GeenMachineXJ

So I dove in on making my hidden winch bumper this evening. Once I cut my cross member out I discovered I need a new gear box.

Since I'm replacing it I thought about upgrading to the Durango gear box. First question is, is it a direct bolt in swap? Second is is there a size difference and how much? And lastly what do you gain out of doing the swap? Quick replies would be great since this is my daily.. Thank you!

motorcharge

Google. There are a ton of write ups on this already.

Demonoid369

X2 there is literally 1,000 different write up and info on these boxes and which year to get. Google and research

RoyalXJ

Direct bolt in but you're gonna have to space it away from the unibody rail a little since it's a larger diameter. Make sure you buy the one with out the snow plow package. The box has a larger diameter piston so you will get more power when turning. Very good upgrade if you wheel on the rocks.

XJlimitedx99

Skip the Durango box and do a YJ box. It mounts with 4 bolts so it's not bolt on but a much better upgrade than the Durango box.

cleenrob

stock on the left

GeenMachineXJ

Thank you guys. I figured it was a bolt on but my biggest question would be is it worth the upgrade? Is there really a difference? Ive heard the insides are the same it's just case thickness.

cleenrob

i havent felt much of a difference other than having a functioning steering box.

t_long

^^^

I've heard this in most of the research I've done on this swap and always from people who have actually done it. No personal experience with either, but might be something to consider.

Grip

From my research. Its not worth the money to get a durango box. Research will show you why.

motorcharge

It is if yours is worn out and you have a pick and pull yard with reasonable prices. I got mine in my trail XJ for $20. Certainly couldn't replace it for that with anything else.

srb53150

the real deal upgrade would be a hd rebuilt xj box from PSA , they build the best boxes out there , aint cheap however. but you get what you pay for.

cleenrob

i was going to get a reman any ways, i figured i might as well get the stronger one. not much difference in turning ability but the casing and larger cylinder will hanld the stress of bigger tires and crawling a bit better than the stock xj box

Atmos

I run a YJ box. similar to the Durango the internet said go for it, but it's a swap I'll never do again. utilizing that 4th bolt would be more fabrication than it's worth and I dislike the fixed aspect of the box. I like variable a lot more

best option to me still is to keep the stock box. if yours is clapped out then get one that's in better shape. or go straight to PSC

XJlimitedx99

I'm happy that you have an opinion on this. I saw that there YJ was fixed ratio but I wasn't really sure what that meant. Would you mind filling me in?

Is there any 4 bolt swap that you would recommend? I like the idea of having 4 bolts to spread the load. In my search I saw talks of j20 boxes but I'm totally unfamiliar with those.