Your Opinion? (what gear ratio for 33" tires)

yeahsowhat · 01-28-2008, 10:31 AM

I have switched from 32-11.5 R15 BFG MT to 33-12.5 R15 Baja Claws. I have determined that I have 3.07 gears.

I have called around and it seems that a gear job is going to be $1000-$1500.

What gears should I go to? What brand and size. I was thinking 4.56.

It is my daily driver but I like to hit the trails pretty hard. On the road I tend to drive it like it is a sports car and I enjoy that!

I really want a rear tire carrier for the new spare so if I do in fact change the gears I will need to do it on the cheep.

My wife wants to see a significant decrease in gas consumption! I want more power.

Will the benefits outweigh the $$$?

**mdm** · 01-28-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yeahsowhat

...My wife wants to see a significant decrease in gas consumption! ...

I feel obliged to say that for this to happen you need to have a different vehicle.

A high school teacher that asks "What is a book?". That is just wrong.

To the question - Are you staying with 32" tires with that 4" lift? If yes, then I'd think about 4.10 gears. Most consider 4.56 good for 33" tires and I would think 4.56 would be a little low for 32" tires.

I am a firm believer in having a clear goal in mind especially when it involves spending money. Know what the goal is and build for that goal.

yeahsowhat · 01-28-2008, 10:48 AM

I will more than likely stay with 33" tires.

My goal is to have vehicle that works well as a DD and off road. My wife's goal is for me to stop spending sooo much on gas!

Will changing gears give me better gas mileage? if so, what gears?

yeahsowhat · 01-28-2008, 10:50 AM

[QUOTE=mdm]I feel obliged to say that for this to happen you need to have a different vehicle.

A high school teacher that asks "What is a book?". That is just wrong.

I guess I should change that! I was just putting in random answers and had forgotten! Whoops!

BlueFlame · 01-28-2008, 11:11 AM

Whether or not your mileage will change depends more on factors like where you drive and how you drive. 33s and 3.07s simply sucks - you ain't drivin' it like a sports car with that combo! Your mileage could actually increase, especially if you do a lot of non-highway driving, but probably will stay the same but become much more satisfying to drive. It'll be like getting an extra 50hp!
4:56 with the 5 speed is terrific.
4:10 with the 5 speed isn't too bad, might save you some gas if you do mostly highway driving, but will still leave a little down on power.

yeahsowhat · 01-28-2008, 11:15 AM

So 4.56 will increase my MPG around town?

Most of my driving is done in and around town. I actually avoid the highway. I live in a very mountainous area and can not go anywhere without in-countering a mountain!

BlueFlame · 01-28-2008, 11:48 AM

I would say "most probably."
It would improve your ratio of putting power to the pavement - a lot, so it would probably help your economy too.

You do realise that we aren't talking about huge gains? If you are really lucky, maybe 2mpg...

Dogman · 01-28-2008, 11:59 AM

What kind of mileage are you getting right now? I wouldn't expect miracles

If it were me, I would go 4.56. Also, you live in a mountainous area, you'll want lower gearing.

gearheadjlm · 01-28-2008, 12:11 PM

I would say go with the 4.56. first off, it's a Jeep, and as hard as I tried, unless these things had a diesel in them, then gas mileage should not even matter, cause it's going to be bad either way. If you go with 4.56 then you would be covered for later up grades (remember this is a Jeep, upgrades are always in the future). Now, if you have 3.07 and 32's, you are probably "lugging" that engine so much and working it so hard that you are not saving gas. I went with 4.10's and 33's. And wish I spent my money on 4.56, and thats with me doing mostly highway...

yeahsowhat · 01-28-2008, 12:23 PM

With the 32s (At the shop right now getting 33's) I was at 11 MPG around town. I really drive it hard. I really never noticed all the power loss everyone is talking about. I bought it the way it is now (pretty much) so I guess I just don't know what I am missing. i probably am compensating by using the clutch more and pushing to a higher RPM. 5th gear is useless.

Dogman · 01-28-2008, 12:49 PM

Driving habits are probably the biggest factor. With the new-found power of a regear - things probably won't change. I'm sure you will love the way it drives. I went from 3.07 to 3.73 and it felt great. 3.07s suck for any tire size!

percent20 · 01-28-2008, 02:09 PM

ok, so I have been wanting to ask this for a while. I have 36inch tires with a 2" BB (bought it this way). Will going to a 4.56 gearing make it feel better when driving. I currently have 3.73.

**mdm** · 01-28-2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by percent20

ok, so I have been wanting to ask this for a while. I have 36inch tires with a 2" BB (bought it this way). Will going to a 4.56 gearing make it feel better when driving. I currently have 3.73.

Actually I think you would be happier with 3.07 gears and just use 1st, 2nd, and third gears.

beryl · 01-28-2008, 02:52 PM

4.56...if u go to 32's im sure it will still be fine

**Goose346** · 01-28-2008, 02:53 PM

I have 33's with a dana 44 w/3:73s and I like it for all around driving (on hwy, around town and enough pep for offroad)

01-28-2008, 02:52 PM	#14
beryl Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: sc Posts: 1,224 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	4.56...if u go to 32's im sure it will still be fine __________________ 06x-6speed...hard/soft top, BPE's, 2" coils, 1" PA BL, 32 bfg mt's, 15x8 MT alloys, big daddy rocker guards, flowmaster, RE gen II discos, rear bumper and tire carrier, 10" MTX sub with 800watt kenwood amp, mossy oak mats, sony stereo