I've researched this a lot and yes I've used the search and yes I know threads already exist on this topic but I have not been able to find a definite answer. I'm getting ready to re-gear but I keep flip-flopping between 4.88 and 4.56 gears. I have an 8.25 and a D30 and I'm running 32x11.5 tired. I don't really see myself going over 33s anytime soon so I've been leaning towards 4.56 since the jeep is mostly driven around town and on the highway with only occasional light wheeling. However, everything I've read about 4.88 says they're great and that the 4.0 loves the higher RPMs on the highway but this scares me because my motor has over 250,000 miles on it and it's the infamous 0331 head casting and I've been lucky so far. Are 4.56 gears the safest choice? Any and all opinions are appreciated. Thanks!

 

My RPM thing is wrong.

4.56 is best. Yes 4.88 would give more torque but with only 32s or even 33s the 4.88 would still be overkill. If you plan to stay at 32 even 4.10 would work. At least you could keep your carrier lol

 

Not sure what you are saying here, but it sounds backwards....

higher numerical gear, higher RPM for a given tire size & speed

lower numerical gear, lower rpm for the same tire size and speed

big tires on stock gears will be very low on rpm at a given speed

 

From my understanding, the deeper the gears the higher the rpm. My concern is going too deep and therefore bringing the RPMs up too high.

 

go 4.56 unless you plan to go up to 35's someday,then 4.88 would be a little better. however i have 35's w/ 4.56 its fine on the hiway, has plenty of power. offroad in low range great for crawling around too. w/32's you could go 4.10 's but better off w/ the 4.56 , 4.56 & 33's is a perfect match. imo

 

Yeah im wrong. I fixed my post.

 

4.56s

 

I've got 4:56's and had 32's. overall, the RPM's were a lil too high. I went to 33s and tho they are pretty much even in actual size, I'm happier with the 33s. There's plenty of power and torque in the 4.0 and driveability is much better.
Tractors don't like rpm's. lol.

 

4.88's on 33x12.5. Wouldn't have even considered 4.56 because of how much my rig weighs between armor and gear. I do 9hr drives and rpms are right where they should be.

It depends on tire too, my 33's actually measure 33". My "33" bfg at measure 32".

 

Alright well thanks guys. I think I'm gonna go with 4.56 then!

 

That would be you best choice for a tire that size and mostly a DD the 4.56 will appear to be a stock setup with 33's. I run both 33 and 35's and wish that I had went with 4.88's but things change.