Quick background.... I have 2010 JKUs Auto, Have a 35's stock gears (3.73)for now, CAI, superchips, exhaust, and will be adding bumbers, sliders. and full size spare. I also will tow a trailer for camping and whatnots.

My question is, I was all set for 4.88 with my set up. I was thinking with the 35s and 4.88 it would be a little better the stock. But the more i read it seems everyone is saying 5.13s would be a better choice. I would be ok with that as well if it would work better for my setup, however I'm worried the strength lost in the 5.13s vs 4.88. I know I'm running a D30 up front so the go juice has to be given lightly. But I also know I don't want my gears as my weak link. Any help you got would be great.

And yes sometime down the road I would like to swap the front axle out....when I can... Thanks DH

 

I went back-in-forth on this too, and decided on 5.13s. With more than half saying 5.13s over 4.88s was reassuring. 35s and all the extra lbs added to the jeep, just made sense for me to get 5.13s I know they say the 5.13s give you a smaller pinion shaft and it makes it a weak link, I didn't think it that way. My thought as long as you dont upgrade ujoints and axle shafts the gears would be fine, just making the ujoints the weak link. I know a few guys that have 5.13s and have had no problems. Should be getting mine installed here shortly and can't wait!

Most are gunna say wait till you can save up for a pro rock44, I cant afford it anytime soon but the gears and install will be less then a quarter of the total bill of the prorock.

Brian

 

I have the same issue.. almost exactly! I am waiting right now, because I want to see what the options for the 2012 will look like. If you do the math, it might be more advantageous to wait, return your rig to stock, transfer goodies to new JK, with new and improved engine+transmission combo. Allpar just said that they ARE working on a stateside diesel version... if it can pass emissions, they will put it in the JK. Hell, the Pentastar seems like a big improvement over our current power-train and tranny. I drove the new GC and i was pretty impressed. I know some people on here might whole-heartedly disagree with my methodology but I am convinced that it is a smart hold out, especially if your warranty is up. If it turns out that i am wrong, I'll just drop the cash for a re-gear and a RIPP down the road. Check out allpar.com if you get a chance.

 

I'm very happy with my 3.8 for now and will be doing the hemi install when it's needed without a doupt.

And yes I would love to prorock44 it up front but then I'm tapped out for funds and would still need to do the rear gears.

I'm just getting into 4wheeling and I'm ok with building as needed. Right now I do light 4 wheeling. As the hardness goes up so will my parts.

 

All depends on how you wheel, 1 yr, wheeled hard on 35's w/5.13's, now going on 2yrs on 37's. Nuthin busted yet.

 

Reassuring to me as well. I've got the exact same plans as the OP on the same rig. Bring on the 35" Pitbull Rockers!

 

Take the plunge, get 5.38's! You'll be fine with 5.13's, just watch the spin.

 

Can't fit 5.38 in a D30 it has to be a D44

 

I had 5:13's installed last week. I have a six speed and I am running 35's for now and I love it.

 

Richmond is making them.