Author Topic: Different Gear Ratios for Front and Rear - Is it a problem? (Read 3754 times)

Rock Rat 2 · « **on:** May 13, 2015, 10:29:43 AM »

I have a 1990 4Runner with a DANA 44 Solid Front Axle, and standard Toyota 3rd Member in the rear, both currently 4:88's. This work great when I was running 33's, but now I have graduated to 35's and driving on the highway up a grade isn't so good. I want to upgrade to 5:29's, however DANA doesn't make 5:29's, the closet matching ratio is 5:38's. My question is this: Is there any major issue with having my front gear ratio being 5:38 and my Rear 5:29?

Thanks!
RR2

jimbo74 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 13, 2015, 11:31:31 AM »

there isn't that much of an issue, you aren't going to be running 4x4 on the road where there is no give and binding it up. Sure it isn't ideal, but a lot of people have done it for a long time without issues

Goldrush · « **Reply #2 on:** May 13, 2015, 12:20:34 PM »

Yupp. No issue. Run it!

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1985CRAWLER · « **Reply #3 on:** May 13, 2015, 09:46:09 PM »

got a 91 ex cab with dana 44 front swap. has, 5.38s up front and toyota rear axle with 5.29s.

has been setup like this for years with lots of wheeling time on it. never had problems with it.

the percent difference is so little that there will be no binding, guys have ran this setup plenty of times with success.

emsvitil · « **Reply #4 on:** May 13, 2015, 10:03:14 PM »

You could put larger diameter tires up front...............

blackdiamond · « **Reply #5 on:** May 14, 2015, 07:25:10 AM »

The difference is less than 2% which equates to a 34.5 inch vs. a 35 inch tires. You could have that much difference between a new and warn off road tire I think. I have no real world experience, but it doesn't seem to be a significant difference on paper. It might compound slightly with the higher gears in the front because at the same air pressure the front tires generally have a smaller rolling diameter due to the extra weight up front. Just run the back tires several pounds lower maybe.

Speed · « **Reply #6 on:** Jun 03, 2015, 12:09:25 AM »

Just run the newer tires up front,the more worn out ones on the back,but then you SHOULD be doing that even with matched axle ratios. Should even it up well.

Speed

Rockcrawlintoy · « **Reply #7 on:** Jun 03, 2015, 07:26:18 AM »

I ran 1985crawltoy's truck with that set up since 2002 with no issues. I would run it again as well

BigMike · « **Reply #8 on:** Jun 04, 2015, 09:31:20 AM »

I don't have any experience with this but agree that so long as you aren't running around pavement in 4WD you should be okay. I don't like the idea of lower in the front however, but understand options are limited. I set up my Axial R/C Crawler with a higher ratio in the front which made a noticeable difference in keeping the front end down in steep climbs.

BigMike

Speed · « **Reply #9 on:** Jun 04, 2015, 05:23:36 PM »

Taller gearing in the front (lower numerical ratio) does help handling-it'll tend to "pull" you whatever direction you steer,making for better cornering.
Speed