Time to Re-Gear

Rick_Fury · 01-09-2008, 12:14 PM

My mind is made up. I can't stand it anymore. The time has come to re-gear my Jeep.

I have a 1998 Wrangler Sport with a Dana 35 rear, 3.07 axle, and 3-speed automatic. I am currently running 32" tires on 15x8 wheels. I plan to go no larger than 33" tires. I was thinking the 4.10 gears would be the best choice, since I have the 3-speed auto and 95% of my driving is on the pavement. That being said, I am leaning more to a "highway friendly" gear rather than an "off-road ready" gear.

OK, what exactly do I need to make this conversion? Where can I buy a quality gear set? Although I already know it is going to be expensive, about how much am I looking at having a trusted, fair mechanic do the job for me?

Crashnburn80 · 01-09-2008, 12:22 PM

Since you have a D35, it is often not worth the investment cost in that axle to regear. Fortunately if you plan on staying with the D35 for the time being there is a much cheaper solution.

The 4cyl TJ came with 4.10s front and rear (D30, D35). These axles can usually be had for cheap, since not many people are interested in buying a used D35. You can then swap in the entire new axle assembly (simple bolt in install) with the 4.10s and sell your old axles to recoupe some of the cost, or save the D35 shafts for spares. We did this on my brothers Jeep for a total cost of $250 (Total front + rear). It may take you a little patience to sorce the axles, but it will save you almost $1000.

**Humboldt** · 01-09-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crashnburn80

Since you have a D35, it is often not worth the investment cost in that axle to regear. Fortunately if you plan on staying with the D35 for the time being there is a much cheaper solution.

The 4cyl TJ came with 4.10s front and rear (D30, D35). These axles can usually be had for cheap, since not many people are interested in buying a used D35. You can then swap in the entire new axle assembly (simple bolt in install) with the 4.10s and sell your old axles to recoupe some of the cost, or save the D35 shafts for spares. We did this on my brothers Jeep for a total cost of $250 (Total front + rear). It may take you a little patience to sorce the axles, but it will save you almost $1000.

x2 on some good advice.

**TheBoogieman** · 01-09-2008, 12:26 PM

Thats good advice.

**Wheelin98TJ** · 01-09-2008, 12:29 PM

I agree that 4.10 sounds like the right ratio for you.

Do you want a rear locker?

Rick_Fury · 01-09-2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

The 4cyl TJ came with 4.10s front and rear (D30, D35). These axles can usually be had for cheap, since not many people are interested in buying a used D35. You can then swap in the entire new axle assembly (simple bolt in install) with the 4.10s and sell your old axles to recoupe some of the cost, or save the D35 shafts for spares. We did this on my brothers Jeep for a total cost of $250 (Total front + rear). It may take you a little patience to sorce the axles, but it will save you almost $1000.

You know, I never thought about that! Thanks for the advice!

Quote:

Do you want a rear locker?

No, for the type of driving I do, I don't think I will need a rear locker. Assuming I stick with the Dana 35 rear axle, will that axle hold up under 33" tires and very mild wheeling? No rock crawling, just old back roads for camping and fishing.

**Humboldt** · 01-09-2008, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick_Fury

No, for the type of driving I do, I don't think I will need a rear locker. Assuming I stick with the Dana 35 rear axle, will that axle hold up under 33" tires and very mild wheeling? No rock crawling, just old back roads for camping and fishing.

Will be fine.

SecondTJ · 01-09-2008, 01:23 PM

If your going to look for the 2.5 4cyl axles, make sure the Jeep has the manual transmission, because the automatics came with 3.73

Rick_Fury · 01-09-2008, 01:40 PM

What is a fair price for a set of used Dana 35 axles with 4.10 gearing? Will the cost be different if they came out of a 4-cylinder versus an inline-6 Jeep?

If I find the axles, will I need anything else to complete the swap?

Crashnburn80 · 01-09-2008, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick_Fury

What is a fair price for a set of used Dana 35 axles with 4.10 gearing? Will the cost be different if they came out of a 4-cylinder versus an inline-6 Jeep?

If I find the axles, will I need anything else to complete the swap?

D35 with 4.10 gearing was not offered in a I6 Jeep, only 4cyl Jeeps. Rubicons have D44s with 4.10s but thats way beyond expensive. To Be clear your looking for a D30 front and a D35 rear.

D30 front with 4.10s will likely cost a little more than the rear D35 with 4.10s, just because most are not looking to swap in a new D35. I'm not sure what 'fair' would be, like I said my bro got both his for $250 total, but he waited a while and watched craigslist daily. Consider it will cost you over $1000 to regear, if you were able to buy both axles for $500 and then sell your current ones for $100, you'd still save over $600. I don't know if it would be fair, but it would be worth it in my opinion.

You dont need any special tools other than maybe a floor jack and definitely a friend to do the install, and you shouldn't need any other parts.

04TJ Dogg · 01-09-2008, 06:46 PM

Good topic. I am pretty much in the same boat and had the same questions.
I have 32x11.5's right now and will move up to 33x10.5's. I also have the 30/35 combo but I have the 3.73's and I also have the overdrive automatic transmission. I am a automoble technician for GM. Could'nt I just swap 4.10's into my front and rear? They will fit on the 3.73 carrier, right? I say 4.10's cause maybe I can get some from a jeep that someone is re-gearing. I am about to be putting my Detroit Truetrac on the rear and my Aussie in the front and it would be a good time to re-gear while i'm in there. Any input would help.

Thanks

cj847 · 01-09-2008, 07:00 PM

04 TJ dog is in a good situation because you can just regear with the same carriers you have now. Rick would have to buy carriers + gears + install.

Another option is 04TJDog could sell his axles to Rick Fury for $500. Then take Ricks axles and regear to 4.56 or 4.88. I don't think 4.11 is deep enough for an overdrive tranny.

PS> Rick I have a 97 TJ with auto and 3.73 and 33's. My speedo is only off slightly from stock 3.07 and 28's. It is actually the better ratio mathematically than 4.11 for 33's with a 1:1 tranny. (but now I want the 4.11 to go to 35's.....you get the picture..)

04TJ Dogg · 01-09-2008, 07:16 PM

I do quite a bit of highway driving/traveling. I can run 65-70 and not go into OD very much at all but if I run 75-85 it down shifts at any barely steep hill. What gears do you think would be the best?

Thanks

ram1500dodge · 01-09-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04TJ Dogg

I do quite a bit of highway driving/traveling. I can run 65-70 and not go into OD very much at all but if I run 75-85 it down shifts at any barely steep hill. What gears do you think would be the best?

Thanks

4.56 at minimum...the deepest you can go is 4.88s, which is what im running with 34s...34s and 4.88s is the perfect combo for my 4banger 5speed. i think 4.56s would be better for you

04TJ Dogg · 01-09-2008, 08:24 PM

Thanks, I guess thats what i'll go with. I appreciate the input.