Originally Posted by cosmick
No, that's a gear ratio, which may not even be correct, I'm seeing spec elsewhere listed as 3.58:1.
Anyway, I don't see the point of flatbeds on anything less than a full on 1-ton dually, but especially not on mini-pickups. However, since I moved to farm country, I've seen the value as well as the overloading I expected to see.
If you're going to work it heavy, GAWR matters, lest you destroy rear axles.
The weight rating for that axle is proving impossible to find, but is easy to infer from the tires Toyota offered with it. Standard 195/75R14s are rated to 1400# ea., but 215/70R14 was optional, those are rated at 1565# each. That would give a 3130# rating, which lines up pretty well with the payload rating, and with the competition. GM was 2900#, for example.
If you're going to load up, the strongest upgrade of easy availability, low cost, and similar gearing is the popular Ford Explorer 8.8" which, because it is just a narrow F150 axle with F150 tube, bearing, and shaft specs, is good to 3800#. And 3.5454545:1 gearing is common, as are limited-slip differentials. Ford called them Traction-Lock.
Maybe this won't help you, but having done several such axle upgrades, I can say the peace of mind alone is worth the hassle.
If you want to try taller gearing, the 8.8 offers ratios down to 2.47:1, which I know the 'yota doesn't begin to approach.
There are problems, I can list them all if anyone wishes, but this is enough food for thought today.
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