I have a '97 runner that I had regeared last year. It also was 4.10 stock. I regeared it to 4.88, put it 1-1/2 of lift, and 32" tires. I've taken it out on trails in Big Bear, Anza-Borrego, Los Coyotes, and haven't had any problem. It definitely is slower going down steep grades, but I still have to use my brakes on the really steep grades. I checked into having my gears further lowered and was told that I'd have to put in larger tires which won't fit without more lift. I've been told that I can't go more than 2" of lift in my '97 because the universal joints would be at an extreme angle. Also, since I enjoy rockcrawling, I don't want to raise my center of gravity. I paid $1400 plus to have the work done.

Ana