Hello,

Before the end of the year, I will be purchasing an '08 Unlimited "X" 4wd (manual trans). I believe the stock axle ratio is 3.21 (I did see a 4.10 & 3.73 as an available option). My question is will the 3.21 gearing be able to handle a 35" tire or will there be a noticeable loss in drive ability. If so should I run 33" tires instead? (I plan on installing a 3.5" or 4" lift). I will not do any offroading just yet, mainly street driving. Thank you.

 

I'll shoot it straight...35's with 3.21 gears will suck. You will have a very noticeable loss in power, and it won't be nearly as fun to drive.
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It should be better than a YJ 4 cyl on 33's (Now that was slow! I had one, it would slow from 65-50 on a slight grade) Order the Tow Package and it will be better.

 

It will more than suck. It will be your worst nightmare.

 

Please, for the love of God, DO NOT put larger tires on a JK with 3.21s! Mine barely gets out of it's own way on slight inclines. On steep hills (10% or more), it just doesn't cut it.

I will be installing 4.10s as soon as I can! I have the parts, just need the time.

 

Thanks for all the input. I will hold off on getting larger tires unil I get it regeared...

 

That is NOT a good idea. I have the 3.21 with just 32" tires and I hate it.

Driving around town is ok, but any kind of hill requires a lot of extra down shifting. Even small mountain passes on the interstate are just simply embarrassing.

I just bought a set of 4.10 gears from another JK owner that upgraded his, just need to find shop to put them in for me.

 

I saw one guy once at our Jeep club meet and greet that had a Red 2-Dr JK w/4" Superlift and 35" tires with 3.21 gearing. He claimed it was still ok around town, but I never got to test drive it. I haven't seen it since May so I can't tell if he regeared or not.