I have stock 3.07 in the 87 XJ with dana 30 and dana 44. I also have a stock 86 with 3.73 gears in dana 30 and 35c <-- the 35c is a POS i know.

So the fronts are both disco, easy swap by dropping one out and putting the 3.73 geared one in. But will the gears from the 35c fit into the dana 44? If so, is this a swap I should look at?

Pros:
1.) already have gears
2.) Lower gearing
3.) Maybe be able to use 5th gear 32's with 3.07 = no real use for 5th gear around here.

Cons:
1.) would be my first gear swap
2.) 3.73's aren't the 4.56's that are perfect.
3.) Jeep would go down until I am done with swap <-- means i'd have to drive a Kia

Thanks
James

 

i feel like if you are going through the trouble to do a gear swap you should at least go to 4.10s to make it worth your while. just my opinion. i know its convenient cause you already have the gears, but its a lot of work and you'll probably want bigger gears than 3.73 eventually anyway.

 

the 35 c gears wont fit in to the 44 as far as i know also what size tire are you running those gears might still be to low depending on your tire size

 

I am in a similar situation. 31" tires, 3.07 gears on a 5 speed.

Since last week I have been only going up to 4th gear to simulate switching to 4.10's When I find out what my gas milage has been doing that, it will determine if I go to 4.10.

 

Id just pay to have the rear regeared. The 35 R&P won't fit and your sacrificing too much dropping to a 35 from a 44.

Pay to regear the rear with 4:10s/4:56s and look into finding a 4:10 geared 97+ XJ 30. Any 4x4 4 cyl XJ will have 4:10s.

Since yours is a 5 speed I wouldn't go much lower than 4:10s unless I was running 35s.

3:07s to 4:56s is a huge jump.

 

For an auto on 33's...go with 456s
for a manual...410s

since you are still street driving it...if trail only, go as low as you can!

 

James I'd be willing to bet at least one of those XJs in that Junkyard in Anacortes has 4.10s under it. If none of the others do, That Waggy with the 4 cylinder deisel would. Grab those axles for a song, if you can. I'm sure you can as that guy is the best to deal with around here. Slap those axles under your XJ and then just re0gear your D44 when you can afford it.

 

A good starting point is an RPM calculator for the ratio you decide on to see on paper what to expect:

http://www.ringpinion.com/Calc_RPM.aspx

As is the case with most of us, 33's become 35's (or 37's!) sooner or later so plan ahead if possible if you plan on doing more mods & tire changes.
Tom

Tom

 

Thanks for the comments guys, I knew that going 3.73's werent going to work, and Brian I had forgotten about that woody, its not the only 4cyl there. they have 3 i think, I'm also going to have to ask what they want for the whole Woody, it is so damn good looking its sad.

Thanks again all

 

If any of them are 97-99 youll get a 29 spline 8.25 and good HP 30. If not whatever should work for you until you can afford to regear the 44 and you can sell the axle you got from the JY.