I have a Ford 8.8 posi 3.73 rear end I want to put on my xj do I have to change the front gears out to match if in 2wd? Might sound like a stupid question but I am uncertain

 

yes

 

Hmm I thought so just don't know where to get the gears for the Dana 30.

 

goggle it

 

for 2wd use you will not need to change them miss read sorry

 

 

just remove front drive shaft for the time being.
it might be easier and cheaper to look for a complete front axle from a tj with 3.73 gearing.

 

Or a v8 zj

 

but it's not all wheel drive does that matter

 

If it is 4 wheel drive you have to have the same gearing even if its disengaged, if you have different ratios you will blow up your transfer case

 

I thought TJs and XJs are all LP D30s. That'd be a downgrade in my opinion.

 

No he won't. If its a 4 wheel drive he will be fine in 2wd until he can get matching gears. He just cant put it in 4 will drive.

 

I'm guessing by xj you mean zj? Ya thats right but if it will save home 400$+ in gears,master install kit,and installation then it would be worth it IMO. But I see nothing wrong with a LP Dana 30 besides driveshaft angle,and that's not a big deal. I have wheeled a locked LP Dana 30 on 35's for a little over a year now. Only problems have been snapped u-joint style shafts,changed back to stock zj cv-style shafts and haven't had a problem since. Only strength difference between the HP and LP axles are that on a HP the pinion rides the correct side of the ring gear so that part is somewhat "stronger"- but honestly when have you seen a ring gear or pinion go before an axle shaft or u-joint on a Dana 30?? I never have.

 

See, that's what I thought.

I suppose, but I still wouldn't want to give up parts that I already have for an obvious downgrade. Even if chances are small.

 

Ya, I just would want to risk it personally