[sho_greg]

So how bad of an idea is this??? 6 speed, 3.21 gears, 35s..?

I guess this is why I am getting better gas mileage than what I have been reading... My 3.21 ratio... I have been getting like 20-22mpg...

[jgarner]

You could expect it to drop to around 11-12 at best and have no power at all.

[igofshn]

Your 6 speed will now be a 5 speed and sometimes only a 4 speed.

[Brent_f70]

I think we are covering this is about 4-5 posts right now....

[ge2]

Here is a real world answer.....
I own a 3.21 geared six speed X, with 3 inches of lift and 35s on it. This ride is my daily driver. I drive about 1200 miles per month. I've driven the jeep up and down our mountain passes (about 4500 feet, but fairly steep in some areas) many times, both solo, and fully loaded. It is true that 6th gear is rarely used. I typically shift around 3000 RPMs, but drive very comfortably at any speed I'd drive at under normal circumstances.
When I bought this jeep, I did so assuming that I'd regear (I re-geared a 4 wheel drive expedition before, for better towing, so I'm fully aware of what re-gearing offers). A friend of mine suggested that I drive it for 6 months before I regeared. I'm 4 months into that, and I won't be re-gearing unless my driving habits or needs change dramatically. I have the money set aside for it, and the time involved isn't an issue-- but at this point I'll wait the two more months, and I can almost guarantee that the gear money will be going to other things. Re-gearing just isn't necessary for me.

Like I said-- it's a daily driver, I travel up and down hills and mountains, and I do mild offroading (logging roads and trails-- but no rocks). It's completely capable of doing what I ask of it.

Yes-- re-gearing offers advantages, torque and would allow quicker access to the power that my minivan engine offers. It just isn't necessary for me. Having the 6 speed allows me to control things very well.

[liquids]

I'm a fan of the 3.21 with the 6-speed and my stock 32s, but 35s would make me change my mind. I usually like to shift at 2700 tops and only if going uphill or passing. Usually it's 2000-2200.

If you shift like ge2, then you're probably all right to do like him and keep the 3.21. There's a lot of torque up in that rpm range, and that addresses the only negative to 35s: the increased torque requirement to get things moving.

[Prot]

5.13's and never looking back. Wit 4.10's and 35's my cruise control was useless, especially at 65 mph and higher. With 3.21's, it's going to be even worse than what I experienced. My fuel economy actually improved after regearing, not like I really care anyway, but it was a nice surprise. Oh, I have an automatic.

[ge2]

Prot... silly goose. You're last statement eliminates you Didn't you read the title? You just read 'GEAR' and knew you needed to respond, right? I love your commitment

Side note..... I just saw a license plate in our state this morning, that made me think of you.

Does LA offer these?

[Prot]

Not sure, but I'll look into it.

I guess I'm enthusiastic about regearing because I can't believe how much of a difference it made without being so low that the engine is screaming. When I put it in 4LO, I can get out of my Jeep, go walk around get back in it without taking it out of gear LOL. My YJ's 4.0L was so much different than this 3.8L.

[Matthew Davis]

Originally Posted by Prot

Not sure, but I'll look into it.

I guess I'm enthusiastic about regearing because I can't believe how much of a difference it made without being so low that the engine is screaming. When I put it in 4LO, I can get out of my Jeep, go walk around get back in it without taking it out of gear LOL. My YJ's 4.0L was so much different than this 3.8L.

I have to admit Prot- your enthusiasm and argument for re-gearing has got me seriously considering it when I never had before. I don't have the 35's installed yet but am sure to go that size- I may be like ge2 and be fine with 4.10- but I doubt it (I have a 4.10 w/6sp manual). If I can find a deal like you did ($700ish), it is almost a sure thing but the $1200-$2000 I see others posting is a bit much.

-Matt

[Brent_f70]

Originally Posted by Matthew Davis

I have to admit Prot- your enthusiasm and argument for re-gearing has got me seriously considering it when I never had before. I don't have the 35's installed yet but am sure to go that size- I may be like ge2 and be fine with 4.10- but I doubt it (I have a 4.10 w/6sp manual). If I can find a deal like you did ($700ish), it is almost a sure thing but the $1200-$2000 I see others posting is a bit much.

-Matt

Matt, Just be careful. Sometimes you DO get what you pay for and I really like knowing my gears were installed by a "Jeep mechanic" I am sure others are good and there may be a few places other than Jeep I would go but I would not let my "friend Joe" do it just because he will only charge 100 bucks. This is a very technical procedure with MAJOR consequences $$$$ if not done properly.

[Matthew Davis]

Originally Posted by Brent_f70

Matt, Just be careful. Sometimes you DO get what you pay for <snip>

I agree with that 100%. I actually had already contacted a local Jeep dealer to get a quote on the job. I have not heard back yet. I would like it to be done by a certified dealer if at all possible.

-Matt

[Prot]

I bought my gears and install kits for $700 and Cajun Offroad did the install for $300 per axle.

[Matthew Davis]

Originally Posted by Prot

I bought my gears and install kits for $700 and Cajun Offroad did the install for $300 per axle.

Ahhh... so $1300 total. The dealer I asked for a quote called me and asked if I was doing both front and rear. It did not occur to me to do just the rear. Will that work? The front is only used in 4wd, does it need to be geared the same? I would think both must be done.

-Matt

[igofshn]

If you don't regear the front and you put it in 4wd, you tanke the chance of blowint the tcase because they will be turning at differnet speeds.