I have read a lot about all of the gearing options for the different tire sizes. My wife has decided to go with the 35" Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ for her Unlimited Safari. We are going to put 5.13's in it. Before anyone starts about the front axle, this Jeep will never see rocks, only some minor trails, so we are not worried about the Dana 30. I just need to know if anyone has had experience with the package from motive gear. Does the kit come with all of the equipment needed to do the swap, and are they a quality set of gears? Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

As the other posts in your search have indicated, all 'JK' gears are coming out of the same 2 or 3 factories overseas and simply re-boxed for whoever is selling them. The only issues seem to be install related - I can't point to a single thread saying that xxx brand are better or worse than any other.

For the package - what comes with the gears? An overhaul kit with Timken bearings?

And just to reiterate about a bazillion posts on the front 30, you really should consider gussets when the gears go in...

 

Most of us call David @ Northridge4x4 and have him set us up!

 

x2
Even if she does not intend on anything more than light trails, running 35's with a D30 a pothole could even bend the tube. It is just cheap insurance

 

I'm guessing she has an auto.... I hope!

 

I'm regearing soon too and my dealer wants to use Superior gears. I "may" be able to bring my own gears to the table so I've called a couple of sponsors to get pricing. Way cheaper than using the dealer gears but i am still waiting to see if I can go this route.

the 2 gear packages that are very popular here are the ones from Northridge which are Yukon gears and the ones from 4wd which are G2 gears. From what I can tell, both master overhaul kits come with Timken bearings (still don't know what this means!) and include everything you need.

Whether or not the gears are all made by the same compnay or one of a few companies I can't answer as I've gotten all kinds of responses. Some say that G2 gears and Yukons are made in the same factory. Others say no. Some will only use Superior, others say you are only paying for the name. Gears can be made in Korea (supposedly the best gears), China (2nd best) and India (worst). I assume companies can change manufacturers quite easily and fast if monetary reasons dictate it so Yukons being made in Korea today could easily be made in India tomorrow! Maybe someday the U.S. will become the cheaper place to make them.....I know a ton of people that would be willing to take a job today...help with unemployment.

It is so confusing that at the end of the day you have to decide based on what you are comfortable doing. A buddy of mine went with G2 without knowing too much about them but he got a lifetime warranty on them. So far he has about 5K on them with zero issues.

if my dealer allows me to bring my own gears, I've at least narrowed it down to the Yukons and G2's. I won't pay the prmium on Superior if I don't have to.


Edit**** FYI. you will probably need a new carrier with for your d-30 so check to see if that kit comes with one. Most don't unless you order specifically.

 

I think I figured out how to include info about her Jeep with the post, just trying it out.