I know people are sick of this question.. this may have been answered before...sorry. But the search function is crap on this forum. but here it goes. I have an 09 Sahara unlimited. I know I want 5.13 gears (plan on putting 33's). And I have found a place that strictly builds up jeeps. mainly JK's. they even do hemi swaps. but. I was quoted over 2K for 5.13 gears installed I don't know much about this but I know when I'm trying to get screwed over.. Maybe because I'm only 22 but any way.. Exactly what parts would I need for the swap.. I'm pretty sure 5.13's would fit my dana 30?.. also What is a good brand/most expensive ... I figure I won't go cheap on the gears... Thank you for your time!

 

Over two grand is too much. I live in NY/NJ area where everything usually costs more and Im paying around 1700. And thats with overhaul kits and about 11 hours labor. I think average is about 1200 to 1800 and 1800 is pushing it.

 

I recently had 4.88's installed, in place of 3.73's. After parts, labor and taxes, the total was $1452.00. This was in a small shop and the owner said he did 100 gear changes last year. Avg seems to be $1500-1600.

 

im running 5:13's with 33's and i can tell you it is WAAAYYYY overkill. but i also have the 6 speed. if all your going to run is 33's then look at 4:56 or 4:88 tops. Just my 2 cents though. I will be goin with 38's very soon and thats the only reason i went 5:13 and yes 2k is to much for gears. try a different shop

 

I payed 550 for labor, 599 for superior 5.13s with install kits from NR4x4, and about $30 at oreilys fpr pinion bearings, etc. just under $1200 total

 

It all depends if he has an auto and 6 speed. Everyone here is probably sick of hearing my ranting because I get cheesed off when I hear auto guys telling 6 speed guys which gears to use and vice versa.

The 6 speed has a 0.84:1 overdrive and the auto has a 0.69:1 overdrive. The 6 speed has a 4.46:1 first gear ratio and the auto has a 2.840:1 first gear ratio.

So it's an apples to oranges comparisons. Auto guys should not be giving 6 speed guys advice based on their experience or vice versa.

So with 5.13s and 33s and a 6 speed he'd turning about 3,300 RPM at 75 MPH. That and 1st gear would probably be completely useless on the street.

But If he has an auto he'd be turning 2,700 at 75 MPH and it would probably be a pretty good setup.

 

yeah but you compete with your rig.... (with a dana30??? why?) anyway, I think for average Joe the 5.13 is ok... Although when I saw the size difference between my D44 pinion and my D30 Pinion, it made me think I need a front 44. I wheel my Jeep, but I go ez on the skinny pedal. I DD my Rig and also Use it on the Trail, and I have not had to replace a gear yet. (knock on wood).

 

Yeah, I forgot to mention I unfortunately have an auto... I had to settle for one.... I do go off roading more than the average joe... There are some pretty wicked trails where I live where I can honestly say My stock jk Is pushing it.. BUT it does it's job well... I'm looking for gears for MAINLY towing... I have a 22' aluminum haul. that gives a 1/2 ton hell towing... This is my daily driver and i'm also looking for reliability..... Thanks again!

 

also too My pretty Sahara bumpers are scratched and exhaust tip is bent.
but, all of that junk will be replaced soon enough with mopar aftermarket bumpers..

 

i just put 5.13's on in the garage with about $350 dollars worth of tools (instead of the 800 labor charge) and i am running 37's, well 36 1/4 to be precise in my manual, daily driver. highway speeds in 6th gear are at the 3K rpms, I can only imagine how high it would be running 33's. My jeep came stock with the 3.20something ratio and the almost 32" bridgestones and 6th gear at 70 was low rpm's too low for hills or to feel any torque. I haven't got to do any wheeling or 4 low driving but I think I would have been just as happy with the 4.88's as a dual purpose rig. If you are running 33"s and it is dual purpose, consider choosing a different ratio other than 5.13, but if it is strictly trail, then it will be a torque monster.