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Need opinion on gearing

Discussion in 'Performance and Tuning' started by SoCalTundy, Apr 7, 2021.

  1. Apr 7, 2021 at 5:50 PM
    #1
    SoCalTundy

    SoCalTundy [OP] Member since 2017

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    Icon Shocks. Total Chaos UCA. Deaver u748 TC shackles Flowmaster super 50. Diode Dynamics fogs. 5.29 Revolution Gears. SSW 17" wheels on BFG 35x12.5
    I combed through many of the threads here and still can’t decide on 4.88 or 5.29 gears. I have a 2017 4x4 with 35 inch tires. I called nitro support to see what they recommend and they told me to go with 4.88 only to tell me at the very end they don’t have them in stock and don’t know when they’ll be back. I went to the next option and called Revolution support and rep told me to go with 5.29. I’ll be honest, nitro guy sounded more knowledgeable. I’ve heard good things on both and that revolution is quieter than nitro. Both are made in Korea.

    I’m leaning towards 4.88. Truck is used mostly for city and highway driving. Don’t really off road (that’s what I have quads for) but I pull a utility trailer with 3 quads on it when we hit the desert. Not a lot of weight. I did also hear 5.29 rpm can be high on the highway when going 70-75 which is where I sit when I’m driving. What are your experiences with each one and what should I go with considering my driving habits? Thanks in advance for the replies.
     
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2021
    Ckatz53 likes this.
  2. Apr 7, 2021 at 5:58 PM
    #2
    Ckatz53

    Ckatz53 Newish

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    I run Nitro 5.29s with 35x12.5r18 tires. I will admit I run out of gearing on the highway cruising if I punch it to get around someone. The truck does NOT like 85+. Shifting into 6th is annoying sometimes because the truck wants to stay in 5th with the gearing. Proper tuning would fix these issues but it's a 2020 and just recently they've been unlocked and made properly tunable. I'm waiting to supercharge it so I'll get a tune then. Not paying twice just because I want to go 90 on the highway right now Iol. The other downside to Nitro is they can be noisy. Some have it, some don't. Mine does. On decel at a coast I have a faint whine that is considered normal according to Nitro (if you got a noisy set). However, we all know how shitty the stereo system is and with the volume on 10 (a damn whisper), you can't hear the gear whine. Decel gear whine can be "normal," accel whine is a backlash issue and will damage them.

    The upside is I never have to use tow haul when towing because the ratio is perfect for acceleration under load and engine braking with sequential shifting activated. Without a trailer, the truck gets up and goes. It will hammer almost any vehicle at a light with the rear Grip Pro LSD I have installed helping out. It is an impressive setup. I would absolutely do it again.

    If you plan on always having 35s and don't contemplate a tune ever, I would go 4.88s to avoid the highway speed issues and the truck never wanting to hit 6th gear. I've always planned, and will, go to 37s once these tires are gone hence why I opted for the 5.29s. 37s and 5.29s are a much more optimal pair than the current 35s.

    Rambled a bit but hope this helps with my experience at least.
     
    Hightide, Saltyhero13 and GODZILLA like this.
  3. Apr 7, 2021 at 6:11 PM
    #3
    SoCalTundy

    SoCalTundy [OP] Member since 2017

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    Icon Shocks. Total Chaos UCA. Deaver u748 TC shackles Flowmaster super 50. Diode Dynamics fogs. 5.29 Revolution Gears. SSW 17" wheels on BFG 35x12.5
    Thanks for the advice it makes total sense. I still want some response on the freeway and don’t plan on going bigger than 35s. I was told not to worry about upgrading the LSD if I’m not going to use it for off-roading and that I should be fine with stock. For now that is the plan.
     
  4. Apr 7, 2021 at 6:17 PM
    #4
    Ckatz53

    Ckatz53 Newish

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    I still have plenty of response on the highway at 70. It just goes from 70 to 80 real quick then revs out in 5th because it doesn't want to shift to 6th because it still has gearing to keep going lol.
     
  5. Apr 7, 2021 at 6:18 PM
    #5
    Vizsla

    Vizsla ☠️☠️☠️

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    I run 5.29 with 37” tires and it’s impressive to say the least. MPG is a loss though, 9 MPG no matter what. My truck is tuned and adjusted for gearing/tire size, no problem running 85+. Never tried but hammer down at 100 MPH and I’m gone... Probably go 4.88 if I had a do over.
     
  6. Apr 7, 2021 at 6:21 PM
    #6
    blackoutt

    blackoutt YEAH BUDDY!

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    I also believe 35" = 4.88 and 37" = 5.29

    I researched this heavily before going to 5.29s with 37" tires. Performance is great and stock-like (heavy truck). Highway rpms are slightly higher than stock gear-stock tire truck. As mentioned above, start accelerating past normal highway speeds and even I still run out of gears. Not a normal thing for this truck but I have considered dropping back down to 35s and feel that gearing has limited me to staying with 37s.

    Calculating gearing by the math 4.88 is the best fit for 35" tires. I'm also comparing to a stock geared stock tired tundra that is my daily so I have an excellent back to back comparison.

    The next question, do you ever plan to go to 37" tires (everyone says no before they join the club)? It is highly personal preference so I'm just offering my opinion. But again 4.88 is right for you based on what I've read so far.
     
    Hightide likes this.
  7. Apr 7, 2021 at 6:26 PM
    #7
    SoCalTundy

    SoCalTundy [OP] Member since 2017

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    Icon Shocks. Total Chaos UCA. Deaver u748 TC shackles Flowmaster super 50. Diode Dynamics fogs. 5.29 Revolution Gears. SSW 17" wheels on BFG 35x12.5
    Really just around town and to work via freeway mostly. Light towing and plan on sticking with 35 tires. Here’s another question - I don’t really care if my speedometer is off, but will this throw off the odometer when calculating miles driven? Odometer is based more on tire size isn’t it?
     
  8. Apr 7, 2021 at 6:28 PM
    #8
    blackoutt

    blackoutt YEAH BUDDY!

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    Yes. Gearing won't fix speedo or odo. It's based on wheel speed so 35s have already done that damage. There are speedo calibrators that will correct for it. I just run GPS speedo and adjuster tuner display speed for tire size, GPS corrected.
     
  9. Apr 7, 2021 at 6:35 PM
    #9
    SoCalTundy

    SoCalTundy [OP] Member since 2017

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    Icon Shocks. Total Chaos UCA. Deaver u748 TC shackles Flowmaster super 50. Diode Dynamics fogs. 5.29 Revolution Gears. SSW 17" wheels on BFG 35x12.5
    Interesting. If I had 37s I thought without a doubt 5.29. Sounds like gas mileage took a big hit.
     
  10. Apr 7, 2021 at 6:41 PM
    #10
    Ckatz53

    Ckatz53 Newish

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    Your odometer will be off as well. Not sure to the extent of it but larger tires = more distance traveled per revolution. So without regearing you're already rolling back the odo basically as you drive (you're driving more actual miles than what are registered). Toss in gears that aren't a 1:1 comparison to stock tires/gearing and who knows what it's doing. Will return closer to stock but it will never be the same as stock unless someone made 1:1 gearing for the tire size you're looking to run.
     
  11. Apr 7, 2021 at 6:56 PM
    #11
    blackoutt

    blackoutt YEAH BUDDY!

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    False. Gears don't fix speedo/odo that are based on wheel speed.
    My speedometer is off the same % that it was with big tires before and after the regear.
     
  12. Apr 7, 2021 at 7:02 PM
    #12
    Ckatz53

    Ckatz53 Newish

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    Speedo yes. Odometer is different.
     
  13. Apr 7, 2021 at 7:06 PM
    #13
    Vizsla

    Vizsla ☠️☠️☠️

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    MPG is slightly worse for me, but I run the snot out of it. I would not install gears if I did not have the ability to adjust calibration for tire size and gear ratio. Owned a few fast vehicles and trucks, don’t have the sack to try on mud tires, but 120 - 130 mph for sure. Speedo/odometer is still wrong, can’t fix with tuning I have.
     
  14. Apr 7, 2021 at 7:50 PM
    #14
    blackoutt

    blackoutt YEAH BUDDY!

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    Hm. I disagree but some quick research around in odo/speedo source is inconclusive also. Sounds like I need to take a highway drive to track out GPS distance vs. Odo vs. Speedo discrepancy % to confirm.
     
  15. Apr 8, 2021 at 6:32 AM
    #15
    snivilous

    snivilous snivspeedshop.com

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    I just got my 5.29s and powertrax LSD in a few weeks ago, I have 35s and would do it again in a heartbeat. I don't understand the issue with going fast, I'm at 2650rpm at 85mph and it'll drop to 5th if I floor it and then upshift, I can hit 100 without trying still, so my experience with running out of gearing is much different from the first guys. I also have an OV Tune and supercharger. I actually like how it's revved out a bit more, since stock it was chugging pretty hard at 2000rpm but now is essentially idling at 2650 and is a lot closer to the powerband right off the bat, and that's before taking into account the increased torque. I didn't notice any difference in mpg, the truck seems a lot happier and has an insane amount of torque and can chill in 6th gear going over mountain passes now. I went with 5.29s since everything I read said to overgear it and the tundra would prefer to see less effective load. I tow regularly, but I also commute across the state often and have no complaints in either scenario. I got revolution gears from a group buy and didn't really care about the brand of gears, but again no complaints and they seem plenty quiet.
     
    Platinum714 and SoCalTundy[OP] like this.
  16. Apr 8, 2021 at 8:11 AM
    #16
    Downytide

    Downytide New Member

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    Speedo and Odo are in direct relation with each others, if your speedo is off by certain %, your odo will be off too, true 35" OD is around 6% off usually, I've done the comparison with the Vbox to verify the differences.

    I'm waiting for my 5.29s to be done, one thing I noticed on the 2020+ trucks is they hold gears longer even not in tow mode, will report back how it drives when I get my truck back.
     
    SoCalTundy[OP] likes this.
  17. Apr 8, 2021 at 5:49 PM
    #17
    blackoutt

    blackoutt YEAH BUDDY!

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    Yep, that's what I recalled. Went out and tested it tonight, odo is still off by same % as speedo. GPS verified. Regearing doesn't fix speedo or odo.

    So I suspect that the people who get a speedo calibrator also are fixing the odo at the same time.
     
  18. Apr 8, 2021 at 5:57 PM
    #18
    rockmup

    rockmup New Member

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    Kings, 5:29's, E-lockers on 37's
    I have the same and get 12 in town and 12-16 on the highway. Wonder what the difference is ?
     
  19. Apr 13, 2021 at 2:30 PM
    #19
    dirtydeeds

    dirtydeeds Exhaust Fabricator Vendor

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    Any gearing (heck any Toyota) questions, I always say give Keith Carty a call from Dirty Deeds Industries.

    He has a great sale going on right now with Nitro Gears, Auburns, Powertrax, & Coachbuilder. Take advantage of the sales on things no exhaust related!!!

    Thanks, Shawna
     
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  20. Apr 13, 2021 at 3:47 PM
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    14burrito

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  21. Apr 13, 2021 at 4:48 PM
    #21
    fundra_goes_west

    fundra_goes_west I’m just a guy with a girl

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    I get 9 as well. Heavy as a pig here though.
     
  22. Apr 13, 2021 at 6:01 PM
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    rockmup

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    I'm not, full size spare is all I carry and not all the time. Thats a big difference, has to be more than just driving style.
     
  23. Apr 13, 2021 at 6:10 PM
    #23
    TravisJr

    TravisJr New Member

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    I just went 5.29 in mine with 35s. When I say “just”, I mean I’m picking it up tomorrow morning. Can’t wait to see how it drives. I will say that I was on the same fence between 4.88/5.29, and Keith was a huge help. Highly recommend giving him a call if you have questions. I will post an update once I get some seat time tomorrow.
     
  24. Apr 14, 2021 at 6:38 AM
    #24
    TravisJr

    TravisJr New Member

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    So I just got back from the shop. First impressions, based solely on a 5-6 mile crosstown drive:

    Really happy with the overall gear choice. Doesn’t feel nearly as tall as I was afraid it might. Truck feels responsive and shifts crisply. I was gentle with the gas, but have no doubt that I can easily spin those 35’s off the start with a heavier foot.

    Gear whine - it does exist, but solely on the coast. I only noticed it when I specifically listened for it with the radio off. Under almost any normal driving (radio, conversation, or other background sound) I would never notice. Frankly, I think it’s been made out to be much more of an issue than it really is. YMMV.

    Hopefully soon I can give some highway reports, but for now I’m very glad I did 5.29.
     
  25. Apr 14, 2021 at 7:51 AM
    #25
    blackoutt

    blackoutt YEAH BUDDY!

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    Can you confirm which brand? Just my curiosity.

    Nevermind, saw Nitro in the other gear oil thread. Thanks for the feedback.
     
  26. Apr 14, 2021 at 11:52 AM
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    TravisJr

    TravisJr New Member

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    Sorry - yes, Nitro with Auburn Pro LSD
     
  27. Apr 17, 2021 at 10:07 PM
    #27
    TravisJr

    TravisJr New Member

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    So for an update, have made a few more in-town drives. Ran it up to 60 on one stretch - no issues. I continue to be happy with the choice. I know I’m kind of repeating myself, but I’m constantly impressed with the smoothness of the shifting. The truck doesn’t seem to know it’s on such a tall gear - really drives like stock, but with pep. At this point, I wouldn’t change a thing.

    Once I get further through the break in, I’ll give a true highway report.
     
    SoCalTundy[OP] likes this.
  28. Apr 18, 2021 at 12:06 AM
    #28
    marshmellow

    marshmellow New Member

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    I got 5.29’s through Keith last week. I don’t regret going this ratio over 4.88 one bit. Truck drives great on 35s.
     
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  29. May 11, 2021 at 11:16 PM
    #29
    dirtydeeds

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    Give Keith Carty of Dirty Deeds Industries a call at 760-877-4234. He is the master of Tundras and can answer any questions you have. Phone calls are really the best way to get ahold of Keith.
     

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