Yukon Gear 4.88 4-Cylinder Ring & Pinion Gear Set for Toyota 8" Differential 4WD (1979-95 4Runner/Pickup)

Yukon Gear 4-Cylinder 4.88 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, 22RE Engines

Overview

The Yukon Gear 4.88 Ring & Pinion Gear Set is a premium differential upgrade designed for Toyota 4WD trucks and SUVs equipped with Toyota's legendary 8-inch rear differential. Featuring a 4.88:1 gear ratio and a heavy-duty 29-spline pinion design, this gear set helps restore performance lost to larger tires, improve low-speed torque, enhance off-road capability, and increase overall drivetrain durability.

Built using advanced machining, precision heat-treatment processes, and rigorous quality control standards, Yukon ring and pinion gear sets are trusted by professional installers, overland enthusiasts, restorers, and off-road builders worldwide.

Whether you're upgrading a classic Toyota Pickup, restoring a 4Runner, towing heavier loads, or building a capable trail vehicle, Yukon gears provide dependable performance and long-term reliability.

Why Upgrade to 4.88 Gears?

The 4.88:1 ratio is one of the most popular gearing upgrades for Toyota 4WD vehicles running larger tires or operating in challenging terrain.

Performance Benefits

• Improved low-speed torque multiplication

• Enhanced off-road crawling capability

• Restores acceleration after larger tire upgrades

• Improved throttle response

• Better towing and hauling performance

• Reduced clutch and transmission strain

• Improved drivability in mountainous terrain

• Excellent balance between highway and off-road performance

For many Toyota owners running 33-inch to 35-inch tires, 4.88 gears provide an ideal combination of trail performance and daily drivability.

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 or 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

• 33-inch to 35-inch tire upgrades

• Off-road builds

• Rock crawling

• Overland vehicles

• Expedition rigs

• Towing applications

• Restoration projects

• Performance drivetrain upgrades

Vehicle Compatibility

Toyota Pickup

1979–1983 Toyota Pickup

• 4WD Models

• Toyota 8" Rear Differential

• 20R and 22R Equipped Vehicles

1984–1988 Toyota Pickup

• 4WD Models

• Toyota 8" Rear Differential

• 22R and 22RE Equipped Vehicles

1989–1995 Toyota Pickup

• 4WD Models

• Toyota 8" Rear Differential

• 22R and 22RE Equipped Vehicles

Toyota 4Runner

1984–1989 Toyota 4Runner

• 4WD Models

• Toyota 8" Rear Differential

• 22R and 22RE Equipped Vehicles

1990–1995 Toyota 4Runner

• 4WD Models

• Toyota 8" Rear Differential

• 22RE Equipped Vehicles

Additional Applications

1975–1990 Toyota Land Cruiser

• Equipped with compatible Toyota 8" differentials

Fitment Notes

• Designed for Toyota 8-inch differential applications only

• Designed specifically for naturally aspirated 4-cylinder Toyota applications

• Compatible with 20R, 22R, and 22RE engines

• 4.88:1 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.

Available Configurations

Standard Gear Set

Includes:

• (1) Yukon 4.88 Ring Gear

• (1) Yukon 4.88 Pinion Gear

• Installation Instructions

Gear Set + 29-Spline Conversion Hardware Kit

Includes:

• (1) Yukon 4.88 Ring Gear

• (1) Yukon 4.88 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.