Larger Gears

[cid]

I know some of you guys race or like the thrill of smoking someone at the stop light, and all our performance mods really help, but has anyone considered going with higher ratio gears? Like 4.56 or 4.88? Would it give more torque off the line, or quicker takeoffs? Can anyone give me some insight on this subject, as I am not quite a gearhead.

 

[steelheadchaser]

These higher (numerically) gear ratios you mentioned will give you more torque multiplication and will accelerate more quickly than a 4.10 or 3.73:1. The trade off will be loss of fuel economy and lower speeds at any given rpm.

 

[cid]

Thanks for the information steelhead.

After a long conversation with friend, he is suggesting that I swap out to larger gears, especially with 33-35" tires. I would really like a quicker take off and more torque, but am thinking twice about a supercharger due to the fact that it's such a large investment, and the fact that it will cost for gas in the long run.

Is a mod/upgrade like this feasible?

 

[gandolphxx]

Yes, some of us have been known to race, and the 4.10's are great for getting 7000 lbs moving - does limit the top end.

I think 4.56's would be a bit much unless you are going with a 6" lift and 36" tires - then you would need them [assuming you can afford the swap - $1600]

Check out Gear Ratio Guide for Larger Tires - real interesting stuff there.

BTW, a supercharger doesn't cost you gas mileage, a lead foot does.

Superchargers and 36" tires don't fare well together - you need to consider what you really want the truck to do.

 

[cid]

Thanks gandolphxx,

Well, overall, I'm not looking to turn it into a race car, but just want the extra umph at takeoff. Wanted a supercharger but just weighed the pros and cons and just seems it would be cheaper and more feasible for a higher ratio gear swap.

Hmm, maybe I will consider this mod after doing a few other ones and seeing how much of a difference after intake/exhaust/ignition.

Glad you clarified that, I tend to be a leadfoot, always hitting the governor, but after the 6" lift and 33" mud tires, I think I'll be slowing down some.

 

[Butch]

If your not going to go greater than a 33 inch tall tire.., I wouldn't go to a 4:56 gear.., you'll be turning the engine kinda high.., especially if you do any kind of Highway driving at all..., and you may not like the Gear noise your going to get at cruising speeds... Im running 4:11 gears in My truck..., One note.., if your going to go with aftermarket Gears.., be sure to get Good ones., such as Precision.., or a couple of others..., as the cheaper Gears will make a lot of Noise... The Chevy gears are an excellent gear also (GM) and very quiet running........ Also something to remember.., the smaller the Pinion gear gets.., as with 4:56 or 4:88 Gears..., the Weaker the Gear set becomes.., up to 4:11 You retain good strength in the gear set.., because the Pinion does not get to small.......