Posted by Paul Cook on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at 10:52PM :
In Reply to: 5.83 vs 4.89 Difference in Performance posted by Paul(in NY) on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 at 9:13PM :
I have a WC-52 with 4.89's. The fellow who restored it apparently decided he lost some power so he converted from the original 1 speed transfer case to a 2 speed. This made the rear drive shaft so short that I cannot haul many folks in off road conditions.
My son and I each have driven the WC-52 with NDT 9.00 x 16 tires and my PW with 5.83 gears and 38x16 Super Swampers under the same conditions in a tank training area at Fort Hood. Having the 5.83 gears made driving with the big tires a lot better.
If you are going to go with larger tires for looks or for additional ground clearance, switching to 4.89's is the second in a two step power reduction.
If you plan to run your truck at the Bonneville Salt Flats, by all means go with the 4.89 gears. My WC-52 with the 4.89's will be driven only in parades and such from now on.
I'll be taking my M-37 with 5.83 gears to Pat and Wanda's Thursday so I can play off-road.