Turbo306

I am getting ready to install gears and can't make up my mind… 4.88''s or 4.56's…. This is my daily driver and it occasionally will be freeway driven (road trips and what not)…. so who out there is running the infamous 4.88's with 35..and how do you like it? Or do I just pull the trigger on 4.56's and call it a day…

Keep in mind that this is a Turbo Jeep…so my power ban is a little different… right at 3K I will spool the turbo if there is load on the motor (meaning if I am driving normal it will be fine)


My handy dandy sheet tells me at 70 MPH on the freeway I will be sitting at 2700 RPM's with 35's...

I currently have 3.73's and it rides right around 2000-2100 at 70 (For what that is worth)

jeepfan30

I have 3.6, 35's, 4.56 gears and run right around 2700 going 70mph on flat ground. I personally am glad I did not go 4.88. If I was crawling rocks and mostly city driving, 4.88 might make more sense.

bsturgis14

2700-3000 rpm's is where the 3.6 performs its best. I run 4.88 and am at about 2750 rpm's at 70 mph.

Turbo306

What gear ratio did you start with? and was it a huge difference in just daily driving

HighSierra4x4

Either are going to perform well. The real question is how do you drive and how much do you weigh? If you are primarily stop and go, or have a heavy rig due to bumpers, winches, gear in side then the taller gears will be appreciated. (4.88) If you are mostly highway and weigh in on the lighter side then get the 4.56. Also try to be forward thinking. If you had 37s you might want 5.13s. If there is a little voice in the back of your head that says "maybe next year well upgrade to 37s" i would regear for the future state vs. regearing for the current state.

We talk about gears on the show quite often.

Turbo306

@HighSierra Thanks brother... I know once my nitto's run out I was going to go to 37s and possibly a little more lift...but I am thinking that won't be for a year or more (hopefully more)... As far as weight... I have the standard bolt ons (Front rear bumper 35's 17 wheels 4 door etc).... so not sure if that puts me in the heavy category or not...

Turbo306

From this chart it shows you right at 2544.. is it off? It then shows 4.88s at 2723 (running 35's) Is 179 RPM really that much of a difference?

HighSierra4x4

Change of plans! If you are thinking 37s in a year then just drive it as is until then. The benefit to regearing on 35s won't out weight paying for gearing twice ($1000-$1500 each time) You can almost buy the 37s with the savings in regearing once vs. twice. Additionally, if you are rolling a JKU then you are on the heavier side. As far as the bolt ons go. You have to ask are they minimalistic and made of aluminum or full width made of steel. The difference in the two could be a couple of hundred pounds by the time you add up the front, back, and sliders.

Turbo306

I agree... I have been told that 37's work well with 4.88's.... and the issue is I have an appointment already set (They gave me a Deep discount) to get the gears done...they have both sizes in stock... and I really want to gear as on the bottom end I am lacking BIG time....yet when that turbo kicks in...it's a 100% different car!!! Sounds like I need to just pull the trigger on the 4.88's and I will be good when I go to 37's in the future....