Protrack 17/87 Reduction Gears Review – One of My Favourite Mods for the Suzuki Jimny

1. Introduction – Why I Needed Reduction Gears

If you’ve spent any time off-road in a Suzuki Jimny with bigger tyres, you’ll know that gearing becomes a problem fast. When I first moved up to 30-inch tyres, I found myself dropping into low range way sooner than everyone else – even for things as simple as parking at camp on a slight incline. Without it, I’d be feathering the clutch just to get moving without stalling. The constant clutch work was getting old… and eventually, the clutch itself started giving in.

That’s when I decided it was time for a reduction gear upgrade.

2. Why I Chose the Protrack 17/87 Gears

After a lot of forum scrolling, coffee-fuelled YouTube dives, and a fair amount of “Jimny WhatsApp group” debating, I landed on Protrack’s 17% high / 87% low reduction gears from Greece.

Here’s why:

• Better low-speed control – The -87% low range meant I’d have more crawl control without abusing the clutch.

• Acceptable high range compromise – The -17% in high range was something I knew I could live with for on-road driving.

• Future-proof for bigger tyres – I was already on 30s, but knew 33s were coming.

• Protrack’s proven reputation – Plenty of other Jimny owners had run them without major issues.

3. Installation – Not Exactly a Driveway Job

I’ll be straight: fitting reduction gears isn’t as simple as swapping tyres. The install involves some grinding and clearancing inside the transfer case, so unless you’re confident with tools (and comfortable voiding your own “I didn’t break it” streak), it’s best to get a mechanic involved.

I had mine installed by a mechanic, and the job went smoothly. The only real delay was shipping – coming from Greece via the South African Postal Service meant it took a while to arrive.

4. How They Changed the Jimny

On-Road Performance

• Higher revs in high range – noticeable, but not unbearable.

• Slightly more fuel consumption (I changed tyre size at the same time, so can’t give exact numbers).

• A faint gear whine at certain loads – doesn’t bother me, but worth noting if you like a silent cabin.

Off-Road Performance

• Game-changer. The difference in technical crawling is massive.

• No more clutch abuse on small inclines or tricky sections.

• On 30s, I felt low could have been even lower for really technical stuff – if I had the choice back then, I might have tried Sumo’s ratios.

• On 33s (my current setup), it feels perfect – gearing is spot-on for most trails.

5. Downsides

• Slightly higher revs on the highway – not great for small tyres.

• Longer wait time for delivery if you’re in South Africa.

• Whine in certain conditions – not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing.

6. Would I Buy Them Again?

Short answer: Yes – but I’d still consider the Sumo gears for a slightly better low-range ratio if I were sticking to 30s. This, paired with the SG performance turbo, has made me fall in love with the Jimny even more.

Long answer: The Protrack 17/87 set is brilliant if you run 33-inch tyres or plan to in the future. On smaller tyres, you might want their milder ratios like 7% high / 77% low or a low-range-only reduction. If you want to know more about the reduction gear options, check out our resource on reduction gears.

7. Final Thoughts – The “Cheat Code” for Off-Roading

Reduction gears make a Jimny feel like it’s been given superpowers off-road. It’s almost like cheating on technical trails – you can crawl with control, save your clutch, and make bigger tyres actually enjoyable to drive.

While I’ve got my eye on a future SJ transfer case conversion for even more control, these Protrack gears have been one of the best investments I’ve made in Peach (my Jimny).

If you’re serious about 4x4ing in a Jimny – especially with bigger tyres – reduction gears should be high on your mod list.

Quick Specs – Protrack 17/87 Reduction Gears

• Brand: Protrack (Greece)

• High Range Reduction: -17%

• Low Range Reduction: -87%

• Tyre Size Fitment: Best suited for 31″–33″ tyres

• Install Difficulty: Advanced (grinding required)

• Delivery to South Africa: Long lead time via postal service

• Price: Varies with exchange rate and shipping