what do higher and lower gears do?
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 3
From: Alberta
Redneck's got it.
That's why I say it will make it 'easier' to turn them tires, your not gaining power, it just feels like you've regained lost performance if you will.
-(redneck I did gain some lost mpg with my gear change as well, you were right)
ArrowheadRay, that chart is really a generalized point of view on 'performance' you may expect with the gear and tire selections. If you google other charts you'll find varying opinions and views...it is meant to provide you with an idea really.
I personally have no experience with the automatic JK's, however reading the many posts from those that do, I find that most automatics tend to need a little higher gearing (numerically) than our 6-speeds. Example, most guys running 35" tires with automatics find that 5.13's are the right gear ratio to match their requirements in overall performance and mileage...whereas their brothers running the 6-speeds with 35" tires find 4.88's are the more adequate choice...obviously their will be varying opinions on both sides as everyone has different expectations, however the majority tend to find they need to gear a little higher (numerically) with the Autos as opposed to the Standards.....with that said, will you be happy with your overall performance with 3.73's and 33" tires? I doubt it. Though you may find that you 'fit' in the top end of the "Best Gas Mileage" bracket, you may find that you'll lose the use of your Overdrive more frequently than you like, and your mileage may actually suffer, especially around town driving where your constantly stopping and going...conversely if your a long range commuter you may find your mileage improves slightly....it's all about the balance.
SO...with that said...just my opinion, but I bet you would find 4.56's or even 4.10's more suiting to your automatic with 33's. 4.10's more so if your a long range commuter with long highway stretches and your looking for absolute best mileage...or 4.56's if your like me, drives alot in town, sometimes highway, sometimes trail. Again, opinions will vary...just some food for thought.
You'll really know when you put the taller tires on with your current setup and drive around.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 3
From: Alberta
just caught this post as I finished my last....have a peak
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/how-i-chose-my-gears-80975/
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/how-i-chose-my-gears-80975/
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,907
Likes: 185
From: Maine
Another way to look at it:
V6
6 speed in 5th (1:1)
Rear axle = 2:1
You get 6 power strokes per tire revolution.
Change the rear axle to 4:1, you get 12 power strokes per tire revolution, which feels like a bigger engine. You would go up the hill slower, but you could haul a larger load up that hill.
V6
6 speed in 5th (1:1)
Rear axle = 2:1
You get 6 power strokes per tire revolution.
Change the rear axle to 4:1, you get 12 power strokes per tire revolution, which feels like a bigger engine. You would go up the hill slower, but you could haul a larger load up that hill.
An engine turning 2200 rpm can make more hp than the same engine turning 1100 rpm.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Norman, OK
JK Jedi
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7,215
Likes: 10
From: Georgia
Guys that can CORRECTLY install gears are few and far between. I never have figured out why, because it's really quite straight forward.
JK Junkie
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,017
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, OH
Yep one of the guys at the local shop is hardly ever there any more as he does the gears for a lot of drag cars and is a source for a couple other venues. More than half his income now comes from doing gears and it all started out by just helping a few friends from the track. He said there isn't really anything hard about it but you just need to be wired so have the patience to do it right.
