About to outfit the JKU with 35" what aftermarket axle do YOU recommend?
 

I recently ordered a 2013 JKU Sport with 6-Speed manual transmission. My intent upon picking it up is to wrap it all the way around with 35" on 17's. Now, I researched the newbie section and reviewed the charts and the recommendations for axle ratios which was informing non the less...However, what aftermarket axle and ratio do YOU recommend for a daily driver with mild intentions for any serious off-roading outside of a little fun in the mud?

Something to consider: Gas mileage is a concern and so is ride comfort but hey I purchased a JEEP so those are secondary to looks and fun!

Thanks

AGM

Mild off road and DD with 35"s with Dana30 / 44 combo : least expensive build would be a 1.5"~2" spacer/ puck lift and bump stops. Ride quality remains somewhat the same as stock since nothing suspension wise has changed other than your higher center of gravity. The pucks are placed between the stock coil springs and the frame. The bump stops will prevent over compressing the springs and having the wheels hit your flares.

Stepping up to a coil lift increases both up and down axel travel. But once you start down this path, all hope of sanity is gone. Along with all your $$$.

Axel swaps mean full dedication and thousands of free cash. Usually the domain of HardCore crawlers where rocks the size of chairs are mere wheel chalks.

If a loss of 2 mpg is a concern, don't do anything to your jeep. Don't add lights, don't remove the air dam, don't change tires.

My 12 JKU Rubicon COD works just fine with the stock axle and 373 rear end on and off road with 5 speed auto. I have 35x12.5x17 tires. I do not do any thing heavy like rock crawling, just mud and sand type stuff. Still get around 17mpg in city and 19 on highway.

I would at least go with 3.73's with that setup, but otherwise should be fine for mild wheeling. Definitely install some gussets on the D30 to strengthen the housing

Not sure I follow? Are you planning to just regear or to also change the axles?

To be honest. If the jeep is a year 12-13 with 3.73 gears. I wouldnt change anything with just 35s. The axles, gears, and HP are already good for this set up. Unless your doing some pretty hard core wheeling you should be fine. Like mentioned above, Gussets is all you really need just to make sure nothing breaks.

But if you want to spend the money, Dynatrac prorock 44s are really good axles, throw some 4.10s in there if you plan on going with 35s only.

He wants to know if he needs to...

The stock D30 should be able to handle the 35's just fine for mild wheeling with just gussets and sleeves. Since you already looked at the gear chart you should know you want at least 4.10's, but 4.56 would be more performance oriented. If you keep the 3.73's expect your mpg to drop into the low teens. Another consideration on gear choice is your local terrain too.

I have a 2012 sport 6speed with 3" lift 35's 3.73 gear ratio and gusset and sleeved the Dana 30 front and have no problems. I do a lot of off roading and its my DD. only problem I have now is ball joints...about to upgrade those soon.

If MPG is truly a concern I would go with stock 3.73 and toss some 33s on and call it a day. Otherwise you will end up with a overbuilt rig that you're selling for a sedan in 18 months.