Should I re-gear, or upgrade suspension?

[Grey_Machine7.3]

My suspension is worn and needs a good replacement.
My gearing is 3.07 with NV3500 & 33in tires. I can only do one. I'm leaning a bit more towards suspension. They both will end up costing about the same for what I've been looking at.
I'm thinking that my shocks are stock, they might not be, but they definitely suck.
At the moment I can only do one or the other. Maybe I should just wait to do it all at the same time?

 

[pagrey]

Worn suspension would be a priority for me. Gearing vs suspension upgrade could go either way depending on how you use your Jeep but I'd definitely fix what's worn out first.

 

[Grey_Machine7.3]

Another noteworthy thing on the gearing.
My rear diff is leaking at the pinion.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Regearing away from that miserable 33"/3.07 combination to 4.56 would be my priority. Make sure to break those new gears in only with a conventional gear lube. Four good riding/performing shocks like Rancho's newish gas-charge RS5000x are not expensive.

 

[Grey_Machine7.3]

Regearing away from that miserable 33"/3.07 combination to 4.56 would be my priority. Four good riding/performing shocks like Rancho's newish gas-charge RS5000x are not expensive.

I'm planning on redoing all the suspension though. CA's, front swaybar, shocks & coils.
The regear is fighting a hard battle with me on this. Because I don't even use 5th gear, only if I'm on the freeway going downhill.
The thing rides like hell and squeeks and groans at every bump.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I'm planning on redoing all the suspension though. CA's, front swaybar, shocks & coils.
The regear is fighting a hard battle with me on this. Because I don't even use 5th gear, only if I'm on the freeway going downhill.
The thing rides like hell and squeeks and groans at every bump.

Sounds like you knew which way you were going when you first posted this then.

 

[Grey_Machine7.3]

Sounds like you knew which way you were going when you first posted this then.

Not entirely. Both things will be a significant quality improvement. And I need to get both things done. I only have the means for one thing at the moment.
Easier driving (less shifting. Etc)
Or
More ride comfort

 

[Keith Phan]

Regear first since its all one upgrade then break your suspension down into components and upgrade them one at a time. if you chose regearing last, maybe itll take you awhile to save up for it since its expensive. but youll feel sooo much better regearing first on and offroad. but if you feel like something on your suspension is about to give and leave you stranded, maybe do that one component first.

 

[bobthetj03]

What type of suspension components do you have on there now?

 

[Grey_Machine7.3]

What type of suspension components do you have on there now?

Uhm. Stock? Lol
All the CA's are definitely stock, the shocks, I'd bet are either stock, or some cheap OE replacement.

 

[bobthetj03]

Uhm. Stock? Lol
All the CA's are definitely stock, the shocks, I'd bet are either stock, or some cheap OE replacement.

What lift height?

 

[Grey_Machine7.3]

What lift height?

Not entirely sure. OE spacers on the coils (5/8th in pretty sure) the springs have possibly been replaced. But not in the past 5years.

 

[L J]

3.07 with NV3500 & 33in tires

regear would be my choice with the caveat that you know what tire size you're going to stick with

 

[bobthetj03]

Not entirely sure. OE spacers on the coils (5/8th in pretty sure) the springs have possibly been replaced. But not in the past 5years.

Well, I have to assume that you have some sort of lift in order to fit 33's without rubbing, so I'm just trying to figure out if you can wait on the suspension upgrades or do the re-gear. Is 33's your end all tire size?

 

[Grey_Machine7.3]

Well, I have to assume that you have some sort of lift in order to fit 33's without rubbing, so I'm just trying to figure out if you can wait on the suspension upgrades or do the re-gear. Is 33's your end all tire size?

It rubs on the front sway at full lock, but not at standstill. It seems only when the suspension is flexing a little is the only time it rubs.
I have zero intentions of going higher than 33.
And if I do, it will be on a different rig with appropriate axles.

 

[Grey_Machine7.3]

@Jerry Bransford what brand gears would you recommend? I'm toying with the idea of Yukon, the full rebuild kit of Dana 30&35 for just under $600

 

[bobthetj03]

Well if you are ok with the amount of uptravel you have, and the amount of rubbing you are getting, and are sticking with 33's, then definitely re-gear. It will transform your jeep to the good.

 

[Grey_Machine7.3]

I think I'll go for the gears. Others have made a good point of the logistics. I can do suspension piece by piece.
Anyone have an idea if regearing will affect my fuel economy?

 

[Gollywomper]

I think I'll go for the gears. Others have made a good point of the logistics. I can do suspension piece by piece.
Anyone have an idea if regearing will affect my fuel economy?

This is a wise decision. You can’t regear a little at a time, but you can upgrade suspension piece by piece. Just make sure you know what size tires you will be staying with.

 

[Grey_Machine7.3]

This is a wise decision. You can’t regear a little at a time, but you can upgrade suspension piece by piece. Just make sure you know what size tires you will be staying with.

33's until they are falling off on the thing.

If I can ever get a LJ I'll build that around 37's. With appropriate axles, suspension, and all that steering mess.