[95 Lowbuck]

Like it has been said, the most bang for the buck
would be a good 2 1/2" lift, (no S.Y.E. or bad D.S. problems).
31-32" tires, (can be mounted on stock 7" rims).
and a not too aggressive posi for the rear. (Keep a light right foot,
and carry spare D35 axles).
The 2.5 is a good little engine, you will not see the difference on the trail,
but must be patient on the road getting there.

[SleddinJeeper]

Originally Posted by navman

quick guide for 2.5 stock gears and 33's
1st gear motor struggles to get meats rolling
2nd gear high rpm might get you to 20 mph
3rd gear down hill with a tail wind you might touch 40 just before the pistons come through the hood
4th gear same as third little less rpm
5th gear used for stalling the motor on demand!!

No offense, but you have no clue what your talking about. The taller tires lower the gearing, so you would be running a lower RPM to get 20, heck in 3rd I run about 3000rpm at 40mph, then I shift to 4th and cruise. I also dont have to be going down hill to reach 40. I can maintain 40 up steep hills in 3rd without too much trouble, I'm not going to gain speed but she'll maintain pretty well. I'm not sure if your engine is on its last legs, but my 2.5 has no issues turning 33s. Hill starts in 1st I dont even have to slip the clutch much. Like I said not trying to belittle your responce, but my 2.5 doesnt struggle like you say.

[Mean Max]

Originally Posted by SleddinJeeper

The taller tires lower the gearing....

Backwards. The taller the tires, the taller the gearing.

Numerically higher ratios = lower gearing
Numerically lower ratios = higher gearing

3.07's would be "high", as compared to a "lower" set of 4.10 gears.

Just saying that so there's no hard feelings between anybody because of a misunderstanding of terminology.

[SleddinJeeper]

Yeah thats what I was thinking, not what I was saying. I meant taller tires are like putting a lower number gear set in...its been a long day.

[Mean Max]

I hear ya!

I've been having a day/week/month/year like that myself.......

[underpowered]

Originally Posted by 95 Lowbuck

Like it has been said, the most bang for the buck
would be a good 2 1/2" lift, (no S.Y.E. or bad D.S. problems).
31-32" tires, (can be mounted on stock 7" rims).
and a not too aggressive posi for the rear. (Keep a light right foot,
and carry spare D35 axles).
The 2.5 is a good little engine, you will not see the difference on the trail,
but must be patient on the road getting there.

not really expecting the mighty 2.5 to be breaking any axles. have not broken any on a welded D35 with a heavy right foot and a 4.0 in my ZJ.

most likely it will be wheel with an open diff though since it will see some street use and it is not worth locking it really.

[95 Lowbuck]

You have been very lucky with your ZJ.
The problem with the D35 is the flexing of the axle
tubes, which leads to the axles breaking at the carrier.
Power doesn't seem to matter much as 4 and 6's break them.

[Living_High]

I have 31's with stock gearing and I do have some issues, nothing major though. There are lots of "hills" here in Colorado.

Waiting for a lift & 33's, then I'll re-gear.

[underpowered]

we have Hill's in KY as well, but not quite like y'all have out there.

[navman]

Originally Posted by SleddinJeeper

No offense, but you have no clue what your talking about. The taller tires lower the gearing, so you would be running a lower RPM to get 20, heck in 3rd I run about 3000rpm at 40mph, then I shift to 4th and cruise. I also dont have to be going down hill to reach 40. I can maintain 40 up steep hills in 3rd without too much trouble, I'm not going to gain speed but she'll maintain pretty well. I'm not sure if your engine is on its last legs, but my 2.5 has no issues turning 33s. Hill starts in 1st I dont even have to slip the clutch much. Like I said not trying to belittle your responce, but my 2.5 doesnt struggle like you say.

sleddinjeeper no offense but it was posted in fun, and I and any passengers laugh out loud when "powershifting gears" and pretend to get thrown into the seat from all the torque. Love my jeep but can't wait to get my 5.0 under the hood. ps I see your from burlington, next time I'm up there I'll meet you at Champions, I'll buy the first round lol.