FJ Cruiser Re-Gearing Completed
With my re-gearing project complete and tested it is time to let everyone know how it went. With the change of tires from 265/70-17s to 295/70-17s the re-gear was needed to keep my crawl ratio where it needed to be. The gears installed are 4.56:1 gears that combined with my new tires lower my crawl speed at 900 rpm from 2.02 MPH to 1.83 MPH. I know this does not sound like much but it does help. The gear change also keeps the larger tires from robbing the truck of power on the highway.
I have found that my best cruising speed on the highway is now around 65mph. At this speed I still tend to get 16-17 mpg even pulling my trailer.
A part of the re-gear was the installation of an ARB air locker in the front differential. With the diff already torn down the only cost involved in adding the locker was the cost of the parts.
Predator 4 Wheel Drive, Inc. in Colorado Springs partnered with me for this upgrade to our Toyota FJ Cruiser. The work performed by Predator took about 1 week due to the difficulty involved with getting the correct parts for the re-gear.
The upgrade performed by Predator was 1st rate and they stand 100% behind their work.
I completed the install of the air-locker with the installation of the control switch and and control solenoid. I also installed a pressure regulator and master valve. The master valve is used to disable the air locker for on highway use.
The re-gear and locker have enhanced the abilities for our FJ cruiser off-highway without impacting its function as a daily driver.
How much did it cost for the re-geaar?
WIth the locker it was over $2400.00
Other than the air locker, how is your on board air system working. Are you running any air tools off it?
Nice Job on the Front locker switch.
I am looking at getting an FJ with an automatic transmission. They are a little sluggish off the line. I recently rented a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the 3.6 pentastar motor and it has better acceleration. How well would you think the 4.56 gearing would help the FJ automatic?
With no other changes I would think it would be faster. Even with the larger tires on my FJ the gearing at the road is a little lower and I feel it have a little more pep.