Preface: I'm talking about U.S market Gen Is.

Correct in saying that all Gen Is 5-speeds had 4.88s? He's absolutely not correct. As I stated, every Gen I (4- or 6-cylinder, 5-speed or auto) I've ever seen had 4.625s. I can believe that some 4-cylinder's had 4.88s. But it's definitely not true that all Gen I 5-speeds had 4.88s.

People were doubting they even existed on US models so in that respect he is right............

Phil with 4.88's and a stick running 33"s I reckon thats about the limit for onroad driveability and low range wasn't dramatically effected.
When I went to the 34"s (which measure out to 34.6") thats when I really noticed it, hills kill it and 2nd gear low range was effectively gone. IMHO you need 5.29's with 35"s on a lwb with a stick. The 2.85 gears totally solved the low range issue and I would have gone 5.29's even if I didn't do the SAS.
As I discovered that Toyo have a front HP 5.29 I will still changeover so I'm keen to see the result. This will give me 60:1 1st gear low range and should bring back onroad performance.
I think you would notice a nice difference going from 4.625 up to 4.875 running 33"s with a stick.
The consensus here is (stock 3.0V6) :-
auto = 4.625 with 31"s, 4.875 with 32"s, 5.29 with 33"s +
5sp = 4.625 with 32"s, 4.875 with 33"s, 5.29 with 35"s +
This is to keep good onroad driveability and not effect low range too much.
Of course if you signifigantly power (turbo, blower)up the motor the formaula changes.