4.56 VS 4.88
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 26
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4.56 VS 4.88
I have a '83. 302 C6 NP208. It'll get a set of 35s one day. Mild built engine currently. It'll see street use and weekend off roading. What's the better gearing? 4.56 or 4.88? Mostly trails and off road park wheeling.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 217
Likes: 43
From: Edgewood NM
From my research, the go to is 4.88. Im in the same boat as you, just have a 351. The consensus seems to be 4.88 will be most like stock. Some 4.56 guus had wished theyd gone 4.88. I do have an OD trans though...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 217
Likes: 43
From: Edgewood NM
If it were me, I'd do a 2-2.5" lift if you're stock right now. I like 35s, but its preference and depends on what you're gonna be doing. The look of 2.5 and 35s just hits in my opinion. Look at Solo Motorsports and some of their pictures. As for gears, 4.88s for 35s and 4.56 for 33s. Figure out what size tire you want to run and then gear accordingly. You can do numerically lower gears if you want. It will just be lazy, but will turn less rpm down the road and have less mechanical advantage off road.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,665
Likes: 986
From: Near Yosemite CA
In gearing, IME, always go deeper than you think, my latest regearing was my 2000 Excursion, I went with 4.88's and had 35's with the 5.4, had a driveshaft issue and had to rplc the gears (long story), went to 5.13's since the Tru-trac was in the range and just that little bump made a noticeable difference.
I was contemplating 5.13's initially and should've done them then, it wasn't a huge leap, but with a small engine, gearing will make up the difference, again, IME, I would look at 5.13's for your use, and throw in a Tru-trac for good measure.
I was contemplating 5.13's initially and should've done them then, it wasn't a huge leap, but with a small engine, gearing will make up the difference, again, IME, I would look at 5.13's for your use, and throw in a Tru-trac for good measure.
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TheKirbyMan
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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