Hi all, I am planing to run 33's on my 99 XJ and I am gathering parts so I can do it all at once. I have priced Motive Gear Ring and Pinions, overhaul kits and a new carrier for both the front Dana 30 HP and the 8.25 Chrysler, no carrier for the 8.25. Anyway, I have priced this at Rusty's Off Road for like $630 delivered to my door. I think it is a good price and a good gear brand but I want to make sure before I pull the plug. Please let me know if you have a better and or cheaper option.

Thanks
Scott

1999 Cherokee XJ
Automatic, 4x4, 4 door
All stock for now

 

I have the exact same package from Rustys and the quality of Motive gears are very good have ran them in my race cars drag race up to 1500hp using a transbrake without a problem. Also ran them in dirt track cars for about 12 yrs. when I was involved with them. His Master Install kits were excellent quality that came with mine.


He had the best prices when I bought mine several yrs. ago also, I did install Detroit Locker at the same time the 4.56 gears went in also. No extra labor then if done at the same time using a full case locker. In the D30 if you don't install a full case locker it will need a new carrier for it and the 4.56 gears. This is a good time to install new differential covers, I installed ones that had drain plugs as well as fill so its much easier to drain and refill. I run in water, mud, snow a lot and change my fluid often, but still pull the covers once a year to check the gears/lockers for problems.

 

Thanks for the info. I do plan to install a locker in the rear just haven't decided on which one yet. I am up in the air on a front locker as this is a daily driver with 50/50 mix of interstate and city driving. The most I will take this off road will be a good trial ride with mud, no rocks because they hurt.

Thanks
Scott

 

You will never know you have a front locker till its in 4wd.

 

I am with Fred on this one (so I know that I must be right)

A few years ago I was debating on whether to go front or rear and the myriad of opinions didn't help, but I decided to go front first (still my only until a regear) and can definitely tell a difference on trails and except for a popping during tight turns, no problems at all on the street.

I heard horror stories about winter driving and losing control, blasting straight through turns and killing baby seals just by engaging 4 hi in the winter with a front locker. Needless to say, none came true (except for maybe the baby seal part).

There were certainly different mannerisms that my jeep exhibited, but certainly nothing uncontrollable or even remotely dangerous.

Glad that I went front first!

 

I ordered USA Standard gears and carrier I think through Randy's ring and pinion off eBay. The shop that installed my gears said he has installed a ton of USA standard gears and never have an issue. I believe I paid around $525 shipped for gears, master install kits, and open carrier for the front. I also have a Spartan locker in the rear and I love it. I actually just broke my spider gears in the front axle so I am doing a Spartan up front now too.

 

If you don't mind the question, how much did you pay for the re-gear work?

 

My shop charged me $200 labor for each differential that was to install the gears and lockers in each one. I had them install an SYE at the same time with a new chain and gears (Larger) for $250.


There was no extra charge to install lockers when doing the gears same labor involved a full case locker.

 

That's not bad at all. I see that we are not too far away, which shop do you use? Did the price of the SYE include the parts? You can PM me back if you want. I just sent you a PM a few minutes ago.

 

John's 4x4 in Billings 417-442-2721 I think that's the # if memory serves me. I supplied all parts that was for labor.

 

I'll probably go with this set when I finally get tires.

http://www.rwkhaussupply.com/magento...e-special.html

My local shop that did my locker quoted me $250 an axle. Then another jeep shop here told me $300. $200 an axle seems like a killer deal.

 

and when you do do a regear your front locker is useless if installed with 3.55's.
rear first if your gonna regear later.
do a front when regearing if running a 8.25.