I purchased a 2009 Wrangler Unlimited 4x4. It came with 31 inch tires on it. I believe it still has the stock 3.21 gear ratio. If I figured it out correctly, the axles are the stock front dana 30 reverse, spline 27 and rear dana 44 spline 30. I went to a 4x4 shop to get pricing on changing the gear ratio and need some advice from all of you to see if they are over selling me or what. I am hoping to eventually go to 35 tires. They were talking a high 4. to low 5. ratio and quoting near $1500. Is this fairly accurate? The reason I ask is in catalogs I am seeing ring and pinion sets for abot $450 total front and back not including labor.

in a nutshell... to change the gear ratio, what parts do I need, and is this something I could change with friends? Thank you.

 

I was reading across the web (or maybe here) the other day and saw a pretty nice walkthrough for do-it-yourself and all the parts you would need. I'll see if I can dig it up for ya.

 

Figuring out what size tires your going to end up with would be wise before spending $1500.00 on gears.

Around where I live in California, we can get gears done for $999.00


Most Def. Don't want to do it yourself, unless your a Mechanic with first hand experience.

 

You will need two sets of gears, a carrier for the front axle (D30's with 3.21's need a carrier, 3.73 and 4.10 do not), and two overhaul kits. You can get away with install kits if your jeep is low miles, but it's better to go ahead and do the overhaul kits.

Here is a gear install how-to. Unless you have all the tools and a decent amount of skill, may not be something to try on a daily driver. (this is something I want to try at some point, but not until I have another means of primary transportation...)

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...?82262-Gearing


Which shops did you get quotes from? Atomic has a good rep, but are a bit pricey. Jeep Masters had decent service, but don't know that I would have them do my gears. 4wheelparts? Not a chance I'd let them...
Another option for you would be to drive up to SLC in Dallas. Last I saw, they were doing gears for $999, and at one point had a special going where they also installed C gussets. And check craigslist in Houston for 249 Drivetrain. His prices may have come up, but he was doing gears for less than slc.

 

Study study study....if this is your first time read absolutely everything you can get your hands on. I tried to provide as much info as I could, but I don't cover everything or really detail the absolute nit picky stuff. I would say... as I have already, that if you have decent mechanical ability (I aint a mechanic, just a shade tree wrench turner) and you can understand the concept involved you should be able to accomplish this task.
Over a year with plenty of miles and trips on my daily driver since my self install and everything is perfect.
2x2 summed it up pretty much. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE that crush collar, my god that thing is a $^tch with a Capital "B" to crush....and you don't want to over do it either....a basic impact will not do this....you need easily 250+ ft/lb to crush that thing.
Good luck

 

Not sure how far they are from you (at least it is the same state) check out screaming lizard customs. I think they will do it for about 1000.