Money To Spend!! Need Walkthrough!!

jeeptoplesstx · 10-23-2003, 11:09 PM

OK, So, I finally have enough money to regear the old Jeep. I need a walkthrough though...searched and couldnt find one. I might have it done profesionally but have a friend who is real good with cars coming into town and we want a good walkthrough including what special tools might be needed. We will have a lift and air tools(thanks to the base hobby shop) but dont want to start tearing it apart only to realize we cant do the job. If I have him do it then I can save like 900 in labor to go towards other stuff. I have an 03 with five speed and the 4.0 engine. Currently running 3.07 on 32x11.50...eventually want to go up to 33's. So, here is my other question. I have a two inch suspension lift....and if we regear ourselves then I can afford new tires and gears but not lift. I am almost positive I can run 33's now(dont think they will scrub on road but I know they will offroad) until I can afford lift. Is the 4.55 definitely the right gearing for a DD on 33's Or will it be too stiff and not let me go highway speeds. I mean, I want to be at 3 grand at like 75-85MPH and get good gas mileage as opposed to 2 1/2 grand in FOURTH at 80 right now getting 13MPG. Also, what if I went to 4.55's and just kept running the 32's?? Way too stiff? Or would I just want to go to 4.10 and then run the 33's on those gears? I know Jerry B said something to someone on a post that 4.10 would be fine for 33's but the guy had a 2.5L so I wasnt sure. Really want to spend this money right being that large amounts of cash dont come around too often, you know? Totally appreciate your help.

**Jerry Bransford** · 10-24-2003, 02:58 AM

Unless your friend is WELL versed in how to do a complete ring & pinion installation including their setup with regards to the gear pattern, backlash, etc., pay someone else to set those gears up. That is no job for even a great mechanic if he isn't experienced in R&P installations.

For 33" tires, 5-speed tranny, and 4.0L engine, 4.56 gears are optimal. When I had 33" tires and 4.10 gears, I hated it... I always regretted not having had the guts to go to 4.56 because of the very slightly higher engine rpms... but I was forever having to downshift due to the 4.10 gearing and the power was gone. 4.56 is a great all around gear combination for 33" tires and can even work with 35" tires... though 4.88 is optimal for 35" tires.

But I can't stress enough that only an experienced ring & pinion person be allowed to install your new gears. Because if the installation job is screwed up, the new gears are toast.

**thephantum** · 10-24-2003, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Bransford

Unless your friend is WELL versed in how to do a complete ring & pinion installation including their setup with regards to the gear pattern, backlash, etc., pay someone else to set those gears up. That is no job for even a great mechanic if he isn't experienced in R&P installations.

For 33" tires, 5-speed tranny, and 4.0L engine, 4.56 gears are optimal. When I had 33" tires and 4.10 gears, I hated it... I always regretted not having had the guts to go to 4.56 because of the very slightly higher engine rpms... but I was forever having to downshift due to the 4.10 gearing and the power was gone. 4.56 is a great all around gear combination for 33" tires and can even work with 35" tires... though 4.88 is optimal for 35" tires.

But I can't stress enough that only an experienced ring & pinion person be allowed to install your new gears. Because if the installation job is screwed up, the new gears are toast.

Ditto on what Jerry said...unless you (or your bud) are experienced setting up ring and pinion gears don't attempt it. They'll be torn up before you get to 500 miles on them.

In regards to the 2" lift/33" tire combo, offroad you will rub all over the place. It normally takes 3" of lift to fit 33's under there. I would pay to have the gears done and then save up the cash for the new lift and tires. Besides, it'll be like a whole new vehicle with those 4.56's running in there.

Rock On!

Steve

jeeptoplesstx · 10-24-2003, 02:26 PM

Jerry, you always seem to know your stuff so maybe I shouldnt even try it out. You think it would be better to let the dealership do it or have a 4x4 place go at it? Everyone seems to be giving me a price of 1200...does that sound about right or you think I can do better? And as to the 4.56 if I do that now...and dont change tires...it would run like *** again wouldnt it? I would max out at way to low of a speed right? thanks for all the advice and help guys.

~Wil

Cynic · 10-24-2003, 05:32 PM

as jerry said its definately a job for a professional.....not only do u need the tools but u need the experience.....

1200 probably isnt to far off depending on where you live...usually 300-400 labor

northridge was and probably still is having a special for f&r ring and pinion with overhaul kit for 450.00 call and talk to dave hes a pretty cool guy and seems to know what hes doing unlike most people you talk to on the phone....

Cynic · 10-24-2003, 05:34 PM

oops i meant 300-400 per axle for labor

**Jerry Bransford** · 10-24-2003, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynic

oops i meant 300-400 per axle for labor

You can always click 'Edit' on your own post to add, change, or clarify something you said, so you don't have to add a new post.