Why Do I need ReGearing?
If you’re reading this article you have most likely either already installed a lift kit and bigger tires on your vehicle or are planning on it.
When you install larger tires, the rolling resistance and weight of the new tires puts additional stress on your drivetrain.
The factory axle gear ratio was not meant to accommodate this change and you may find it difficult to engage your final transmission gear ratios and most likely a loss of fuel economy. Simply put, you’re losing power, performance, and money out of your pocket.
Regearing can bring your vehicle either back to factory settings which can save you money on gas if your vehicle is a daily driver. Or if your Jeep or Truck’s primary purpose is to off-road, an updated gear ratio will provide the performance you need to tackle any terrain.
WHAT REGEARING MEANS
“OFFROAD JEEPS NEED MORE TORQUE FOR ROCK CRAWLING”
Regearing refers to the process of changing your ring and pinion gears to a different ratio, which changes the balance of torque and speed.
Regearing your Jeep or truck is a crucial step in adjusting the size of your tires since improper gearing can result in more stress being transferred to the axle.
In all likelihood, when you left the lot in your new Jeep, your drivetrain and gearing were set to provide a balance between torque and speed. Balance is great, but highway drivers may discover they want a higher top speed, likewise, off-road Jeeps may need more torque for rock crawling.
Think of it like riding a bike. If you’re climbing a steep hill, you’re going to want a different gear ratio than you will for going downhill. A lower gear (referred to as taller) provides for faster speeds and better fuel economy. A higher gear (referred to as shorter) provides adequate torque for larger tires and enables rock crawling.
BEFORE REGEARING
There are a few things to know before regearing. Though regearing is a relatively simple process, doing it incorrectly can mess up your Jeep and your day.
Front and rear axles need to be regeared simultaneously.
The Jeep’s transfer case works best when both driveshafts spin at the same speed. A significant difference in speed of driveshafts can cause the transfer case to break, and from there a whole mess of complications can ensue including broken axles, driveshafts, or just wearing out parts long before their time.
All of these repairs can be very expensive, and are just unnecessary as long as you adjust your gears all at once.
GEAR BREAK-IN
You also need to allot time for the new gears time to break-in. You’ll want to drive for about 500 miles to break them in.
Regearing the weekend before a major off-roading trip is a huge no-no, partially because it’s not uncommon to need to make minor adjustments after regearing.
REGEARING SUMMARY
Regearing is an upfront cost that can save you a lot of money and time in the long run by ensuring that your Jeep is running efficiently and that energy is going where you want it to go.
Like tires, gears are an investment that will pay you back not only in money saved, but also in the comfort of knowing that your Jeep is ready to perform the way you need it to.
Whether you are simply adding bigger tires and want to maintain your fuel economy or you are building a hardcore Rock Crawler and need additional torque, Contact us with any of your Regear questions and we will help tailor a gearing solution the best fits your specific needs.
Offroad Synthetics is proud to sell and install the following Gear Manufacturers :
We also recommend using a high quality Synthetic Gear Oil such as AMSOIL Severe Gear (in stock locally or order online).
Have more questions or just not sure if ReGearing is right for you. Reach out to our us at sales@offroadsynthetics.com and we can discuss your current needs as well as your future ones and help you decide your best option.
