My thought on 4.56 vs 4.88 is the sheer number of highway miles between dirt sections in most case and if I do need more power I have low range. If the stock low range isn't enough I will swap in a 4:1 case from a TJ. Stronger and has better gearing. I will be doing 4.56s.

 

I'm saying that the actual shaft size of a 4.56 pinion and the shaft size of a 4.88 are identical.....and they are both the same as a 3.07, 3.55, 3.73 and the 4.10.

Go back to my post and read it again. I made no claims about strength at all. I simply point out the majority of people that make claims about the 4.88 gears being weak or prone to failure are generally those that have never seen or axperienced anything of the sort, hence the "FOAF" reference.

 

Frank, can you do me and a few here a favor? As a Vendor, you have actual hands on these products in your warehouse. Can you just sit a 4.56 pinion and a 4.88 pinion next to each other, take and post a pic for size reference? That way the members can see firsthand the comparison. Thanks.

 

Sadly I do not have a warehouse, otherwise I'd be to do.

Think about this....
All pinions regardless of the ratio use the exact same bearings. 3.55, 3.73, 4.10, etc etc...all the same diameter. The only difference is the head of the pinion itself.

 

isn't the 4.88 head much smaller than the one on 3.07?

 

I believe that is for a dana 60 but the same idea.

 

Yes. The lower the ratio (Numerically Higher), the smaller the head.

 

Great picture for comparison.

 

Thanks for the pic. This is along the lines of what I was looking for to post up. That and the shaft size.

 

Shaft size never changes.

 

I know this. Lol. These pics are for the members concerned with the sizes. Its meant as physical proof instead of, as Serious put it, "Friend of a friend said.." Hearsay.

 

That is all some people will ever believe sometimes no matter the proof that is shoved in their face.

 

Maybe this will help.
No matter what gear ratio you choose, this dimension will never change.

 

Ok I just thought I would throw this out. 4.10/4.56/4.88 would never concern me which is stronger. What would concern me is what they are going into. (Dana 30/Dana 44/ Dana 60) would have more of a bearing on which gear set I'd go with. Since up-grading the front axle is out of the question for me. I won't be going any steeper than 4.56 and 33" tires and either the E-locker or Ox selectable locker in the front.

I wish money was no object, but it is. That is why I am wheeling my Hodge podge until my ship comes in.

 

Great thread, i really needed this im at the same stage atm.