Regearing to 4.56

I'm thinking about regearing and I wanted to see if anyone's upgraded to 4.56 gears with 33's. I upgraded my 4Runner's tires to 285/70/17 KO2's (E) and it struggles to stay in 5th gear with any change in elevation or headwinds. Aside from sucking down gas, 4th gear is deafening with the TRDP exhaust over long distances. This was an issue on the stock 31" Nitto's as well, but it's gotten worse. It seems like it's always hunting for gears on the highway. Thanks!

 

Get going about 70-75, throw it in S4 and that is supposedly what 5th gear will be like cruising. I don't have gears, I've just been doing a lot of research if I want 4.56 or 4.88 as they are on the list.

 

Thanks. I regularly cruise at 75-80 - in 4th gear it's about 2,800-3,000 RPM. I just want to be able to cruise at highway speed without constant shifting. Sometimes it hangs in 4th too long, and other times it's shift 3-4 times in rapid succession.

 

Have you tried leaving it in S4? It might actually be better on fuel if it's not constantly shifting. Of course this doesn't help at lower speeds like gears would.

 

Think I might try that as well. Certainly have noticed the same with the same tire combo. If you like to use cruise control, forget about it. The 4R can't hold the power band on inclines and immediately goes from 5th to 3rd along with a jump from 3k to 4.5 k rpms then takes forever to settle out once you get back to flat terrain. Re-gearing is definitely on the list!

 

I re-geared to 4.56 for the exact same reasoning. 4th-5th-4th was driving me insane. I am very happy with the swap. Mileage in town went up about 2mpg. RPM at 75mph is 2500.

 

Who did your re-gear? Any issues with the break in period?

 

I did the ECGS https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/ assembled third member and front clamshell swap myself(with a buddy). Not difficult but it does take time to do both ends. Sent back my stuff and got my
deposit back, not bad at all.
Break in was uneventful, rear was 500mi then exchange diff oil. Front took longer being not in 4wd as much as 2 but no issues. Everything went fine, zero noises or problems.

 

I really wish there was a 4.30 option for front and rear diffs from ECGS as I think that would be dead on perfect for 33's.

You won't hurt the 4Runner running 2700RPM on the highway, but that was indeed the RPM for my friend who did it. He said it was a big power difference for sure, but his MPG was around 12ish. He was a leadfoot, however.

 

From the guys on this thread, you are happy with the re-gearing to 4.56? I'm a bit worried about this break-in period and not sure what shop to take this to. It seems like this could a touchy issue if it doesn't get done properly. Looking for additional feedback as I think I'm sold on the 4.56 on ECGS but haven't pulled it yet.

 

I went with 4.88 gearing, no regrets, it’s great.

 

I stopped using cruise control after going to 285/70s. It’s not that bad. I wouldn’t spend money on gears for 32.7” tires.

 

Hi. What size tire are you running and what are your RPMs at 70 mph?

 

Thinking on doing the same thing. My factors are the double swing out I’m adding and looking at going from 285’s to 305’s.

 

I’m also looking to re-gear. Anyone got any recommendations for shops that can do the install in the Northern California area? Preferably Sacramento Area down to the Bay Area.

The gear hunting is extremely irritating with the 34’s that I got on along with other shit.

 

https://www.califabrication.com/

 

33.3” tires and not high enough that I pay attention to it. The increase in drivability was huge.

 

Thanks, I'm stock right now and 70 mph is about 2000 rpm.

 

Proper gearing makes all the difference.

 

Get the 3rd members from ECGS, make sure you get the needle bearing swap. Then go see the folks at Steller Built. They have an excellent reputation.

good luck!
Mike

 

Does ECGS put their DS bushing in the front as a general practice when regearing it?

 

Well damn, I thought my runner did pretty good for 285’s on stock gears. I’m about to throw 35’s on and Long Travel lol ‍

 

It’s a $45 option. So not as a general practice, but as a great (and common-sense) deal.

 

@glwood54 this^^^