for a daily driver the 35s with 3:73 gears will be fine,it will be like having 3:21s
thats another gear option from the factory

 

It's not an option with an automatic. I wouldn't want to drive an auto with 3.73s and 35's.

 

Big difference driving around Boston and the hills of Vermont.

 

thanks for the input guys, I guess ultimately would 35's mess up my jeep for the long term? I wasnt planning on upgrade my axles, drivetrain etc. My commute is next to nothing living in boston, but I do drive make monthly trips to NY. would it be necessary to upgrade gears? I would say i drive pretty conservatively, but does it affect the ride/speed that much also? it will be my DD, and i dont want a really bad ride!! thanks guys!!!

 

I had 4.10s and 35s and it sucked (_!_) bad. The 5.13s made the jeep a real treat to drive. I drove 180 miles today, and most of it was on 2 lane highway with slow logging trucks and crap traffic. I was behind a chain of 2 logging trucks, 2 pickups, and some old lady in an old lincoln going 3 miles under the speed limit... I dropped the hammer and the little mini van engine roared up and shot me around all of them at once. While I was going around the group all I could think about was how great the 5.13s are. They give the Jeep the extra go it needed, they should come with lower gears from the factory.

I wouldn't want my engine and especially my transmission to strain from 4.10s and 35s... you gonna do it with 3.73s? I think you are asking for failure. These transmissions are known for overheating and the heat may have caused some fires according to some theories. I don't know if that is true, but why work the jeep any harder? In the big picture the $1200 it costs to regear is not that much.

 

I put a Rugged Ridge front bumper on my DD, I think it makes it look a lot better, I'm not all that mechanical either, but the install went okay.



I also got a Smittybilt winch, after a small hiccup, that actually installed easier than the bumper.



Got both for well under $700 but, all you'd need is the bumper. (And hoop)

 

Bosox... I've been running a 2.5" BB and 35" tires with 3.73 gears for around 10 months now. 35's will not mess up your Jeep in the long term, you don't need to change the driveshafts, axles, brake lines, etc. if you wheel conservatively.

Regarding gearing, you can definitely live with 35's and 3.73's. Acceleration is sluggish, but the only times that its a pain is climbing steep hills at highway speed. You should be fine for your described situation. Just my

 

Thanks for all the info guys, I think i will do 35's! Cyruspura, Its good to hear from other people in big cities like me that are running 35's with stock gears, that definatly helps my decision. How is the ride? is it signifcantly/noticeably worse than stock? I would imagine tire selection would be a big factor in that. I plan to eventually upgrade gears of course, but definately not in the short term! sorry for all the questions, only had my jeep now for 9 months! thanks again guys!

 

Take it for what it's worth, but the test drive I did in a Sahara with 3.73's and 35's convinced me that it's not worth it. Maybe it's different with a 6spd, but with an auto, I'd consider it a MUST to regear when going to 35's.

 

The ride is of course somewhat compromised, but completely manageable. Tire choice and tire pressure will affect it. Remember also that the 35's will have the effect of lifting the vehicle another 2 in or so, in addition to the budget boost.

It sounds like you're in the same boat as me: slight lift and larger tires to balance your mostly daily driving with occasional off-roading for the time being until you upgrade. While I'm going to go with bigger lift, tires, and new gears eventually, my setup has been great for the past 10 months or so. I think you'll be happy.