Quote:
Originally posted by GONEGOLFING:
Ok so I did the research and crunched the numbers and it makes much more sense to me to have a 4.56 gear ratio with a true 35 inch tire. I run the BFG mud terrains so they are pretty close. My normal Highway cruising speed is around 70MPH but most of my driving is under 40 around town. I am personally convinced I would get better fuel economy and a little lower crawl ratio off road. Also I am considering a lift and 37s down the road. Any thoughts on this or has anyone already made this upgrade? And which brand of gear would be best for the GM axles?
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Couple of thoughts...
I put 4.56's in mine with 38's. Mathematically, 4.56's are the same ratio with 38's as 4.10's are with the 33" height OEM tires (yes, I know they are considered 35's but they really measure 33")
That being said, I wish I had gone with 4.88's so I think going with 4.56's on a set of true 35's will be perfect.
I know I didn't hear it from some of the other guys but when I put the 38's on, my gas mileage dropped from 10.5-10.8 to 8.6 average.
I installed the gears and it's back up to 9.6 average.
As far as gear brand, precision gears are decently priced and are decent quality. I won't go with zoom gears EVER again.
Give 4WD Parts a call and ask them which brand (I think it's called Genuine Gears) gears they sell that have a lifetime warranty. They warranty them whether they are installed incorrectly, break, wear out, anything... they are warrantied for everything for lifetime. (plus they are the lowest price I found)
HTH's,
Mark