Not a bad post ....I know the weather has more to do with me enjoying mine than horsepower
4.0 is gutless on long hills at freeway speeds
- Thread starter Mountain man58
- Start date
Actually ever since the YJ Wranglers were introduced in '87 it has all been all about impressing at highway speeds. Even the Rubi came with sway bars. AND with the right tires, the TJ is definitely a great canyon carver.
Hey guys, I got called to work early so was not able to look for the gearing yet. All the info has been really informative and I appreciate the help. Time to save some more money and make some decisions. I don't mind cruising down the highway at a slower pace, I do know on the trail it will be a blast for this old guy!
Just had a chance to run out on break. the front diff is geared at 3.07. If I were to regear it. any idea what dollar range I would looking at? General idea would be helpful. Thanks all
I think the general consensus is $1,200 - $1,800. I just dropped off my jeep this week and they're charging me 1200 to install new gears and lockers.
Pcleaners2
TJ Enthusiast
So Chris your saying that my issues on hills is just how they are. I just can’t see how And why mine is lugging So bad w 4.88 5speed and 33s. supposed to have good performance right ? I know it’s not aerodynamic but still?
I would have to drive it to know if what you are experiencing is normal or not. Perhaps a video?
I spent 5 days on the road and I'm overall very happy with my setup. Denver to California has lots of mountains.
Automatic, 3" Lift, 34.5" BFG, 4.88 Gears
It will cruise on flat ground at 75 mph at about 2300 rpm
On the hills the cruise control is TERRIBLE, it will downshift on like a 2-degree incline.
On big hills, I usually let the speed drop to 60ish because I'm still babying it a little. When I wanted to keep it up near 70-75 I don't think I broke 4k RPM.
Cruise ALSO sucks downhill, it keeps pulsing the throttle to maintain speed...
The worst part of the drive home was a 35+ MPH sustained headwind from Las Vegas to LA. WOW that sucks! There is a little wind noise from the passenger door at 70+ and it was BAD with the headwind.
Automatic, 3" Lift, 34.5" BFG, 4.88 Gears
It will cruise on flat ground at 75 mph at about 2300 rpm
On the hills the cruise control is TERRIBLE, it will downshift on like a 2-degree incline.
On big hills, I usually let the speed drop to 60ish because I'm still babying it a little. When I wanted to keep it up near 70-75 I don't think I broke 4k RPM.
Cruise ALSO sucks downhill, it keeps pulsing the throttle to maintain speed...
The worst part of the drive home was a 35+ MPH sustained headwind from Las Vegas to LA. WOW that sucks! There is a little wind noise from the passenger door at 70+ and it was BAD with the headwind.
In all seriousness, if you can swing it, just do an engine swap. All the gearing in the world will never fix your issue. Living at 7200 msl, I knew your pain. Even at sea level, you will still be limited. It is just one of those life things that I wish I had done years ago. There are no words, at least in my limited vocabulary, that can describe what a thrill it is to drive a v8 motored jeep.
What gear and what RPMs are you using to climb hills?
I would recommend using 4th gear anytime 5th is nearly maxed out, and if you max out 4th for a significant time, consider shifting to 3rd at up to 70 mph or so, though you may want to shift from 4-3 below 65 to prevent hitting the rev limiter when rev-matching.
3rd gear (roughly 5000 rpm at 70) will provide the most torque at the wheels at 70, though it will make some noise and burn some major fuel.
Lilnuts
TJ Enthusiast
The real pisser is, The national speed limit was increased from 55 to 70ish the year before the TJ came out. Yet the Jeep money men decided to keep the motor that was pretty good for
55 speed limit, instead of upping the ponies to adjust for the increased speed limit.
55 speed limit, instead of upping the ponies to adjust for the increased speed limit.
Got two labor only quotes for a re-gear recently. One was $700 both axles, one was $1500. Both reputable diff specialists. Both come recommended. The cheaper place was booked 2 months out. The more expensive place could do it tomorrow.
Part are about $700-ish for gears and bearing kits. I am considering ditching OE lockers for something more future proof. That'll add another $2k or more. But I can sell my working OE lockers to make up half or more.
Finding out quickly that Jeep ownership can be a lot like being addicted to drugs.
Part are about $700-ish for gears and bearing kits. I am considering ditching OE lockers for something more future proof. That'll add another $2k or more. But I can sell my working OE lockers to make up half or more.
Finding out quickly that Jeep ownership can be a lot like being addicted to drugs.
I had the same set up and got a pair of axles with 4.10 from craiglist for $200, direct swap. I think the 4 cylinders have the 4.10 but others will know for sure. Might not be easy to find but keep searching, dana 30/35. Good luck
This is what I tell people when they ask why I'm going the speed limit. This vehicle was made for 55. I also get much better mpg at 55 over faster.