70r16, or even 265/75r16 all-terrain in an SL load rating would help your truck drive better, and reduce wear-and-tear, while still being plenty capable for the driving you described. But it's a hobby as much as it is a vehicle, so I'm guessing big fun tires win over pragmatism. Mods are a slippery, expensive slope.

    Your truck will probably be more enjoyable with 4.88 or 4.56 gears, but you'll have $3k less in your bank account. If you can comfortably spend the money, you probably won't regret it. On the other hand, your truck will probably fine if you keep driving on 4.10 gears. It might be a little less enjoyable, but you'll have $3k still in your bank account to spend on other forms of enjoyment.

    The only thing I might lose sleep over with 4.10 and an automatic with big tires is transmission heating. If you can monitor the trans temp in your truck, great. Do that for a while and see if it's actually an issue. If you can't, an auxiliary trans cooler is cheaper than regearing.
     
  2. Feb 18, 2025 at 5:23 AM
    #22
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    OME 2.5,Tundra 17s,Falken Wildpeak AT3W hitch w/ 7-pin, ARE cap, JVC HU w/BT, HID/LED lights

    3k also gets you mostly invested in a turbo setup :D :burnrubber:
     
  3. Feb 18, 2025 at 10:35 AM
    #23
    Javi's Taco

    Javi's Taco [OP] Active Member

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    I'm moving forward with the 4.88 gears.
    She feels heavy and slow around town.
    Every time the light turns green, it feels like I need to floor it just to get up to speed.
    Stellar Built has about a three week lead time, my Ultra Gauge is already on its way so I'll keep an eye on my trans temp before and after the re-gear.
    Thank you everyone for your feedback.
     
  4. Apr 15, 2025 at 8:14 AM
    #24
    Javi's Taco

    Javi's Taco [OP] Active Member

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    I just finished my 500 mile break in.
    If you can spare the money for it, it's worth it.
    I feel the difference.
    Again, I know I'm not adding any ponies but it gets up to speed without struggling and the gear hunting is almost non-existent.
    It feels similar to when it was stock, maybe a little better.
    I got it done at Stellar Built for a little under $2900.
     
    ciaman96, SUMOTNK, 6P4 and 4 others like this.
  5. Apr 15, 2025 at 8:24 AM
    #25
    Gen3TacomaOBX

    Gen3TacomaOBX Well-Known Member

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    2018 Tacoma DCSB SR 4x4
    Bilstein 6112 front / 5100 rear (extended) shocks, Headstrong AAL, Firestone airbags, 4.88 gears, OME Carrier bearing drop kit, Aluminum 1/4" skids (engine to transfer). Custom sliders (1.75" HREW tube w/ 3/16" base plates). Custom front bumper and high clearance rear bumper (1/4" steel plate, 1.75" tube.) Apex 5500 winch w/synthetic line (36lbs) and required accessories for an underpowered winch (snatch blocks and extra line.) Tekonsha P3 brake controller, remote start, any-time-backup camera w/ front facing camera, Leer 100R shell (w/e-track single slot tie-down mounts for removable Yakima EasyTop.) Cat shields by CaliRaised. Husky liners, window tint, heated seat (passenger only.) Relentless bed rail brackets with QuickFists (shovel/axe/fire extinguisher.) Hondo Garage Un-holey vent mount. Anytime rear with front facing camera. Billet front seat risers. Viair 88p. 265/75r16 Goodyear Ultra-terrain tires.
    Supercharge it for $4k.. probably better for your use than gears. recruit mechanically inclined friends to do the install.

    Edit: too late on this idea.
     

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