aka"dude"

I've done my searching and lerking here and on other forums about regearing. I'm currently running some pretty true to size 33's but have an end goal of running 35's that are on the lighter smaller side. This is my daily driver and I would like to keep things reasonable for overlanding and longer trips but have the power for the camping gear that comes along with it. Please let me know what your running and what you feel the pros and cons are. Thanks in advance. P.S. My rigs an Automatic.

t_long

I did a lot of research on this and was basically in the same boat as you. My 4.88s are in the install process, but my findings in searching was that people say: "Run 4.56 if you're never planning on going bigger than 33's. Else, run 4.88s." Also I believe the difference between the 2 at highway speeds is only about a 200 RPM.

aka"dude"

How are things out on the west coast? Lots of hills up here and the 33's I'm running now with the 3.55's have been kind of hard on the old girl. I have also been favoring the 4.88's but when you here about how small the pinion is and some say the fuel mileage (not that were really getting any to begin with) is worse than 4.56's its making me second guess. That and I probably have another couple years at least out of the Baja Claws. Thanks for the input cant wait to see what others chime in.

Rogue4x4

I'm running 35s and 4.88s. Do it. You won't be sorry. I was on 3.55s with the 35s and went from around 8-9 mpg to 16. Much peppier. I live in the desert but close to the mountains. It does great.

t_long

In a nutshell, this is everything I heard. Another thing I read said "Just go 4.88 and be done with it. It will change your life."

Where I'm at in San Diego is pretty hilly which is another reason I chose 4.88s. Actually, the whole county of SD is hilly. About 2 weeks ago I drove from SD all the way up to Santa Cruz which is about 500 miles each way on the hilly coast of california (actually to pick up my geared 8.8) and I actually don't think 3.55s on 33s is as bad as everyone makes it out to be... Don't get me wrong, it's not something I would stick with long term and it doesn't feel quick like my jeep did when it was stock, but maybe it's just me. I mean, it's still probably faster than my gf's carolla. haha Although I think my motor is pretty strong... Only 95K miles and it's a 99 which had the best power ratings.

Anyway, good luck deciding. It's kind of a personal decision. If you PM me in about a month (once I get the 8.8 in) I will give you more detail and my review (at least on-road). I should be getting the front re-geared either in February or March (no front DS till then).

aka"dude"

Thanks Bud, I will have to hit you up to see how things are going on 4.88's are you still rockin the 33's of do you have 35's lined up?

t_long

I'm still on 33s for the time being and they only have about 5k miles on them. You know the jeep mentality though. It's always the next thing. My generous girlfriend got me a set of notch customs flares for xmas so it's only a matter of time before I feel like those huge wheel wells need more meat in them. Haha so I've got my 8.8 and the flares sitting in my garage just waiting for me to pay them some attention. It's painful to open the garage. Never enough hours in the day! Haha

884x4

I'm on 4.88s and 35s. My km2s only measure 33.5" though.
70mph is 2500 rpms for me.
I love it in the city but offroad is where I truly see the benefits of the 4.88s

aka"dude"

Nice Dude, that sounds perfect. I have no need to push much over 75 ever. New England driving is 50ish mph chunks with a little stop and go in between. 4.88's sound like a winner. Now I just need to sell some crap so i can afford it

t_long

How is your gas mileage?

884x4

13.5 highway and city combined. She runs rich though

aka"dude"

Thats about what I'm getting now maybe a bit worse. I know its a tall order but if I could turn up to a 33" tall tire and still break the 15 mpg envelope I would be happy.

884x4

Yeah but with gas being as low as 1.60$ a gal here in Texas I don't really pay attention to it anymore lol

mr white

You won't unless you stay at like 60 on the highway. I get about 14 doing about 75. 3krpm sucks the ol fuel down.

t_long

Mr white: Probably a stupid question, but you changed your speedo gear, correct? How many teeth?