Definitely not normal wear and tear. Gears should outlast the life of the rest of the vehicle if set right.

 

When I get the 60 up front and keep the stock 44 rear, I'll most likely go 4.88 although I could still get away going with a 4.56 with the 3.6 engine. I'm just glad I waited a couple more months to get a 2012 otherwise I probably would have slit my wrists already with the 3.8

Nothing like dealing with a blown gear right when your gut is thinking moons-over-my-hammy or steak and eggs lol.

 

UPDATE: Sense my new gears were installed already, the previous installer of the gears will be making driveshafts front and rear for me. This is great customer service on their part.

 

I have been running 5.13 on my D30 with an Aussie locker. After a week of wheeling in Moab the only carnage I had were the axle shafts. It is all about the skinny pedal and where your weakest link is. I kept the factory axle shafts and drive shaft.