charlesebow

I just bought another 88 XJ and the guy i boought it from said that the gears in the rear axle are 3.55 and the gears in the front are 3.07, I want to know if it will do any damage if I drive it around just using 2wd?

JeepDeep

I would seriously just take the front driveshaft out until that gets remedied. No damage will be done in 2wd.

creeperjeep1

Lets try again so peeps can help you. You are only describing the gears you have. Not list any troubles that may illicit your question. Its taken me awhile to figure everything out here too so its OK.

Gee oh Dee

Your even more confusing.

He asked if anytbing would be damaged by driving in 2wd, since the gearing is different in the front axle than in the rear.

Somekne suggested he take out the front DS just to be safe, and I agree.

However, if you leave it in 2wd you will be fine. You just have to make sure it doesnt get 'accidentally' put into 4wd.

And the easiest, safest way would be to remove the front shaft.

Which takes all of removing 8 bolts...

ManiacXJ

Their question is legit, they have mismatched gear ratios between the front and back differentials.

If they were to engage 4wd this would cause problems.

Driving it only in 2wd will be ok.

As JeepDeep offered, disconnecting the front driveshaft would be a good safety measure to make sure 4wd isn't accidentally engaged.

charlesebow

OK, thanks for the help guys!

creeperjeep1

I get it. I was typing before other reply came through. Like I said am new too and tryin to learn and help others learn. Isn't it typical to have different gearing?

ManiacXJ

No, your front and rear differential gear ratios have to match.

They can be off by a hair as some axles and manufacturers make slightly different ratios. Such as a 4.10:1 in front and a 4.11:1 in the rear.

But a 3.07 front and 3.55 rear means the person swapped gears or axles at some point planning for an upgraded and never finished.