If you’ve lifted your 4Runner and added bigger tires (or a bunch of weight), you’ve probably noticed a drop in performance. Sluggish throttle response, poor acceleration, and more frequent gear hunting on the highway. That’s where re-gearing comes in. For many 5th Gen 4Runner owners, upgrading from the factory 3.73 gears to 4.56 or 4.88 becomes a game-changer, especially for those who spend time off-road, tow heavy loads, or daily drive with armor and overlanding setups.
Ratios aren’t just numbers. They directly impact how your rig feels behind the wheel. Whether you’re trying to climb a rocky hill, maintain decent MPG on a highway trip, or find a middle ground for everyday use, the right one makes a big difference.
I’m running a set of 4.88s on my build from Revolution Gear & Axle. They have 40 years of experience, so you can bet you’re getting a great product.
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Table Of Contents
What Do Gear Ratios Actually Mean?
Gear ratios are the number of times your driveshaft rotates to turn your wheels once. A higher numerical ratio (like 4.88) means the driveshaft spins more times per wheel rotation. This gives you more torque to the wheels but increases RPMs, more noticeable at highway speeds.
Think of it like riding a bike. A lower gear makes it easier to pedal uphill but harder to go fast on flat ground. Higher ratios help your 4Runner “pedal” better with those oversized 33″ or 35″ tires.
- Higher ratios = More torque, higher RPMs
- Lower ratios = Less torque, better fuel economy at speed
4.56 Gears
4.56 gears are the sweet spot for many 4Runner owners, especially those running 33″ tires, who tackle occasional trails, or have light overland builds. It restores that factory driving feel lost with bigger tires without being overly aggressive.
If you still commute regularly or take long highway drives, 4.56 lets you enjoy better throttle response without turning your 4Runner into a more dedicated trail rig. It’s a favorite for builds that prioritize daily usability but still need capability on the trails.
Benefits:
- Noticeable torque improvement
- Smoother highway driving vs. 4.88
- Better gas mileage than 4.88 (all things considered)
4.56 gears are great for mixed-use builds where daily driving and weekend trail time are balanced.
4.88 Gears
4.88s are the power hitters. These are ideal for serious off-roaders running 35″+ tires or heavier rigs loaded with armor, rooftop tents, and gear. If you’re rock crawling or wheeling hard, 4.88s give you the grunt you need.
They’re also a solid choice if you tow often or live in areas with constant elevation changes. The extra torque helps your engine work less to move a heavy vehicle uphill.
Advantages:
- Maximum torque for crawling
- Best for steep trails or technical terrain
Trade-offs:
- Higher highway RPM = louder and potentially less efficient
- Overkill for some daily drivers
Overlanders running heavy builds or those who live in mountainous regions will appreciate the low-end power.
Check out my 4.88 gear review post!
4.56 Vs. 4.88
Choosing between 4.56 and 4.88 gears comes down to tire size, terrain, and how you use your rig day-to-day. Both give quicker acceleration, but 4.88 delivers the extra torque edge for heavy loads and technical trails—at the cost of higher RPMs on the highway.
4.56
- Torque Boost: Moderate
- Highway RPM: Relatively lower
- Fuel Economy: Better
- Off-Road Crawling: Good
- Towing: Good
- Best For Tire Size: 33-34″
4.88
- Torque Boost: Maximum
- Highway RPM: Higher
- Fuel Economy: Lower/Same (varies, can be better sometime)
- Off-Road Crawling: Excellent
- Towing: Excellent
- Best For Tire Size: 34-35″+
4.56 Gears – Best for balance
- Great mix of power and drivability
- Ideal for 33–34″ tires
- Better MPG and highway comfort than 4.88
- May not deliver enough torque for fully loaded rigs or 35s
4.88 Gears – Best for maximum power
- Superior torque and crawling capability
- Perfect for 35″+ and heavy overlanding builds
- Excellent for steep terrain and towing
- Higher RPMs, lower MPG
- More aggressive for daily driving
Installation & Compatibility Considerations
Swapping gear ratios isn’t a casual weekend mod, it requires precision and the right tools. Before pulling the trigger, check your axle type. Matching sets to front and rear differentials is critical. Also, if you’re running a supercharger, your selection may change.
Important Notes:
- Professional installation is highly recommended unless you’re an experienced tech
- Speedometer and odometer calibration may be needed after the installation
- Consider brake upgrades if going all-in with a heavy build
- Break-in procedures are crucial to longevity
- It’s a good idea to budget not just for the set, but for quality install labor, fluids, gaskets, and recalibration.
Field Testing
From my own experience, the 4.88s feel solid on trails. The low-end torque is leagues better than the stock gear ratio. On my high alpine, steep trails, the 4Runner crawls effortlessly. On the downside, my fuel economy has gone down a little bit (users report mixed results), but I haven’t experienced any weird hums or noise at highway speeds. Also, it’s good to know that my rig is now future-proof if I want to step up to 37s.
For the 4.56 ratio, I do not have first-hand experience, but I’ve gathered solid feedback from some of my friends running them. They value the better MPG and don’t tackle hard trails, so 4.56 is perfect for their builds. It offers a great balance between drivability and trail capability, especially for those who use their rigs for commuting and occasional weekend exploring.
If you’re on the fence, think long-term. Planning to go 35s or add a rooftop tent and full armor? 4.88 may be your best investment.
Which Ratio Is Right For You?
There’s no universal answer. It all depends on how your 4Runner is set up and what you use it for. Think of this decision as future-proofing. Even if your rig is mild now, gearing for your build 6–12 months from now could save you another re-gear down the line.
Go 4.56 if you…
- Daily drive mostly
- Run 33″ tires
- Occasionally off-road or tow
- Prefer better fuel economy
Go 4.88 if you…
- Run 35s or plan to
- Overland with heavy gear
- Do serious wheeling or steep climbs
- Tow heavy loads often
- Live in mountainous areas
Final Thoughts
Re-gearing is one of the best mods you can do to restore performance after lifting your 4Runner. Whether you go with 4.56 for balance or 4.88 for ultimate torque, both options restore the drivability lost to added weight and larger tires. Consider your driving style, terrain, and future upgrades before choosing.
And trust me… from someone who delayed this mod for way too long, it’s worth it once you finally get it done.
