kidkodiak

This is for my 2001 XJ. AW4, D30/35 4.0L

I just upgraded to 32" tires.

From all my research, 4.56 is the way to go to get back to stock. This is a daily driver, needs to be able to do 80mph on Nashville freeways more than it needs to crawl (yes 32" wasn't the wisest choice given that... ), and anything to improve my crappy gas mileage is a blessing.

In my research, I just can't find recommendations on which gears are best in terms of brand/package. What are the best bang for my buck? Note I am NOT asking for the cheapest... but the best package/kit for the price.

Could someone point me in the right direction please?

(and on a side note, if anyone has recommendations for great rear bumper + tire carriers too? My spare no longer fits on my roof basket... can't fit through the garage door anymore! )

Thanks

gleason51

I got USA Standard gears. Have had zero problems. And they were priced fairly. I believe I paid about $450 for front and rear gears, install kits, and a new carrier for the D30.

2000CHERO

I buy Motive for all my axles. Note that Motive has 3 levels, I buy the middle one. "Motive Performance" or whatever it is is the cheap line.

For master install kits I always buy Timken kits. I don't see why I should stray from what the factory used.

I buy it all on eBay: gears are $100-160 shipped depending on axle, master install kits are the same range depending on axle.

toasterknight

I wouldn't regear that rear axle. You can get a jy 8.25 cheap and will be rebuilding it anyways with new gears.

2000CHERO

Good catch, totally missed the 35 part. I guess I'm just assuming people search before asking haha. I always assume it's at least the 8.25.

Anyway I agree. Don't waste money on the 35.

SatiricalHen

Get a 8.25 from the junk yard, install disc brakes, take it to the shop get gears put in then swap in and scrap or sell your 35. Cheaper price for gearing if the axle is out so you might save close to what you pay for the axle, you'll have a stronger axle, and you'll have better brakes for not too much more work.

andrewmp6

He has a dana 35 and a low pinion dana 30,I would swap in a 8.25 and a high pinion dana 30 depending how much a lift he has.

SatiricalHen

that would be a good idea. Just grab both axles from the junkyard take them get the gears put in then swap them in. Then he's got better axles, better gears, and less downtime of his jeep.

Mr. Pink

He also said it's his daily driver, and wont be wheeling it much. So the LP30 and D35 will be perfect for his commuter.

SatiricalHen

just because it's a daily isn't an excuse to not upgrade when you can for very cheap. No point in investing in crappy axles.

Fred/N0AZZ

If in fact its a real DD keep what you have and stay on the pavement you will be ok (can't believe I'm saying this as both are weak) but those will work fine for that.


As for gears I have ran Motive gears for years in my race cars many very high HP ones no problems and that is what I used in my XJ as well. I bought mine from Rustys for under $500 with VG Master Install Kits included with both (D30/Chy 8.25) 4.56 gear, he was cheapest at the time.


I was running a 33" tire with a 3.55 gear and mpg's increased a min. of 5 mpg and an avg. of 5-7 mpg overall after the 4.56's were installed. FYI

kidkodiak

Yeah it's a daily driver. My old wheeler finally had to be retired... it was time. I gave it to someone in need for a DD after making sure it was mechanically sound.

but I haven't replaced a wheeler yet and I need this one to drive on the hwy's... and to be honest, its still low miles and pretty, so it'll stay a pavement princess for as long as I can, since we can't get new XJ's anymore. I'll pick up a cheep wheeler for trail riding.

If I axle swap to a Chrysler rear, I lose the anti-lock brakes, no? How important for non-wheeling is this? Its a shame, my old Renix had that axle... I could have swapped for free

Love the commentary. Y'all are great!

kidkodiak

And I'm praying for the same! The move to 30's was bad, but the 32's are really making it work on the freeway!

kidkodiak

I have 4", measured against stock. It was a combo of an OME suspension replacement (full springs + coils) and extended shackles.

The new tires are going to make me trim too... but that's another thread post for another day

SatiricalHen

you lose abs but I wouldn't want abs anyway. Not as good as more modern abs. You want a 97+ 8.25 because they're 29 spline. Personally if you're going to do something might as well do it the best you can.