Yet another regearing question

[David Reid]

New TJ owner. Reading what I can find on regearing.
Current status: 99 Sahara, auto, 6
3.07 Dana 35/30
Thought about going to d44s but I'm not into extreme, just jeep trails with my brother in Chattanooga. He's in an 04 Toyota Tacoma 6, 5 speed TRD.
I just need to stay up with him!
Value your opinion. Regear the Dana 35/30 to something lower, or go radical and change everything over to d44s?
Thanks,
Dave

 

[Jerry Bransford]

What size tires are you contemplating? 3.73 is fine for stock size tires but are you considering bigger tires? You don't need Dana 44 axles front and rear for even 35's but a Dana 44 in the rear would be good if you want to install a rear locker and/or 35" tires.

 

[David Reid]

Hi. Realized after I posted that I forgot to list the tire size. The tires that are on it are relatively new, put on by previous owner.
32x11.50R15LT Mastercraft Courser MXT
Any opinion on these tires would be appreciated.
Other than my Hummer during my Army career I don't have off-road experience.
Looking for a set up that would be adequate for occasional onroad use (3 hour interstate trips to play off-road with the brother), and would allow me to have fun off-road.
I was contemplating a rear locker.
Can I put a 44 on the rear and still use the regeared 30 on the front?

 

[Chris]

Can I put a 44 on the rear and still use the regeared 30 on the front?

Yes.

Though for only running 32" tires, you'd be better off keeping your stock Dana 35 axle and buying a Super 35 kit (along with a locker). That Super 35 will run up to 35" tires without an issue. The Dana 44 is nice for sure, but they cost quite a bit used, and there's no need for one unless you're planning on running 35" tires or larger IMHO, especially when the Super 35 option is a very good one.

So I would say keep your axles, install a Super 35 kit in the rear, add lockers, and re-gear at the same time. You'll want to do this all at once to save money too.

 

[David Reid]

So I would put the Super 35 kit and locker on the rear, and regear front and rear to 3.73? Would a different ratio work better with this configuration? With 35" tires?
Is there a brand Super 35 kit and locker and gears you have had good experience with?
Best place to purchase?

Would I see a significant benefit to changing to 35" tires with this changeover?

 

[Jeepinjosh4.0]

Depends on transmission type. I have been running 3.73 on 35’s on my 4speed auto for the past year and a half, it is bearable unless you travel highways and hills a lot. If so consider Maybe 4.88 or 5:13
With 3.73 on 35’s with the

As of last month I am now running a Dana 30/Ford 8.8 with lsd, 4.88 gears and I would never go back. Probably the best thing I’ve ever done on the jeep

 

[David Reid]

Wow! Lots of chatter about the Ford 8.8
This must be easy to adapt to the tj.
Where do you find them?
To get the Dana 30 to 4.88 do you have to change the carrier?

 

[David Reid]

I have the 32rh three speed auto.

 

[Jeepinjosh4.0]

Wow! Lots of chatter about the Ford 8.8
This must be easy to adapt to the tj.
Where do you find them?
To get the Dana 30 to 4.88 do you have to change the carrier?

They sell kits that make it a super easy swap to do on your own. With some minor technical ability.

 

[Jeepinjosh4.0]

I have the 32rh three speed auto.

I’d imagine you could get away with 35’s with maybe 4.56 or 4.88 not sure how the ratios are on the 3 speed. I know that my overdrive is super ridiculous. Hence the need for shorter gears

 

[Jeepinjosh4.0]

They sell kits that make it a super easy swap to do on your own. With some minor technical ability.

Also with the Dana 30. The carrier break is 3.73 and up. If you have a 3.73 carrier or larger you can fit up to 5.13 I believe

 

[Rob5589]

3.73 if not ever going larger, 4.10 if 33's are in you future. Stayin easy on the gas and doing mild trailing your 35 should hold up. Add 27 spline axles in a harder alloy will add some peace of mind. A Super 35 kit if you plan on going more hard core with your off roading. Both carriers need to be changed or you need to find a thick gear set for both ends.

The 8.8 is not a simple or inexpensive swap. Most that claim how cheap it can be can weld and fabricate. A 44 is expensive, if you can find one. For your usage a beefed up 35 should work fine.

If you truly think 35's are in your future; for sure a S35 kit or full axle swap, bigger brakes, bigger steering, proper lift, drivelines, etc will be needed to keep things together.

 

[Drizit]

Always consider your final build plans when choosing a gear ratio. There's no one ratio that will perfectly cover multiple tire sizes. If you want to know your rpm results with a given tire and gear have a look at http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html

—
There must have been a time
when we could have said no.

 

[David Reid]

Thanks, Great info.
What's the largest tire I can run without a lift?

 

[Rob5589]

Thanks, Great info.
What's the largest tire I can run without a lift?

Realistically, 31x10.50.

 

[Drizit]

Depends on your fenders... And how many Sawzall blades you have

—
There must have been a time
when we could have said no.

 

[David Reid]

 

[Drizit]

Knew a guy with 35s and no lift or next to it. He also had no fender flair, significant sections of missing body around the wheels, and most of the front fenders missing. And with huge offset rims it worked really well... It was ugly but it worked.

—
There must have been a time
when we could have said no.

 

[Rex Willis]

Currently running a 97 TJ, with 3spd Auto, with Dana 35/Dana 30 (but have a Dana 44 housing, working on), with 4.10s and 33's, works well, not crawling rocks or bouncing off them, just general trail and moderate wheel'in, no issues so far, but planning to go to 35's.

 

[David Reid]

Well. Another day and I continue to learn more about my TJ. This "getting acquainted" time is special. My TJ seemed to be tall for me getting in and out, but then again I am older, shorter, and part of the great "unfamiliar to jeeps" peeps so what do I know!
Sent a knowledgeable friend a photo of the front suspension and he informed me that somewhere in the great unknown history someone has done a " 2" spring spacer lift" that should be mostly adequate for my 32" tires for mild to moderate off-roading.
Anyone have any experience/thoughts/wisdom to share on this?