Is there a down side to running 5.13 gears with an automatic and 33's?

 

Probably not because at some point you are going to want to go to a bigger tire. I would rather have the gears and then upgrade the tires. You wont get the best gas mileage but if you decide to go to 35s it will run sweet. I havent met many people that got 33s and didnt move up to 35s.
If you are sure you will not be putting larger tires on then you should go with a 4:88 and that may be a bit much. Good luck.

 

IF your gears are too steep you limit your top speed becuase your engine will be at really high rpms for a given speed.

BUt this is less of an issue since most of us don't try and drive 90mph.

 

You should be okay, you will want to go 35s eventually

Nice little chart here by Jpop for recommended gears and tire size.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...276#post211276

 

That drive shaft is going to be spinning at an RPM that it is not designed for. This does not mean you will have a problem. But you might.

 

Unless you like to cruise at 90, the only downside will be O/D Off towing. (assuming you have something heavy to tow regularly?)


Auto, 5.13's, 32" tires (using 32", as that should be close to the 'actual' height of your 33's?)

= 2603 rpm at 70 A bit on the high side, but in the range this engine likes to run at.
(O/D off = 3772 rpm at 70)


But, depends on what your plans are:
-Lots of towing and staying with 33's, 4.88 or even 4.56 if you can find them.
-Moving up to 35's, definitely go 5.13.

 

never tow. will never get 35's, i like stock but Im lookin to increase the aggressive look and increase ground clearance for snow a bit. dnt want to loose the little power it has so I figure regear is the best bang for buck option. so you guys think 4.88 if I m staying with 33's.

 

Never say never. I said the same thing

 

ive had 488's and 513's in my jk and i can tell there is not much difference between the two gears as far as performance.you can go either way but if you want the little better throttle responce the 513's are the way to go.the difference in rpm is only 150 so you really cant tell to much difference.so think about it and know that either way that you go you will be happy with either gear.
Good Luck in your choice.

 

Maybe look at the 4.56's with the 33"s