i have a 2010 stx with 35s. i have 3.73 gears stock. what kind of difference would switching to 4.88s make? is it worth the $1500?

 

What kinda driving are you planning on doing with 4.88s? Serious off-roading, max towing, rock climbing or something else that might require tall gears like that?

As far as money, I think $1500 is an excellent price.

 

For 35's your gonna need 4.56, 4.88 is too tall unless you plan on being offroad 90% of the time. The 2010 transmission should do just fine with the 4.56 ratio. And you could pick up a set of top of the line gears and get them installed for less than $1000. Most reputable transmission shops will do your install for no more than $500. Good luck !

 

What everyone really means is that 4.88's are very "low" or "short" gears. "Tall" are lower numerically, such as 3.31's.

Otherwise, carry one!

 

Um no. Most shops I've gotten quotes from have quoted $1700-$2000. This is for a 4x4. A 4x2 could realistically be in the $750 range.

 

only planned on 4.88s cause im goin with 37s when i wear my current tires out. my driving is mostly around town. should i still stick with 4.56s?

 

either way you will be fine. I have run 4.56's and 4.88's with both 37's and 38's..

4.56 will give you a more stock feel, or closer to the 'effective' ratio as some call it.

4.88 will give you a more powerful feel, it has more pep is the best way I can describe it.

I ran 4.88's, then went to 4.56's and ultimately went back to 4.88's because I burned up the 4.56's and after having 4.88's first like there feel better.


Gears won't make a hell of a large impact in the MPG department but if you want to think of it in terms of how you use the truck most I'd put it this way:

4.56's Great on the Highway with low RPM's at cruising speeds, but they can be a pain if your mostly in city/stop and go traffic

4.88's are great in the city in stop and go and got a bit better mpg's in the city, but on the highway the RPM's will hoover over 2k kicking the MPG's down a bit.

The gain/loss in MPG's is negligible though.

1500 is a pretty fair price if it includes labor/parts/fluids. I payed well over that for my stuff and installations.

 

I want 4.56 gears with stock 32" tires and a 5.4L. Get 4.88. You'll improve city performance and fuel economy over your 3.73 with either. Highway will probably stay the same.

 

I just had 4.56 gears installed, with royal purple oil and everything for 1200. My buddy runs the local rhino liner here in memphis and does mechanic work there too, heck he does it all there! Lol he lifted my truck too. Anyway. The 4.56 are great, I do 70 mph at 1800 rpm and edge says about 17.5 impg! I will be going to 37-38s when these 35s ware out. I don't think I will have any problems with them.