Overview
While most people jump on suspension, armor, and lighting right off the bat, people always forget about their differential gears!!! The Tacoma stock comes with a 3.5L V6 that produces an impressive 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The problem is, with all that power, 3.90 Gears are not the right gearing for this truck! Although Toyota put in a great 6 speed transmission, it rarely hits 6th gear...... and why is that? Its the gears! So what's the point of the more efficient and more powerful 3.5L with a 6 speed transmission if you can't use its potential? This leads us to the bigger question on where to start to replace the gears. Many will argue, 4.88's or 5.29's for the tacoma? Many people believe jumping to 5.29 gears is a huge jump from the stock 3.90, but since toyota didn't put the best gears possible for the start, it's not as big of a jump as most of you would think. Below, we're going to explain some of the reasons why you should go 4.88 gears and why you would go 5.29s in some cases.
4.88 Gears from Nitro
-Tire Size: If you have stock tire size or anything up to a 33" Tire (285/70/17) this is where you want to be, but there is a catch. If your complete stock with no additional weight, this is where you want to be. If you have a bed rack, tent, armor, bed systems etc. and have 33" tires, head down to the 5.29 section.
-Armor: No steel bumpers and some minor armor such as skid plates or a hybrid bumper.
-Lighting: Although we love lighting, this wont make a factor on your gears decision
-Supercharger: Although no supercharger exists (yet......) if anyone sees this thread in the future, a gear upgrade will bring your supercharger to its full potential.
5.29 Gears from Nitro
-Tire Size: 33" (with additional weight 400lb+) or anything larger such as 34" (285/75/17) or a 35" tire or beyond
-Overland Gear: Overland gear such as fuel, tents, bed racks, camping gear etc adds addtional weight to your vehicle. If your one who is always ready for their next adventure, 5.29s are the gears for you!!!
-Armor: 5.29 Gears will help with the additional weight that is brought on from Bumpers, Skid Plates and Cages
-Supercharger: Although no supercharger exists (yet......) if anyone sees this thread in the future, a gear upgrade will bring your supercharger to its full potential.
Where to Buy and How to Install!!!
There are many places to buy Gears but Battle Born Offroad is the top destination! As an authorized Nitro Gear Dealer, we are glad to set you up with the best gears in the business! Please use the link below to purchase and use Promo Code T3G at checkout for a forum discount! All Gear Orders ship free within the continental US. We do ship international and to Alaska & Hawaii but a shipping charge will apply. Please note if you have a factory E-Locker or if you dont have a factory E-Locker before purchasing as they are different kits, if you are looking for No Factory Locker Versions, please PM us here (CLICK HERE).
Nitro 4.88 Gears with Factory E-Locker (Click Here)
Nitro 5.29 Gears with Factory E-Locker (Click Here)
Installation on gears is a difficult install and should not be taken lightly. We always recommend professional install. Installation prices will vary but we see them range from $700-$1300 depending on the shop. If you decide to tackle this task on your own, please remember this is not an install for the faint of heart.
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS
If you have any questions or concerns, please PM us here (CLICK HERE) and we would be glad to help! If you are wanting a package deal on a ARB Locker and Gears, feel free to shoot us a pm as well! We look forward to helping you as always!