I have a 5-speed with 3.07 gears, Dana 30 and 8.25 rear. Someone reasonably close is selling a matched set, same axles, but HP front and 3.73 gears from an xj with tow package.

Any tips or tricks when swapping both axles? Anything else I should do at the same time?

 

Goood floor jack, jack stands (4) two bigger to support frame two for under the axle.

Ratchet straps to get everything to line up again.

Full set if sae and metric wrenches. Full set of deep sockets 1/2"

Shallow 3/8" normal length ratchet and a long, wobble extensions

Just borrow all your buddies stuff.

I wouldn't attempt a job like this with out my tools plus my impacts.
I've been gathering tools for 20 plus years thousands invested and my rate of tool gathering hasn't slowed and likely will never..

It never hurts to have more tools than needed

Don't for get a set of torx those damn things always pop up

Sometimes a very nice sledge hammer to beat the **** out of it when tools fubar it

 

I was doing the same thing on my Auto-to-manual swap XJ, figured 3.73 would be perfect for 32" tires.
I found a HP dana 30 with 3.73 gears off a 88? XJ wagoner,, The wagoner did NOT have the vac disco. But I had been searching for 6 months.
I NEVER found a 8.25 XJ rear with 3.73 gears.

I have a 8.8 explorer with Limited slip and 3.73 gears and the Iron Rock Off road bracket kit and U-bolts I will let go for 150.00 (Maryland)

I end up staying with the automatic transmission. And in the middle of building a 8.25 for it.... (long story of wasted time and money)

 

I take it they’re rare? This one is kind of expensive but seems worth it for the convenience of a matched set I can just bolt in.

 

I'd say 3.73 is rare. The 2.5l has 4.10 gears.

As long as something is learned this is no such thing as waisted time

 

I’m not going to wheel it, just some light towing mic off-road driving, and highway miles to go camping. Would 3:73 or 4:10 be better?

 

I have never seen an XJ with 3.73 gears even with the tow package, check to make sure they are 3.73 gears first, and that it has a Chrysler 8.25 rear axle. 3.73s are a good gear ratio for a 5 speed and 31-32" tires.

 

Thanks. Found a closer/cheaper set, hp Dana 30 and Ford 8.8 w/ disc brake conversion, 4:10 gears. Not sure which gearing is best for me though.

 

I would do it , I was looking to do a gear change on mine but 1st I want a 8.25 rear end and get the dana 35 I have now . I'm running 265/70 R17 tires so a 3.73 or a 4.10 gear would be great for a 30-32 inch tall tire .

 

If you go with the 410 5.5,, PM me the 3.73 contact,, I could use them.

 

sure no prob. The set is over $600… still interested?

 

Depends on the condition and where they are located.

 

3.73 is virtually the same as 3.55. In my opinion not worth putting in time or money into. But if price is very cheap and a person has lots of time go for it.

 

3.73 is a good upgrade from 3.07s.