I'm looking to build a trail ready Sami with 35" BFG MT's (they are what I have on hand). After the BFG's, I'll probably put 34" Swamper LTB's on (roughly same sze) and go no bigger.

The trails I'm looking to run are Tellico, Monteagle TN, Uwharrie, and Buffalo trail. and similar where mud, slippery rocks, packed dirt and moss are prevalent in trail rides.

For that type of wheeling in mind, I'm looking to find out which setup I should run to keep wheelspin available, but still have enough grunt to turn the tires (true 33-34" diameter).

Possible ideas are:

4.16 t-case gears and 5.12 gears in the pigs
5.8 t-case gears and 4.62 gears in the pigs
6.0 t-case gears and 3.73 gears in the pigs

This is a primarily trail-driven vehicle, so I'm not too concerned with RPM's on the highway - it will be flat-towed to the trailhead and driven from there.

From real-world experience, which would be a better option, or would another setup do better?

Matt

I am an ease coast wheeler but I have no clue about mud. I only run in the rocks. If you are going to be running any where like tellaco I would suggest bigger axels with 35's. I am going to 35's now and putting toyota axels under mine with sagnaw power steering. i have the 4 to 1 in the t-case and 5:71 gears in the axles. (look out here it comes about the 5:71's SHEILD UP)
But like I said I am not sure about mud and such I have really good traction where I wheel at www.paragonap.com

i run those same trails.....have 33x14 boggers.....and the 5.12/4.16 gearing....77:1 overall.....if i were you and not concerned about road speed i would gear lower.....i'm probably goin to switch to 6:1's before long (aren't we all)......if you want 4.16 tcase gears i would sell you my built case....has been in the truck for 8 months or so....email me offlist if you're interested... cbradfor@vt.edu ......here's some pics of my truck....
pic1 (http://filebox.vt.edu/users/cbradfor/uwharrie2002/uwharrie%202002%20014.jpg)
pic2 (http://filebox.vt.edu/users/cbradfor/potts3-23-02/potts32302%20003.jpg)
pic3 (http://filebox.vt.edu/users/cbradfor/potts3-23-02/potts32302%20008.jpg)
let me know when you get your truck built....i'm always lookin for people to ride with....later
Corey

The trails I'm looking to run are Tellico, Monteagle TN, Uwharrie, and Buffalo trail. and similar where mud, slippery rocks, packed dirt and moss are prevalent in trail rides.
These are the same trails I run. I have built a new rig, but my last one (still have it, its for sale) has 35s, Yota axles, 4:16 case,1999 Chevy Tracker motor and auto tranny (2.70:1 first gear, I think)with 4.88 gears in the chunks.
When I changed the rear from the mini truck axle to a Landcruiser axle, I went from 5:71 gears to the 4:88s. I like the 4:88s a lot better. It allowed me to get a little wheel speed instead of just revving the motor in gear.
If you are running a manual thismay not apply since all you have to do is go to second gear, but I thought I would tell you just as an example.

I currently have 35's, toy axles, 4.16 tcase, 5.29's and a stock 1.3. Not enough for either rocks or mud, :( . I am swapping in a 1.6 this week and dual friction clutch. I was smoking my clutch severely at paragon last month because I still wasn't geared low enough. I am hoping the 1.6 will help so I can hold off on the 6:1 tcase for awhile. I have done uwharrie and tellico also. As for mud, I stay away from it, does more damage than rocks.

Lziffle73 - your drive train matches what ill have after i dump $ on tires. I love my 1.3 its got <20k on a reman... (came that way)

In you OPINION would a 1.6 (or larger) engine with your same setup solve the problem or is gearing what is needed?

I'm happy with the 4:1/5.29s that i have now. (w/ 32s)

I'm also lookign at other engine options

top runner is the dodge 2.2 FWD 4cyl... has tbi, AND torque rather than just high rpm hp.. lots of aftermaket support, CHEEP and ~200lbs ish complete.. Need to make an adapter to a tranny though... not sure on this as ive not thunk it all through yet...

alternative opions welcome....

-yag

Hey Mike....

You said that your setup worked well with the 32's, I'll probably end up with the 4.16's and 5.12's in the pigs, but turning a slightly larger tire. If I remember right, 32" Swampers are slightly larger than 32" tall, and my 35" BFG's are actually closer to 33" tall in reality. I'm figuring that I should be OK since I'm planning on keeping my rig LIGHT. I'll be running no doors, racing seats, chopped fenders, no bumpers, etc...

Has anyone run 35" BFG MT's with 4.16 t-case gears and 5.12 axle gears in Tellico/Uwharrie? If so, did it do OK??

Matt

Originally posted by ManglerYJ
Has anyone run 35" BFG MT's with 4.16 t-case gears and 5.12 axle gears in Tellico/Uwharrie? If so, did it do OK??

Matt

i've ran tellico twice with a 4.1 and 5.38's and 36'' tsl sx's. 36's are actually 35.9. i did fine. i needed to be lower for lower2 but other than that no problems. i just got a 6.1 so i should be definetly good know. my advice would to be go low as you can get cause with a manual tranny you can always shift to the next gear if too low in first. :usa:

Originally posted by psf4x4


i've ran tellico twice with a 4.1 and 5.38's and 36'' tsl sx's. 36's are actually 35.9. i did fine. i needed to be lower for lower2 but other than that no problems. i just got a 6.1 so i should be definetly good know. my advice would to be go low as you can get cause with a manual tranny you can always shift to the next gear if too low in first. :usa:



Precisely what I needed to know. Damn, I love this list. REAL world experience instead of guesswork. :)

Thanks again! I'd love to see some pics of your Sami up on 36's if you have them.

Matt

Originally posted by psf4x4
my advice would to be go low as you can get :usa:

I second that! I'm running 5.13's and a 4.89 t-case with 33's. My gearing works well. I run the same trails as you.

Originally posted by ManglerYJ
I'd love to see some pics of your Sami up on 36's if you have them.

It's not really up on the 36's in this picture..... well, I guess two of the 36's are WAY up! :flipoff2:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?s=&postid=638607

i've been gone for a week camping but high5 told me that there is a run going to tellico labor day weekend. you going CSR? i'd like to do that are mounteagle that weekend. you could show some of that more skillfull driving. as for the pic not the best shot of it on 36's. put i suck arse at posting pics so i guess it'll have to do.

high5 told me that there is a run going to tellico labor day weekend.
It looks like there are gonna be a lot of guys from the board in Tellico Labor Day weekend.
Bigdude is coming up from Florida, snobrder, toploader4x4, rocktoy74, me, blt2rok, and some others I can't think of.
Lets see if we can't all get together for a ride. Look for me at the motel. I got a room up by the store. I got my truck painted finally, it is copper or bronze. Ya can't miss it. See ya up there.

Originally posted by psf4x4
labor day weekend. you going CSR?

Our baby girl is due around that time, so probably not.

Originally posted by CSR


Our baby girl is due around that time, so probably not.
Hey Chris Congrads early hope everything goes well. Ya no summit has RCI Baby seats with full harness get her out on the trail I did with mine and I cant keep her out of any of the trucks I own.

Lose the Suzuki axles & get C.R. as close to 200 as you can. That will work for pretty much any situation. ;)

I've never been to telico. How does it compare to Attica does anyone know?? My club is wanting to go there next year.

Jon:confused:

I've never been to telico. How does it compare to Attica does anyone know?? My club is wanting to go there next year.
Unfortunately I haven't been to Attica yet. I have been meaning to go for the last 3 years and something has always come up, but I'm going to the Zukefest next year.
Tellico is a great place to wheel, there are different trails for any type of vehicle. It's pretty challenging when its dry, but when it's a little damp its a whole new game, and it stays damp most of the time because of the shade from the trees.
The forest service takes good care of the trails so there aren't any big mudholes or the like.
If you all do decide to come down, drop me an e-mail, I would be glad to offer my services as a tour guide.:p

I am planning to go to the Zukimelt next year too. Hopefully I can meet up with some people from pbb up there!

Jon:confused: