Swapping my wheels and axles for something different

[Dr Agnew]

I’m new to the forum so please let me know if this belongs in a different thread. I have a 97 TJ with 4.88 axles in it, 31” tires on it and pretty stiff suspension. I’d like to put smaller tires on it, softer and potentially lower suspension, and less geared down axles like 4.10 or 3.73. I’m wondering if this is something that there’d be interest in trading a setup for this setup or if I’d be just better off buying what I’d like and selling the current parts as pieces. This is my first Jeep so I’m just starting to get educated.

 

[someguysjeep]

i'm fairly sure you can find someone here to trade 4.88's for 3.73's. but you could also find some pretty cheap as well.
if you do swap, maybe some labor is negotiable for removal of your parts , since your sliding them an upgrade.

put up some pics of your axles when you can.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

I think the 4 cylinder automatic came with the 4.88 for a reason and the 31" tires were added which took away from the goal of having some semblance of power available.

Higher gears (lower numbers) can give you better MPGs and more top speed but only IF you can ever get there. Unfortunately those higher gears could add a few miles of straight flat freeway before you get there and waste gas in the process. Going downhill would help but going uphill would be even worse.

Smaller tires are similar to lower gears (higher numbers). They will help the feeling of power but lower the MPGs and the top speed.

It is possible to to use higher gears and smaller tires but you could end up with a Jeep that looks different and gives the same results as what you have now.

I'm not trying to be mean but depending on what your vehicle goal is you might just be better off buying what you’d like and selling the TJ whole. Trading for a Miata might work, they are pretty fun.

 

[Dr Agnew]

I’ve attached a picture of the axles that are on my TJ. I appreciate all the comments. I don’t think the axles or suspension are stock or even what they should be. The axle ratio is so low that I put the largest speedometer gear in and the speedometer is still off and would need a larger gear to be correct. The suspension is lumber wagon stiff. I’m not looking to make a Miata but I’d like to get the suspension at least back to factory stiffness. Supposedly, this unit had 35” tires and a 2” lift at one point so I’m not sure what was or wasn’t taken off of it when it had the 31” tires put on it. The use of this unit is basically going to be a UTV that can be taken on the highway occasionally so the softer suspension is for more comfortable off road and the the taller gearing is for the highway. This thing runs very high RPMs even at 60 mph.

 

[Goatman]

To be honest you (me) should probably just go to a 32" or even better a 33" tire. A lift dosen't make for a harder ride necessarily. Add some spring boost pucks and longer and better suited shocks. If you start getting into offroading later on you will be regretting letting those axles go. Or try to find some 4.10s locally. Most 4 cyl had 4.10s. And hang on to your current axles. If, in a few years you still don't want them, then sell them. Doubt they would lose value. Plus once the Jeep parts pile starts it will be harder for the wife to spot the new parts you keep buying.
P.S.... tell her it's an investment

 

[someguysjeep]

start with softer shocks and be sure the all the bushings that deal with axle control are not dried to concrete.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

I know my earlier post was a lot about gearing with a little bit of tires thrown in and I'm glad you didn't take my Miata comment as bad.

Anyway, here's couple things to start with for a better ride on the TJ.

Tires:
A) The lower the tire pressure the better it will ride. Too often they are kept somewhere in the 30+ PSI range, heck mine when new were almost 40PSI. About 28 PSI seems to be what many people like on road and you can easily go to half that for off roading.
B) Check if they are load range C tires. That's what you want. Load range D aren't as good and load range E will allow you to haul that lumber.

Shocks:
Should come after the PSI check but before spending money on tires because they are cheaper and they help. From what I've learned on this site Rancho 5000x are the best and we need to stay away from the Rancho 5000 (without the X) which causes a much too harsh a ride on the semi-light weight TJ.

Now a picture of your TJ from 25 feet away at an angle showing the front and a side with some pine trees in the background, similar to the Forest Theme here, would be a nice touch.

 

[Dr Agnew]

Here she is.