Has anyone changed the rearend gears??

[Spenser]

I've been considering changing my gears, has anyone went from the stock to a 4:56 ratio? If so, how does it affect highway travel? Is it worth it? Just curious, was also looking at a higher capacity radiator for cooling. Thoughts?
I had my issues resolved with the other mods, (exhaust, headers, computer, intake ) now moving ahead. Thanks guys.


Kevin (casey2)
2005 Stealth Gray H2 SUV

[Spenser]

I've been considering changing my gears, has anyone went from the stock to a 4:56 ratio? If so, how does it affect highway travel? Is it worth it? Just curious, was also looking at a higher capacity radiator for cooling. Thoughts?
I had my issues resolved with the other mods, (exhaust, headers, computer, intake ) now moving ahead. Thanks guys.


Kevin (casey2)
2005 Stealth Gray H2 SUV

[Kevin B]

Are you considering this due to larger tires, towing, creeping or just for the fun of it http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif.

[Spenser]

Stock Tires and Wheels, just wanting a little more "zing" without giving a lot more throttle, also, something better that being in third gear because of the lag in OD.

Best,

Kevin (casey2)
2005 H2 Stealth Grey SUV

[KenP]

I was considering 4.56's until a buddy did the math for me. I can't remember the exact numbers for you, but there is another way: Go to 33's. Yep, it's almost identical. Of course you will get worse mileage either way and if you go the tire route you will need to reprogram the speedo.

I can find out more specifics if you like.

[KenP]

BTW, I didn't change anything. It turns out the gains are so minimal it's not worth it.

[Klaus]

If you want more "zing" (power and torque) the only real way to go is to supercharge. You can spend a fortune on bolt-ons and still not be happy.

[HGW]

I have 4.88's in my Black H2 and there is a definate difference off the line with 40 inch tires installed. The H2 was a dog (already a dog with factory 35's) with 40's and 4.11's.

Gears are available up to 5.13 now for the front diff.

Be warned---few shops want to install them (4.88's and 5.13's) in the front---special tools are needed and they are expensive so almost no one has them. I can find you a guy from my race affiliations if you really want them done. PM me if necessary.

We had a bitch of a time doing our 4.88 install. So, watch the cost before changing gears. We now send them out because it is cheaper to have a guy do them who does it all the time. I am now buying front diffs so I can change them out with the new gears to reduce down time.

Usually gear changes are done when bigger tires are installed in order to return to stock performance off the line. The other reason is for 1/4 mile zing off the line and not many race the the 1/4 mile with an H2.

For the best zing per dollar see Klaus's post above.

[KenP]

Hummm, good points John. You also mentioned 4.88's. My buddy only did the math for 4.56's. Do you think it's worth it on my application? could be fun!

[HGW]

Ken:

For better 1/4 mile times, yes---provided you can get the rubber to stick to the asphalt.

I need to run numbers based on your tires size for a real answer though.

For the off road guys, lower gears means lower crawl ratios.

Keep in mind that I am not an advcate of a gear change without careful thought due to the cost of the change.

[Fastest H-Town Realtor]

4.88's will improve 1/4 times about 1/2 second..but,say adios to mileage...

BTW, 1/2 secoond is a big change..ya need 45hp to do that.

[KenP]

HGW:
http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/6706011751/m/9501020621