Another Re-Gearing Thread.

Big Whiskey · January 13, 2015

I understand your logic...and I'm not saying you're wrong...but in my opinion. the 4:10's would still be better. I'll explain why I think the way I do. First of all, I think these trucks are gutless turds with the 3:42's, even when they're stock. My truck will shift from 6th down to 5th while cruising if I sneeze hard enough. If I am going to be driving less than 60 mph, I drive it in M5, so it's not hunting for gears. So, if I was going to spend the money, I wouldn't want to just return it to stock....I'd want to make it better than stock.

Additionally, those formulas only take into account the overall diameter of the new tires. They don't account for the added weight and rolling resistance of the larger (and usually more aggressive) tires. They also don't account for the huge change in aerodynamics that happens when you lift a truck nearly 5" in the air. Now, you've got a lot more air going underneath your truck, rather than around/over it.

Those are just a few things to consider. Overall, it's your truck though. What ever you decide, I hope you're happy with your decision. Best of luck.

Harbinger · January 13, 2015

I understand your logic...and I'm not saying you're wrong...but in my opinion. the 4:10's would still be better. I'll explain why I think the way I do. First of all, I think these trucks are gutless turds with the 3:42's, even when they're stock. My truck will shift from 6th down to 5th while cruising if I sneeze hard enough. If I am going to be driving less than 60 mph, I drive it in M5, so it's not hunting for gears. So, if I was going to spend the money, I wouldn't want to just return it to stock....I'd want to make it better than stock.

Additionally, those formulas only take into account the overall diameter of the new tires. They don't account for the added weight and rolling resistance of the larger (and usually more aggressive) tires. They also don't account for the huge change in aerodynamics that happens when you lift a truck nearly 5" in the air. Now, you've got a lot more air going underneath your truck, rather than around/over it.

Those are just a few things to consider. Overall, it's your truck though. What ever you decide, I hope you're happy with your decision. Best of luck.

I agree with you 100% and thank you for the input. I am going to have this truck for a damn long time. So when the time comes 4:10's it is haha

LaserBlueZ71 · January 16, 2015

All this talk about being gutless with 33's concerns me.

This summer I am hoping to put in the Rancho 4'' with 33's and I was hoping I would barely notice the difference in performance. Is it really that bad? I know these trucks feel underpowered right out of the gate, but is it no fun to drive anymore?

The tires your running are 58 pounds which is the same weight as the 33'' Duratracs actually, so I guess I can expect similar performance.

Honestly, all this talk of decreased drive-ability makes me wonder if I should be lifting and putting bigger tires on at all.

Big Whiskey · January 16, 2015

All this talk about being gutless with 33's concerns me.

This summer I am hoping to put in the Rancho 4'' with 33's and I was hoping I would barely notice the difference in performance. Is it really that bad? I know these trucks feel underpowered right out of the gate, but is it no fun to drive anymore?

The tires your running are 58 pounds which is the same weight as the 33'' Duratracs actually, so I guess I can expect similar performance.

Honestly, all this talk of decreased drive-ability makes me wonder if I should be lifting and putting bigger tires on at all.

You'll most definitely notice drop in performance in MPG. If you think your truck feels under-powered now (which I agree they do) it will be even worse with a lift and 33's. Being 'fun to drive' is all relative. Some guys think trucks like ours have plenty of power and are a blast to drive. I don't. On my current truck, I stayed pretty conservative with my lift and tire size, hoping that it would still drive like it did when it was stock. However, it's a turd, and I can only manage to average around 15 mpg in normal driving. For comparison's sake, I'd say your plans of a lift and 33's would be like taking a stock truck and either driving into a strong head wind all the time...or hauling a 600-700 ATV in the bed...or pulling a small trailer...which ever one of those analogies are easiest for you to relate to. It's going to accelerate slower, have more trouble holding 6th gear on the highway, and your mpg will drop 2-4 depending on driving habits. The price of cool isn't cheap, haha.

LaserBlueZ71 · January 17, 2015

I have a Diablo Trinity 1000. Would the tune from one of those help get the power and responsiveness back?

I originally wanted the new Toyo R/T tires, but they are 73 pounds each! I have since changed my mind back to the Duratracs which are much lighter at 58 pounds each. I know I cannot afford to re-gear any time soon. My truck is a 2011 with the 5.3, 6 speed and 3:42 ratio.

Harbinger · January 18, 2015

Read the op

LaserBlueZ71 · January 18, 2015

The funny thing is, when I do the math, the optimal gear ratio for 33s comes out to 3:57. Having 3:42's now, I am actually close to what it should be.

Honestly, I am thinking tire weight probably kills the performance more than diameter, up to a certain point. I mean heck, stepping up to 33s is only an inch and a half larger over stock. How the hell do guys with 3:42 gears and 35's stand driving these trucks? That's the most common size of tire put on after a lift, yet those guys drive their units everyday.

Harbinger · January 20, 2015

If they have the 6.2l they are good to go. That is one hell of an engine. Other way is I'm pretty sure there are certain tow packages where you can get different gearing on the half tons. Either than that the 6 inch lifts with the 35s are usually 3/4 or 1 ton trucks.