Regear & Drivetrain Service in Denver
What We Do
Differential regearing, locker installs, transfer case service, axle rebuilds, and bearing replacement. If it lives inside your axle housing or transfer case, we work on it.
Here is why regearing matters. When you put bigger tires on your truck, you change the effective gear ratio. Your engine has to work harder to turn those larger, heavier tires at the same speed. The result is sluggish acceleration, higher RPMs on the highway, and worse fuel economy. A regear restores the mechanical advantage your drivetrain was designed to deliver.
The most common ratios we install are 4.88 and 5.29. A 4.88 gear set is a solid choice for 33 to 35 inch tires and gives you a good balance of power, cruising RPM, and daily driveability. If you are running 37s or larger, or you spend serious time on the trail with heavy armor and gear, 5.29 gears bring the power back where it needs to be. We will talk through your tire size, driving habits, and build goals before recommending a ratio.
We also install ARB air lockers, Eaton e-lockers, and limited slip differentials. A locker can completely change what your truck is capable of on the trail by sending equal power to both wheels instead of letting the open differential spin the tire with the least traction. Pairing a regear with a suspension upgrade is one of the most effective combinations for off-road performance.
We are located at 930 W Mississippi Ave in Denver and serve the entire metro area, including Lakewood, Englewood, Littleton, Aurora, Arvada, and Boulder.
Built for Every Off-Road Platform
Tacoma. 4Runner. Tundra. Ford Raptor. Bronco. Wrangler. Colorado ZR2. Ram. We do drivetrain and regear work across all of them.
Every platform has its own setup. IFS trucks like the Tacoma and 4Runner use a front differential that sits differently than a solid axle Wrangler or Bronco. Ring gear sizes, carrier breaks, and spline counts all vary between platforms. We have been working through these differences since 2013 and know the specific parts and procedures each vehicle requires. After any drivetrain work, we also recommend a proper alignment to make sure everything tracks straight.
Whether you are running an 8-inch Toyota rear end, a Dana 44, or a Sterling 10.25, we have the experience and tooling to get it done right.
Brands We Install
We install drivetrain components from the brands that off-road builders trust most.
Nitro Gear & Axle : Ring and pinion sets, master install kits, axle shafts
Revolution Gear & Axle : Precision ring and pinion sets, bearing kits
Yukon Gear & Axle : Gears, lockers, axle shafts, differential covers
ARB : Air lockers, compressor systems
Eaton : E-lockers, Detroit Truetrac limited slip differentials
Auburn Gear : Limited slip differentials
RCV Performance : CV axles and shafts for IFS and solid axle trucks
Longfield / Trail-Gear : Super axles, birfield joints, chromoly shafts
Not sure which brand or ratio is right for your truck? That is what we are here for. Walk in or give us a call and we will talk through it with you.
Common Questions About Regearing & Drivetrain Work
Answers to what customers ask us most about regearing, lockers, and drivetrain service.
Regearing
When do I need to regear my truck?
If you have gone up in tire size and notice your truck feels sluggish, revs higher on the highway, or gets noticeably worse fuel economy, those are signs your gearing is no longer matched to your tire size. Most trucks with 33 inch or larger tires benefit from a regear. The bigger the tire, the more important it becomes.
What gear ratio is best for 35 inch tires?
For most trucks running 35s, a 4.88 gear ratio is the sweet spot. It restores the power and driveability that the larger tires took away while keeping highway RPMs reasonable for daily driving. If your truck is heavily loaded with armor, a rooftop tent, and gear, or if you spend a lot of time in low-range on the trail, 5.29 gears may be the better choice. We will help you figure out the right ratio based on your specific build and how you use the truck.
How long does a regear take?
A single axle regear typically takes one to two days. If you are doing both front and rear axles at the same time, plan on two to three days. Setting up ring and pinion gears correctly takes precision and patience. We check contact patterns and backlash on every install to make sure the gears are set right and will last.
Do I need to regear both the front and rear axles?
Yes. On a 4WD vehicle, the front and rear axles need to spin at the same speed when 4WD is engaged. If you only regear one axle, the mismatched ratios will cause binding, drivetrain stress, and potential damage. We always recommend doing both axles at the same time.
Lockers & Drivetrain Service
What is a locker, and do I need one?
A locker forces both wheels on an axle to spin at the same speed. Without one, your open differential sends power to the wheel with the least traction, which is usually the one in the air or on a slippery surface. A locker makes sure both wheels are working. It is one of the single biggest upgrades you can make for off-road capability. ARB air lockers let you engage and disengage with a switch, so you get full traction on the trail and normal driving behavior on the street. Eaton e-lockers work the same way with an electronic switch.
Can you do transfer case work?
Yes. We service and rebuild transfer cases, replace bearings and seals, swap gear ratios for crawl-ratio upgrades, and address noise or leak issues. If your transfer case is making noise, leaking fluid, or you want a lower crawl ratio to match a regear, bring it in and we will take a look.
How do I get started?
Stop by our shop at 930 W Mississippi Ave in Denver, call us at (303) 954-8836, or fill out the quote form below. We will take a look at your setup, talk through what you want to do, and put together a plan.
Get Build Advice
Tell us what you're driving and what you've got in mind. Our crew builds these rigs every day, so you'll get real recommendations from people who actually wrench on them.
Address
930 W Mississippi Ave Denver CO 80223
Phone
sales@truautomotive.com
Business hours
Monday to Friday
From 9 AM to 5 PM