Yukon Gear 4.56 4-Cylinder Ring & Pinion Gear Set for Toyota 8" Differential 4WD (1979-95 4Runner/Pickup)

Yukon Gear 4-Cylinder Differential 4.56 Ring & Pinion Gear Set For Toyota 8" Differential For 1979–1995 4WD Toyota Pickup & 1984–1995 4WD Toyota 4Runner Equipped with Toyota 8" Differentials and 20R, 22R, or 22RE Engines Overview The Yukon Gear 4.56 Ring & Pinion Gear Set is a premium differential upgrade designed specifically for Toyota 4WD trucks and SUVs equipped with the standard 4-cylinder Toyota 8-inch rear differential. Featuring a 4.56:1 gear ratio and heavy-duty 29-spline pinion design, this gear set is engineered to restore lost performance from larger tires, improve towing capability, enhance off-road traction, and strengthen drivetrain reliability. Manufactured using precision machining, advanced heat-treatment processes, and strict quality control standards, Yukon ring and pinion gear sets are trusted by professional differential builders, restoration shops, overland enthusiasts, and off-road drivers worldwide. The 4.56 ratio offers an excellent balance between highway drivability and off-road performance, making it one of the most versatile gearing upgrades available for Toyota 4-cylinder applications. Why Upgrade to 4.56 Gears? The 4.56:1 ratio is ideal for Toyota owners running moderately larger tires who want improved acceleration, towing performance, and trail capability without significantly increasing highway RPM. Performance Benefits Improved low-speed torque multiplication Better throttle response Restores power lost from larger tires Enhanced towing and hauling capability Reduced clutch and transmission strain Improved drivability in mountainous terrain Better off-road performance Lower highway RPM compared to 4.88 and 5.29 gear ratios For many Toyota owners running 30-inch to 32-inch tires, 4.56 gears provide an excellent balance of trail performance and daily driving comfort. Heavy-Duty 29-Spline Pinion Design Unlike factory Toyota gear sets that commonly utilize a smaller 27-spline pinion shaft, Yukon engineers this gear set around a larger and stronger 29-spline design. Advantages of the 29-Spline Upgrade Larger pinion shaft diameter Increased drivetrain strength Improved resistance to pinion failure Better durability under heavy loads Ideal for oversized tire applications Improved long-term reliability This upgraded design strengthens one of the most highly stressed components within the differential assembly. Important 29-Spline Conversion Information Please Read Before Ordering Most 1979–1995 Toyota Pickup and 1984–1995 Toyota 4Runner models originally came equipped with 27-spline pinion hardware. Because this Yukon gear set uses a larger 29-spline pinion shaft, additional conversion components are required for installation. Required Conversion Components 29-Spline Companion Flange / Yoke 29-Spline Pinion Seal 29-Spline Pinion Nut These components are included when selecting: 29-Spline Gears + 27-to-29 Spline Conversion Hardware Kit under the Installation Spline Configuration option. This package provides the required hardware needed to convert factory 27-spline applications to the stronger 29-spline Yukon setup. Precision Yukon Engineering Every Yukon ring and pinion gear set is engineered to meet strict quality, durability, and performance standards. Construction Features Precision-machined ring and pinion gears Advanced heat-treated alloy steel construction Optimized gear tooth geometry Premium surface finishing process Quality-tested gear tooth patterns Designed for quiet operation Engineered for long service life These manufacturing processes help ensure proper gear mesh, smooth operation, and dependable long-term performance. Built for Off-Road & Heavy-Duty Use Yukon gear sets are designed to withstand demanding environments ranging from daily driving to extreme off-road use. Durability Benefits High-strength gear construction Excellent wear resistance Designed for oversized tire applications Compatible with many locking differentials Proven performance under heavy loads Long-term drivetrain reliability Whether your Toyota spends its time on the highway, trail, or deep in the backcountry, Yukon gears are built to perform. Identifying the Correct Differential Housing 4-Cylinder vs V6/Turbo Third Members Toyota produced two different Toyota 8-inch differential housings. Selecting the correct gear set depends on which third member your vehicle is equipped with. Standard 4-Cylinder Housing Three external reinforcement ribs Found in most 20R, 22R, and 22RE applications Uses this gear set V6/Turbo Housing Four prominent reinforcement ribs Distinct trapezoid-shaped upper rib Found in most 22R-TE and 3VZ-E applications Requires the Yukon V6/Turbo gear set Quick Visual Identification Look at the outside of the third member housing: 3 Ribs = Standard 4-Cylinder Differential 4 Ribs + Top Trapezoid Rib = V6/Turbo Differential If your vehicle is equipped with a factory V6/Turbo third member, use the Yukon V6/Turbo-specific gear set instead. Click Here Yukon Y.E.S. Protection Plan Yukon offers one of the strongest protection programs available in the differential industry. Coverage Benefits Eligible for Yukon Y.E.S. Protection Plan Lifetime protection available No-questions-asked coverage Protection available for as long as you own the vehicle Refer to Yukon warranty requirements and installation guidelines for complete coverage details. Ideal Applications 30-inch to 32-inch tire upgrades Daily-driven 4WD vehicles Off-road builds Overland vehicles Expedition rigs Towing applications Restoration projects Performance drivetrain upgrades Vehicle Compatibility Toyota Pickup 1979–1988 Toyota Pickup 4WD Models Toyota 8" Rear Differential 20R, 22R, and 22RE Equipped Vehicles 1989–1995 Toyota Pickup 4WD Models Toyota 8" Rear Differential 20R, 22R, and 22RE Equipped Vehicles Toyota 4Runner 1984–1989 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Models Toyota 8" Rear Differential 20R, 22R, and 22RE Equipped Vehicles 1990–1995 Toyota 4Runner 4WD Models Toyota 8" Rear Differential 20R, 22R, and 22RE Equipped Vehicles Fitment Notes Toyota 8-inch differential applications only Designed specifically for 4-cylinder Toyota applications Compatible with 20R, 22R, and 22RE equipped vehicles 4.56:1 gear ratio Heavy-duty 29-spline pinion design Requires matching 29-spline yoke, seal, and pinion nut Will not fit Toyota 7.5-inch IFS front differentials Professional installation recommended Proper gear break-in required Verify carrier and locker compatibility before ordering Factory G254 Differential Warning Certain Toyota applications were equipped with the rare factory G254 4.88 differential assembly. This Yukon gear set is not compatible with those factory carrier configurations without converting to a standard Toyota 8-inch carrier and third-member assembly. 📊 Gear Ratio to Tire Size Matrix Applies to 1979–1995 Toyota Pickups & 4Runners with factory 20R, 22R, 22R-E, 22R-TE or 3VZ-E engines. Tire Size Best All-Around Ratio Drive Style / Terrain Guidance 30" Tires 4.11 (Factory Stock) Stick with factory 4.11s for flat highway commuting. Bump to 4.56 if the truck carries heavy overland gear or works in hilly regions. 31" Tires 4.56 The Restorer Sweet Spot. 4.56 perfectly corrects the speedometer and restores factory acceleration without over-revving on the highway. 32" Tires 4.88 (Performance) Choose 4.56 if you prioritize maximum highway fuel economy. Choose 4.88 if you want crisp acceleration around town and extra trail torque. 33" Tires 4.88 The Weekend Warrior Standard. 4.88 keeps the truck comfortable at 70 MPH while waking up the engine's low-end crawl power. 34" Tires 5.29 Highly recommend 5.29. The narrow power band of the 22RE/3VZE requires the deeper mechanical advantage of 5.29s to pull 5th gear. 35" Tires 5.29 The absolute limit for standard axles. 5.29 keeps the small engine in its optimal high-power RPM band to handle massive rolling mass. 35"+ (37" to 40") 5.29 + Dual Cases 5.29 is the lowest safe differential ratio. For tires larger than 35", builders must combine 5.29 gears with a crawler box/dual transfer case setup Available Configurations Standard Gear Set Includes: (1) Yukon 4.56 Ring Gear (1) Yukon 4.56 Pinion Gear Installation Instructions Gear Set + 29-Spline Conversion Hardware Kit Includes: (1) Yukon 4.56 Ring Gear (1) Yukon 4.56 Pinion Gear (1) 29-Spline Companion Flange / Yoke (1) 29-Spline Pinion Seal (1) 29-Spline Pinion Nut Installation Instructions This option provides the necessary hardware required to convert factory 27-spline applications to the stronger 29-spline Yukon setup.