I recently bought a red 98 stick shift, I want to turn it into a trail rider for two tracks through the woods when I'm in Michigan and desert trails when I'm in California. The only problem with this jeep is it has Dana 30's with 3.07 gears, granted I haven't driven it as it needs a new motor but I'm still sure its to high even with the 5 speed. I have a good deal on Dana 60 axles but I think the might be to much for the trail riding I want to do. It only has a 3 inch lift and I want something that can drive across the country no problem either. Would Dana 60's be okay? Dana 40's or stay with Dana 30's. Its my second jeep but my first build, let me know your thoughts.


Also what rear end ration should I aim for?

 

I can tell from the first post that you are very very new to all of this. Here are some corrections/info for you. You don't have "Dana 30's" you have a high pinion Dana 30 in front and either a Dana 35 or Chrysler 8.25 rear. Also I believe you mean Dana 44, Dana 40 isn't a thing. A good place to start, what kind of terrain will you use it for, what size tire do you want to run, and how much $ do you want to spend?

 

Another important thing is to figure out which rear axle you have, if you take a picture of the diff, we can identify it.

 

Ha ha, I was hoping my ignorance wouldn't show to much.


For the terrain I just want to use it for trail riding, mainly two tracks and desert trails. Since it has a 3 inch lift I would like to run 31 inch tires to get started. I've got a couple grand to spend but I would like to keep it low cost.

 

Okay, thanks!!


I'll get a picture of the rear diff as soon as I can!

 

You would be better off just upgrading the current axles if you are only going to run 31's to 32's. check out the "what junk yard parts fit" sticky in the stock Cherokee section. Some good reading there.
Pretty much you'll want steering upgrade parts, and gears. You might be able to score a good front axle with 4:10's from a TJ, but XJ ones are out there. There's plenty of rear axle choices, so just do some reading and you'll save your money.
It's a Jeep, so you're gonna need it. lol

 

Yes stock axles will be plenty for that size tire. Many of us run 35's with lockers on Dana 30/8.25. Do not swap in a 4.10 axle from a TJ. TJ's use a low pinion 30 that is weaker than the XJ High pinion 30. That would be a step backwards.

 

Guys thanks for all the advice and please keep it coming!! I'm new to this and wana have a good first build! I'm going to get a picture of the rear axle here in the next hour. For the gearing what gears do I want with 32 inch tires? I drive back and forth from California to Michigan every summer and don't want to be at 3,000 rpm on the highway. Will the 3.07 gears really hurt me on the trails? I could run it in 4low all the time.

 

To be honest if you are sticking with 32's. You could definitely get away with just swapping in an axle set from an auto. They'll be 3.55 it would be very doable. As far as on the trail. As long as you're in low range. 3.07 won't be too bad, just don't plan to use 4hi.

 

Okay, awesome. I guess I should drive it with the 3.07 axles before I go ahead and start replacing stuff.

 

Definitely, get used to what you have, then start upgrading stuff.

 

Hey here are the images, I was told I have a high pinion front and i can't tell what the rear end is.

 

Looks like a c8.25 to me.... which means it is strong enough for what you want to do... i plan on running 33's and maybe 35's on mine.... you can build it be even stronger, but i think they are strong enough as they are or mild/moderate wheeling....

 

Im sure you know, but you are missing the front driveshaft.... 4wd no workie....

 

Ive ran 3.07s and 31s for over 50k miles. It is completely fine for what you intend. Light trails, beach and a lil snow here and I have no real complaints. But as already suggested some axles out of an auto would work great on the cheap. Id say get it driving and all mechanicals in top shape and go from there.