What do you think about Low Range Reduction Gears

[macca]

I have a bit of a dilema, our patrols a fairly high geared and with mine do most difficult parts of tracks in low low.
Other brands do the same in low 2nd, leaving them a crawler gear for the harder stuff and good engine braking down hill.
I have been in situations where slipping the clutch and holding the revs at 2000 - 2500 is the only way to proceed.
This has not happened often but abusing the clutch like that is not a good thing.
So looking at reduction gears for the low box is raising more questions than answers, if you have a look at the spreadsheet attached it explains the possible benifits.
If you have reduction gears can you post your opinions especially the effect on different terrains.
The 65:1 would be awsome on the rocky climbs but what about the Canning Stock Route? It has 2nd gear matching the 1st in a stock set up.
Appreciate your thoughts whether you have them or not.
Cheers Macca

[growler2058]

I rekon any greater than 33" tyres ya need reduction gears. If you have an auto bloody good idea for downhill control. Im on 33's and reduction gears are on my wish list most definately

[macca]

Which set would you get?, I'm on 33's too.

[growler2058]

Wellllll eventually i want 35"s so the 85% are the way to go i rekon. Send big rig a pm if he doesnt read this thread he recently put a set in tank and is happy as a pig in poo

[macca86]

I have heard that if on 33' tyre stay to 40%ish reduction gears or if on 35' run 80%ish reduction gears depends on your main driving style if you do beach work prob only go 40%ish as you still need speed for momentum

[gec]

Me, I'd love a set of crawler gears, and I would also get the 85% and I have 33's.

[macca]

I have heard that if on 33' tyre stay to 40%ish reduction gears or if on 35' run 80%ish reduction gears depends on your main driving style if you do beach work prob only go 40%ish as you still need speed for momentum

mmmmmm "momentum is your friend" a mate runs a tough truck said to really consider the momentum issue. It applies in mud slippry tracks as well. Concerned about the CSR next year, climbing sand ridges could be a pain.

[growler2058]

Use high range if ya need momentum or use 4th and 5th in low

[Bigrig]

Yep, 85% Marks Adapters in mine and simply the best (bar nothing) money I've spent on the truck. You need to weigh up your style of driving mate, but I have probably twice in my life used low range on sand ... Deflated tyres and high range has seen me never bogged to this day (and I would say I've beach driven at least 40-50 times on the beach at places like Fraser, Moreton, Bribie and Stradbroke Islands, as well as Rainbow beach, Woodgate - hard packed sand there though - and Anna Bay).

In mud, low third definitely has enough momentum, and for rock crawling and down hill control, simply unbeatable.

Not saying go 85's by any means though, as it sounds like you just need "a little more" low range gearing, and if that be the case, 43% would suffice for sure - absolutely more than noticeable ...

Good luck with the decision and feel free to ask away if you think of anything else ...

[pearcey]

G`day Macca.
Don't be concerned about the CSR I did it in 08 towing a camper trailer using stock gears
Main thing on the CSR is tire pressures 18 to 24 PSI no higher. I ran 18 on the car and the trailer with no problems not 1 flat.
Run these pressures from start to finish and take your time and you will not have trouble