Gears, Need Opinions Please

Matt_ · March 9, 2012

I'm confused as hell with this whole gear thing. I see most people are running 4.88's, and this seems like the logical choice. For some reason this dude insists on 4.56's, even when I pushed him for some info on why not 4.88's.

It's a common misconception most people make when choosing gear ratios... They look at the ratio only to equate back to the stock RPM but forget you have more inertia in the bigger tires. So while 4.56s may mathematically equate to stock gearing ratio, it does not equate to performance.

The 4.88s give you a bit more of a performance kick over the stock ratio to help offset the losses due to weight.

With 4.56s, it'll be like driving around with tires/wheels that weight twice as much as the stock set. The 4.88's help make up for that, but the RPM difference isn't ridiculous and is barely 180RPM (iirc) at 70 mph. They help out a lot more in the lower gears when you're accelerating and hitting 3000-4000 RPMS where the differential between the gear ratios is larger

cparks555 · March 9, 2012

I'm confused as hell with this whole gear thing. I see most people are running 4.88's, and this seems like the logical choice. For some reason this dude insists on 4.56's, even when I pushed him for some info on why not 4.88's.

It's a common misconception most people make when choosing gear ratios... They look at the ratio only to equate back to the stock RPM but forget you have more inertia in the bigger tires. So while 4.56s may mathematically equate to stock gearing ratio, it does not equate to performance.

The 4.88s give you a bit more of a performance kick over the stock ratio to help offset the losses due to weight.

With 4.56s, it'll be like driving around with tires/wheels that weight twice as much as the stock set. The 4.88's help make up for that, but the RPM difference isn't ridiculous and is barely 180RPM (iirc) at 70 mph. They help out a lot more in the lower gears when you're accelerating and hitting 3000-4000 RPMS where the differential between the gear ratios is larger

Matt, where you been man? Thanks for the advice, you always have very informative posts.

Matt_ · March 9, 2012

Matt, where you been man? Thanks for the advice, you always have very informative posts.

Thanks man. I've been lurking from time to time. Honestly I try not to come here often because it really makes me miss my trucks =(

If all goes well at work and finances support it, i may have a pickup again some time late next year.

cparks555 · March 9, 2012

Yep, I used to drool over the Denali. Hopefully you will have another truck soon, stick around more anyway buddy. Looks like you've been having fun in the jeep though!

Matt_ · March 9, 2012

lol yeah i've been having fun with the Commander. Going wheeling again in a few weeks... its a beast offroad with the 5.7L and lockers in both axles.

I'll try to hang around more often. You can always PM me too if you need help with anything

cparks555 · March 10, 2012

Gentlemen, I need opinions on which wheel offset is appropriate. Currently + 18 on the truck, looking for something different. Method Race 18x9 -12 offset, too much or just right? They also come in +18, but looking for a wider stance with the 35's. I'm also interested in a few 0 offset wheels if you guys think it would cause me less trouble. Thanks!

cparks555 · March 10, 2012

Thats what I'm thinking too, thanks Frogfish. Do you think it's going to rub like a mother though? I wish there were more wheels to choose from in 18x10.

blackout07 · March 10, 2012

I would go with 10" wides IMO. The negative offset will be fine though. What size body lift?

cparks555 · March 10, 2012

I would go with 10" wides IMO. The negative offset will be fine though. What size body lift?

1.5", also ordered a 1" leveling kit from Fat Bobs. It's going to be tight man, hopefully no metal will be cut!

cparks555 · March 10, 2012

http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/wheels.php?item=ClassicIIBlack 17x9 kind of old school Atz's 35x12.50

or

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Wheels/Method-Race-Wheel-MR301-Black.aspx?t_c=11&t_s=210&t_pt=10131&t_pl=102214 18x9 with the same tire as above.

The only reason I'm considering the 17x9 is because the Atz's are 12.9" wide, compared to 12.1" wide in the 18.

They are offered in 35x13.50 in 18's, however I remember Brad had a time with that size on his 6" BDS.

blackout07 · March 11, 2012

Shoulda done a 3" and you wouldn't have to worry as much. Those wheels are sweet, but do a 20x10. You will be glad you did.

cparks555 · March 12, 2012

Ordered some Method Race wheels this morning in 18x9 +18 offset, hope this will minimize any metal hacking! They won't be here for two weeks though, kind of sucks.

cparks555 · March 14, 2012

1.5" body lift didn't make much of a difference in my opinion, 35's are going to be tight. I stopped by the tire shop today, rolled a 35x12.50 Toyo up to the truck and it looked huge compared to my 33's. I think it will look great though!

Last pic is the room I'm working with. Any opinions on if its going to rub bad or not?

cparks555 · March 15, 2012

It's gonna rub but it wont be too bad. With the methods, you'll have to trim plastic but probably no metal It will look great though! BTW, pick up or make some rear gap guards for the truck!

Is george gonna do your gears as well?

I'm not sure who is going to install gears for me, it has been tough finding a place close by that is reputable.

thinkgreen216 · March 31, 2012

cparks555- I love you truck in the pics above. Whats your set up (wheels size,tires and offset and lift... leveling, bilsteins??) Your height is what Im looking to achieve with my truck.