I am planning ot regear before the summer. I was thinkng 4.88 butnow may do 5.13's. I am very uneducated about gearing other than what I have read here. I could really use help in what to get. The following describes my driving:

My daily commute is 110 miles round trip. It is 90% highway driving. I typically drive 75-78 mph.

I really enjoy 4 wheeling but do not get out as much as I'd like to. If it happens 6-8 times annually I am doing real well. Wheeling around here is mostly two tracks and mud. Not many rocks.

I have a camper that I tow a handful of times each summer. The camper weighs 2700 pounds.

My Jeep has a TeraFlex 2.5" budget boost with 34" tires. I will be going to 35's when I finally go through these Nitto's. These tires just don't wear. I will likely beremoving the spaces and putting in 3" springs in the near future.

Aside from the ratio, what gears should I go for? I have heard that Yukons are the best and that G2's are crap. This was from my local 4 wheeling shop. The sameguy told me howbad Superwinch isthough and I am very happy with it.

So basically, I need to know which gear selection fits my needs and which manufacturer is best.

Thank you for your input.

NOTE: I really just want what is best for me. I am not a macho, mine is biggerthna yours kind of person. If the 4.88's are best, I would not feel inferior at a meet and greet ifsomeone has 5.13's. I really just want what will best fit my needs.

 

In a nutshell the consensus is:


5.13 for auto
4.88 for 6-spd

1 ratio up for heavy off roading
1 ratio down for MPG

Brand doesn't matter.

A SEARCH will unveil numerous threads on the reasoning.

 

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-write-ups-39/gearing-82262/ according to this chart and based on your needs you should go with the 4.88.

 

Use the RPM chart in the FAQ's, not the one linked above!! It is specific to the JK, and breaks it down by transmission type. Also, use the 'actual' height of your tires, not the mfg's spec.

Auto - 4.88's - 34's = 2330rpm
Auto - 5.13's - 34's = 2450rpm
I'd guess your 34's are closer to 33" actual, so plug in your own numbers...

As you can see, the rpm difference between the two is minor, and will have a negligible effect on mileage. Once you move up to 35's, you will likely be much happier with 5.13's than with 4.88's. Again, minor difference in rpm between them, but the little extra power is nice.


The only downside to going with 5.13's will be the higher rpm's from O/D off towing. (I'm assuming that you do not tow in over-drive ?) But, how often and how far to you tow, compared to the amount of time you'll be o/d on?
Divide your rpm number by .69 to get an approximate o/d off rpm.

 

That is exactly what I am thinking. If I spend 15 hours annually towing the camper, do I gear for that?

 

I would suggest considering 4.56. I have a six speed and 35 in tires. With 4.88, my first gear is useless. I just start off in 2nd. 6th gear is pretty much the equivalent of 5th gear when I had 4.10s. So basically I lost my overdrive gear for the highway. So I wish I had gone with 4.56. It is my daily driver, but it is a highly modified jeep that I use off road on a regular basis. In 4lo, regearing made no difference because I could have stood on the brake pedal and it still would have gone forward in 1st with the 4.10s. So in my opinion the only reason to regear is for highway performance. At least I didn't go with 5.13. I would have absolutely hated that.

 

I have 4.88s with a 2 door 6 speed and I think it's the perfect ratio. If I had an automatic or unlimited, I would definately do 5.13s. Yukon and Superior both make decent gears but there are others that are good as well.

 

Because you are towing I would definately go with 5.13s. You will want the higher RPM to be in the powerband. Does the 3.8 even have one

 

Remember that you tow heavy loads O/D off...

Depending on which 35" tire he goes with, it'll likely be around 34" actual height.

auto - 5.13's - 34" = 2450rpm @70
which puts OD off at around 3550rpm @70

Which is why I mentioned the od off towing earlier, it is something to consider...

 

Right now I am running a 34" tire which measures a hair over 33". I would like to do 35's at the next tire exchange though.