Running 35's

[NKlekas]

I just sold my 2003 Rubicon and will be picking up an 06 LJ this weekend or next...I talked about why here: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/to-lj-or-not-to-lj.55623/

The LJ is just better for my current situation. However, the thing I'll miss most out of my Rubicon is both axles being dana 44's. I've ran 33's on my last two jeeps and think I'm ready to make the jump to 35's. I have a few questions regarding the front Dana 30, Re-gears and chromyls/lockers. I know the questions I'm going to ask have been asked before but...

In regards to the Dana 30 up front, I've read on multiple threads that a Dana 30 with Chromoly's will be fine. I found a link on a thread to this kit : https://www.revolutiongear.com/prod..._wj_30_spline_upgrade_kit_wo_locker_discovery
My questions is, does anyone have experience with this kit being worthy? Or should I find a used or aftermarket Dana 44 instead?

Second question regarding the Dana 30....If I run a locker, it would a simple Aussie Locker. I'm worried that running it with a re-gear it would be a lot...Anybody run a similar set up with an input? Ill definitely put a locker in my rear 44 but I'm not 100% up front.

Third question... Id certainly re-gear with my 35's (Transmission is the 42RLE Auto BTW) My question is...what gears? I've had two people, who I know and trust, tell me 4.88s would be good with the Auto and due to how I use my jeep. Its my daily and I use it a lot longer trips via highway or interstate at high speeds...I only do about 2-4 "Difficult" trails a year, and even those aren't THAT bad. So...with that being said, what do you guys think?

Last questions. Yes, I've read Chris' thread about running 35's. I'll be putting in a new 4.5in suspension, upgrading the axles and gears (i.e. my first questions) ill also be beefing up my Tie-rod and drag link as well...the only thing I can think of that ill also need to highly consider is breaks...anything else I'm missing that would be considered a "must" when running 35's from guys that have done it?

Kinda a loaded post...sorry guys

 

[RHanna]

I have 35s with yukon shafts and a torq locker up front on 4.88 gear ratio (5 speed manual). I've had problems with my rear locker not working on the trail and never had a problem even with just the front locked. I would assume that would be more stressful on the axle.

 

[Ken Perkins]

in my Cj-7 days, ran a 30 front with 4.11s and an ARB with 35s...just carried a set of stock shafts for spares....ive read here you want 4.56s for an auto

 

[HornedToad]

For the 42rle? As low as you can go. With a Dana 30 that would be 5.13s. I’m sure others will chime in but I recently went from a 6 speed to the 42rle and when people say that 4th is way too tall they aren’t joking.

 

[NKlekas]

For the 42rle? As low as you can go. With a Dana 30 that would be 5.13s.

I knew that, I guess I'm asking if I need to go that low or would 4.56 or 4.88 would be better?

 

[Apparition]

For the 42rle? As low as you can go. With a Dana 30 that would be 5.13s. I’m sure others will chime in but I recently went from a 6 speed to the 42rle and when people say that 4th is way too tall they aren’t joking.

Definitely 5.13's

 

[DaveF]

Definitely 5.13's

Yeah, for your use 5.13.

I have the 42rle with 35's on mine, using 4.88... it works for me, I didn't want to go lower for my use, which is 90% of the time in 4 low, it rarely goes on the freeway. For me, I didn't want to go deeper because with the Rubi 4-1 t-case it already is slow on moderate trails where others have the 2.7-1 and walk away from me... forcing me to rev it up, or switch to hi range more often than I'd like.

If I were driving it mostly on the road I'd go as deep as possible as said above and just deal with it being slower on the trail for the small % of the time. With the 4.88 I still turn off overdrive most of the time unless cruising on relatively flat freeway.

 

[Apparition]

Yeah, for your use 5.13.

I have the 42rle with 35's on mine, using 4.88... it works for me, I didn't want to go lower for my use, which is 90% of the time in 4 low, it rarely goes on the freeway. For me, I didn't want to go deeper because with the Rubi 4-1 t-case it already is slow on moderate trails where others have the 2.7-1 and walk away from me... forcing me to rev it up, or switch to hi range more often than I'd like.

If I were driving it mostly on the road I'd go as deep as possible as said above and just deal with it being slower on the trail for the small % of the time. With the 4.88 I still turn off overdrive most of the time unless cruising on relatively flat freeway.

You need 5.13's and a rubicrawler.

Plus I don't believe OP has a rubi.

 

[JMT]

1) Dana 30 with 4340 Chromoly's and 27 Spline and a Lunchbox Locker will be absolutely fine
2) See #1
3) 513. Don't worry about the highway, the rpm's will be fine, go with 513
4) I assume you have all the other supporting mods that would be there with 33's.

 

[NKlekas]

1) Dana 30 with 4340 Chromoly's and 27 Spline and a Lunchbox Locker will be absolutely fine
2) See #1
3) 513. Don't worry about the highway, the rpm's will be fine, go with 513
4) I assume you have all the other supporting mods that would be there with 33's.

Thanks! What do you mean by that last point...

 

[JMT]

Thanks! What do you mean by that last point...

That you must have adjustable trackbars front and rear, 5" total lift, SYE (if not a Rubicon), DC driveshaft, rear chromoly shafts in a Dana 44 are optional with 35's.

 

[NKlekas]

That you must have adjustable trackbars front and rear, 5" total lift, SYE (if not a Rubicon), DC driveshaft, rear chromoly shafts in a Dana 44 are optional with 35's.

Ah. Yes. I'm not going to put the Chromoly's in the rear. SYE is a must, I've done for my last two jeeps when I got a lift, I forgot to add it above. Adjustable track bars are something I haven't considered...

 

[Locrwln]

As others have said; 5:13’s. At our elevation, don’t fear the gear. My first LJ was a Rubicon (42RLE) and I geared it to 4.88’s and hated it as it still wasn’t low enough. Everything out of Elko is up in elevation and you have enough mountain passes even when on the highway that you’ll appreciate the lower gears. My current LJ Sport (42RLE) is getting 5.38’s (JKUR Dana 44 axles).

Jack

 

[JMT]

Ah. Yes. I'm not going to put the Chromoly's in the rear. SYE is a must, I've done for my last two jeeps when I got a lift, I forgot to add it above. Adjustable track bars are something I haven't considered...

You’ll definitely need adjustable Trackbars front and rear to center your axles under the rig. If you’re planning a tummy tuck you’ll want JB Conversions SS SYE and the Currie rear TB and the Currie Trackbar relocation bracket in order to clear the gas tank skid.

 

[L J]

5) big brake kit

 

[NKlekas]

5) big brake kit

Yea I'm definitely considering that

 

[DaveF]

Yea I'm definitely considering that

do more than consider it... it's a game changer.

 

[NKlekas]

As others have said; 5:13’s. At our elevation, don’t fear the gear. My first LJ was a Rubicon (42RLE) and I geared it to 4.88’s and hated it as it still wasn’t low enough. Everything out of Elko is up in elevation and you have enough mountain passes even when on the highway that you’ll appreciate the lower gears. My current LJ Sport (42RLE) is getting 5.38’s (JKUR Dana 44 axles).

Jack

Fellow Nevadian! lol, great input. You know as well as me, NV elevation & never-ending hills/mountains makes driving...fun. I appreciate that.

 

[NKlekas]

do more than consider it... it's a game changer.

Fair enough lol.

 

[NKlekas]

Definitely 5.13's

Yea I'm going with 5.13. thanks, guys. Love this forum.