Tacoma Gear Ratio Guide: When to Re-Gear?
Azeem Iqbal
Azeem Iqbal
Why Your Lifted Tacoma Feels Slow
You added the 3 inch lift and the 33 inch tires. The truck looks amazing. But now, every time you hit a slight hill on the highway, the transmission downshifts to 4th gear and screams at 4,000 RPM.
The Problem: Leverage
Bigger tires increase the radius of the wheel, which effectively “tallies” your gear ratio. Your engine has to work significantly harder to turn the wheels.
The Solution: Nitro Gears (4.88 vs 5.29)
Re-gearing changes the ring and pinion gears in your differentials to give the engine more mechanical advantage.
4.88 Gears
- Best For: Daily drivers on 33s who don’t carry much weight.
- RPM: Close to factory RPMs.
5.29 Gears (The Performance Choice)
- Best For: Trucks on 33s with armor/tents, OR anyone planning to run 35s.
- RPM: Slightly higher than stock (approx 2400-2600 RPM at 70mph), but this puts the engine in its torque sweet spot, preventing constant downshifting.
Conclusion
If you hate how your lifted Tacoma drives, don’t buy a supercharger yet. Re-gear it. It’s the standard for building a reliable, drivable rig.
? Frequently Asked Questions
What is the stock gear ratio on a Tacoma?
Do I need to re-gear for 33 inch tires?
Should I choose 4.88 or 5.29 gears?
How much does re-gearing cost?
About Azeem Iqbal
We are dedicated to providing accurate, easy-to-understand information. Our goal is to help you make informed choices for your vehicle.
