Originally Posted by Huntr

Here is a message I sent to a member who pmd me this week regarding the same topic. His question was along the lines of how do the 4:88s compare to stock performance. A few details it is an auto 4dr with dana 30 front axel and 44 rear, a 3" tereflex suspension lift, 35X12.5X17 Toyo OC M/T (they sit at 34" when mounted), no other mods to note at this point.

I never drove a stock JK. I had the tires and lift on before I picked it up. I struggled with which gears big time. I went with the 4:88 because there really was not a huge mathmatical difference when it came to RPMs and speed. However, I originally ordered 5:13s but right before they installed them they called me and convinced me that I should do the 4:88. This was their reasoning-first, the font dana 30 axel is barely acceptable for 35s and any extra torque would really put it at risk. Second, the pinion, as you know has one less tooth and is weaker. They had already had one JK come back with messed up 5:13s. It had 35s. It seems like I read about a forum member breaking 5:13s also with 35s... Last, again the performance gains are minimal and were not enough to outweigh the risk of breaking gears. That is what convinced me to switch.

With that said, I am not overly enthusiastic with the performance. First gear is better-mid range is ok and the top end doing 65-75 is definately better. I can again use OD and maintain highway speeds. I guess I was expecting more though. I am assuming it is slightly better than stock at this point-again I have never driven a stock JK.

Now the question is would I do the same thing again. The answer is yes. Here is why. The gear shop really got in my head about breaking gears. The 100 extra RPMs really still are not worth it. Next, I am not confident that the performance is all due to the gears. I think the JK is a bit under powered as it is. The reason I say that is because even with the RPMs up there is still a lag in power and throttle response, I don't think that is because of the gears. I have the stock intake and exhaust still and really no other performance mods at this point. From my past experience I think with the basic air flow mods (intake/exhaust) and maybe a chip (which I am not sure I will do) I think I will be right where I think it should be.

One thing to consider is the fact that my goal was to improve all around driving more so than off-road crawling and such. Although based on the gear shops comments I still think I made the right choice. Also, once you are in low range the difference in performance of the gears is minimal. Also, for what is worth, the person I talked with at Superior pushed me towards the 4:88s as well. For my goal of improved daily driver.