Looking for advice on swapping axles

[Cbenne4137]

Just want some advice. I have a 2002 Wrangler X with 3.07 gearing. Its pretty bad. Very little power and constant down shifting up hills. I found some 4.10 axles from a 1997 wrangler for $800 (is that a good deal?) and was wondering if I could just swap them out and solve the problem. How much would someone charge to swap them out? Would there be any major things I’d have to worry about? Thanks for all your help. It’s highly appreciated!

 

[Chris]

This post is missing lots of important information. What size tires do you have and is it a manual or automatic?

What kind of axles are the ones you found?

 

[Cbenne4137]

I have 31 inch tires and 5 speed manual transmission. The axles I found are Dana 30 and 35 out of a 2.5L

 

[Chris]

Gotcha.

In that case, the 4.10s would be a fantastic upgrade from your 3.07 gears, that's for sure.

The axles will bolt-in without any issue whatsoever.

As far as labor goes, I suspect most shops could do it in around 6 hours give or take. Figuring typical shop labor, I would say you should expect to pay anywhere from $500 on the low side, to $800 on the high side.

It really is a simple swap for the most part, but like a lot of things, it's just time consuming.

 

[Cbenne4137]

Awesome! Is $800 a good deal for axles?

 

[DaYooperTransplant]

I paid $750 for a matching set of 4.10 last year. They were in great condition and had new rotors, calipers and drums.
Did the swap myself in my garage and it wasn’t too bad at all.
So I would say it’s a good deal if they are in good shape.

 

[Rubisohoe]

Wouldn't an 8.8 with 4.10s and a front axle re-gear run about the same?

It was years ago, but I think I came up with a figure close to that when considering what to do with my old TJ that had the Dana 35 and 3.07 gears.

 

[Goatman]

The 8.8 will require a new driveshaft. It is a couple inches longer. Therefore increasing drive line angles.