89 runner 22re 5.71 gears at about 60-65 that's all the motor wants. When I bought it, it had 39 thorn turds and I canned them for some 35 roovers for highway use. I'm in the process of regearing to 4.88 now.
4.10 with 35 or 37 will make that thing a slug. Hard on clutches and motor. In theory the best milage, but will more than likely get better with 4.88 gears do to not having to work it as hard, plus I think you'd be closer to stock gear.ie the larger dia. of the tire will be offset by the gearing. Someone else chime in and help explain this better.
You pretty much summed it up snappy. The gears will compensate for the tire diameter returning it closer to stock, helping the engine work less than leaving the gears stock. Your clutch will hate you with 35s and stock gears and I'd be very surprised if you were able to get 15mph
Not if you plan to ever engage the transfer case, lol.
The 22r/e motor is most efficient at mid-to higher RPMs (e.g. 3k). Higher gear ratio will allow to to use that powerband. Technically you have more combustions per foot, but the effieicy is so much better it more than compensates for this.