Brian, I'm not really up on the effects of gear changes, but I did do
some driving in tall country when I lived in NM. I think I would like to
take a close look at the 5-speed conversion  for a better top end for
those long flat straight-aways. That would make more sense to me.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL driver

Brian Butler wrote:

>I am going to have AA transaxle rebuild my Syncro
>Trans.
>I am considering going to a taller 3rd and 4th. Daryl
>@ AA recommends that I should be OK staying stock.
>Keep in mind I have 15" wheels and will be going to a
>taller tire. (Haven't decided what size yet. I still
>need to find out how big I can go with the STOCK spare
>tire carrier without having to go with an aftermarket
>carrier. Any feedback on this is also appreciated).
>The motor is a 2.1L WB with some upgrades for a bit of
>additional hp.
>I currently live in Lake Tahoe and do a lot of high
>altitude driving and long hill/mountain pass driving.
>I will soon be moving down to the coast at sea level.
>I don't know if these points need to be considered or
>not, but wanted to include them if so. I also do long
>road trips where long flat stretches of highway are in
>front of me. (and I would prefer to make them
>less-long, if possible ;-)
>I just would like to get some more opinions on the
>subject of pros/cons of taller gearing before I dump a
>few grand into the rebuild and possibly regret
>whatever decision I make regarding the gearing.
>Thanks in advance,
>Brian Butler
>
>
>