Your stock gear ratio was likely around 3.55:1. Going to 33" tires significantly increases your effective gear ratio, making your engine work harder at highway speeds and reducing your acceleration. To compensate, you'll need to re-gear.
Options and Considerations:
* 3.73:1: This is a popular choice for a balance between highway driving and off-road performance with 33" tires. It's a relatively mild re-gearing option that might be sufficient if you primarily do highway driving.
* 4.10:1: This provides better acceleration and low-end torque for off-roading but will slightly increase engine RPM at highway speeds. If off-roading is your priority, this is a good option. Fuel economy will suffer somewhat compared to the 3.73.
* 4.56:1 or higher: These ratios are generally for serious rock crawling or extremely heavy loads. Unless you're doing extreme off-roading, these will likely be too low for comfortable highway driving. They will significantly increase engine RPM at highway speeds and reduce fuel economy.
Factors to Consider:
* Driving Style: Are you mostly on the highway or off-road?
* Terrain: What kind of off-roading do you do? Muddy trails? Rocky climbs?
* Automatic or Manual Transmission: You stated a 5 speed, but slight adjustments might be considered given transmission differences in feel
* Engine Health: A well-maintained engine will handle a lower gear ratio better.
Recommendation:
For a good balance of highway drivability and off-road capability with 33" tires, 4.10:1 is a commonly recommended gear ratio. If highway driving is a larger component of your usage, 3.73:1 might be a better choice.
Before making a decision: Use an online gear ratio calculator (many are available with a quick Google search). Input your tire size, current and potential gear ratios, and your transmission's gear ratios. This will show you the RPM at various speeds, helping you choose a ratio that suits your needs. This is far more reliable than any generalized advice.
