I would like some insight on the possibility of re-gearing my WJ. It's an 04 with 4.0. running 32's with a 2.5 inch lift, (only rubs occasionally). Current gears are stock 3.55, I'm thinking by the time i get the steel bumpers on plus the 32's I'm going to need to re-gear especially if i decide to pull a small utility trailer when I go hunting this fall. If I were going to re-gear, would the stock carrier have room for 4.10's or is there a better way to accomplish this?

 

You will have to change carriers if you re-gear to a 4.10 from 3.55, I was able to re-gear to 3.73 without a carrier change as it uses the same as the 3.55. Don't forget to calculate for speedometer re-calibration and parts for that.

 

If you want lockers now would be the best time to add them keep that in mind.

 

Not exactly what your asking but my 04 WJ "Overland" 4.7HO with towing pkg. Class IV Hitch, 3.73 gears, D30 with LSD, D44 with LSD and a ton of other items included. If you could find a wrecked one with those options it could well be cheaper than installing gears/lsd or lockers in yours. This was all factory options plus all skid plates if you can find on the www. shipping truck freight on a pallet isn't all that bad.


Just an idea but a lot of these Overland's had every option offered by Chrysler in the WJ's.

 

Thanks, is there a big difference between 3.55 and 3.73? I was thinking I would have to go 4.10 to get close to stock ratio.

 

Another thing to think on are you staying with 32s or do you want bigger tires down the road?

 

With the WJ, he's going to need more lift to run anything bigger than 32s. If it was mine, I'd stick with the 32s, regear to 3.73, and lockout O/D when towing. Just my opinion, however. Remember you're stuck with the 4.0 and a D35.

 

My WJ came stock with 235/65/17's and the Up Country pkg. and has the small lift, not sure what height those tires equate to. I'm sure 3.73's would be close for you but for sure an upgrade from the 3.55's.


Mine with the V-8 pulls an all steel 18' dove tail trailer and my XJ fine about 5300# give or take. If you can find the differentials the rear D44 will help a little also.

 

Thanks guys you've given me some things to think about. I'm staying with the 32's and I'll start checking into budget. It will still be my DD, so I'm inclined to not go "overboard". But want it to be capable off road, will not be a rock crawler.

 

You could grab a set of used stock axles with 3.73s and throw a lunch box locker in the rear.If you do go that way the rear axle will be a dana 44a from a v8 wj,Some people talk trash about that dana 44a but if you skid plate it its good tell 35s bigger then that it needs a truss on it.There is a bolt on skid plate for 150 bucks http://www.mountainvistafabrication....e-D44ASKD1.htm

 

One thing to keep in mind. The u-joint yoke is larger on the D44a so you'll have to deal with modifying the driveshaft or changing the yoke. Changing the yoke is NOT a simple thing. It has to be torqued EXACTLY right or it'll destroy the pinion bearings.

 

Probably won't go that route anyway, but thanks.

 

Dave a conversion u joint can fix that and can be picked up at any auto parts store.What a conversion u joint is basicly 2 different sizes stuck together.One shaft is one size while the other shaft is a different size.Depending the t cases he might get w way with using a v8 rear driveshaft or could have one custom made about 300 bucks give or take.

 

I THOUGHT there was a bastard u-joint, but I hadn't researched it. Good to know.