Originally Posted by 2000CHERO

Not trying to argue with you, just playing advocate, but show me anything that proves there was a failure because it was "weaker".

I agree it there is less contact and the pinion is smaller. But 75% of failures I've seen were contributed to improper install, and the remaining 25% were a situation that would have broken even 4.56. The only thing you really need to worry about if running open carrier is deflection. Even then it's not as bad as everyone makes it out.

You want the deeper gears for a crawler, why do you think people put up to 5.38 and beyond under their axles, not a in a 30, but still deep.

We're not talking about dedicated crawlers, op asked about towing, and with his vehicle weight and what he plans to do 4.88 are really the only way to go. I was just saying he doesn't need to be worried about his 30 exploding if he does 4.88.