currently my ratio is 3.54 on 27.5 inch tires.

For 4.10s I need to stay 33s. For 4.56 I should go 35s. I'm installing a 6.5 inch lift. That said...

I am installing 32s now, and 33s (maybe 35s) in the future.

Should I opt for 4.10s? Or go 4.56?

I want to tow. So I'm thinking 4.56?



LOOK AT POST 3

 

I can tell you just from what I have. I got 35s and 4.88s and it is a great overall gear on highway and around town. Hope this helps you out!!!

 

I should be asking

Will 32s and 3.55 be ok for a while?

Should I go 35s on a 6.5 in kit?

 

32s and 3.55s will be ok for a while, you will just have some power loss.

You have an auto right? With an auto tranny you want 4.56 gears for 33s and 4.88 gears for 35s.

You can go 35s if you want to, you will just need to trim your fenders. people with 6.5" lifts usually run either 33s or 35s, I run 4.5" lift and 33s and i have plenty of room.

 

if you are going to 33's and plan on 35's later, get 4.88's

don't even think about 4.10's

 

I'm running 33's on stock 3.55s ( I think ), I'm not going bigger. What is the best setup for DD and possible pulling a boat?

 

X2, go straight to 4.88's.

 

I'm sitting at 6.5" of lift and 34s with the stock 3.55s. Its no rocket, but then again I didn't build it for that! It doesn't see more than 30-50 miles of on road driving when I do drive it. Its my dedicated trail rig.

 

4.56's is your best gear ratio to put you back to stock gear ratio

 

4.56 it is. Stayin on 33s

I will never trim my fenders. I love em too much.

 

Is changing the gearing a hard job? see the exploded view of the differentials in the back of Jeep Essentials catolog and have watched a youtube video a time or two. Should this be left to a mechanic? I like to do thing myself but I dont know all the mysteries inside the pumpkins.

 

Changing gears is really easy and straightforward as long as you know how to set the backlash ( space between pinion gear teeth and ring gear teeth )

The lash is not something you want to guess on it has to be set right or you will either A: destroy the gears due to excess heat or B: rip the teeth off of the gears.

Backlash isnt hard to set and they make kits to set it, if you are wanting to do your own. I would suggest reading up on the subject and watching some videos to make sure you understand it andfeel comfortable with the process.

 

Here, read Billavista's writeup on Pirate. One of the best out there. A backyard mechanic can do it, but you need the right tools for the job. Take your time, double check all your work, and make sure your pinion depth/backlash is properly set. You can always set the pattern, use the yellow marking paint and spin the gears to mark the contact patch, and post pics to have other eyes on the forum verify your pattern is good before you button 'er up too.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/