How difficult is it to regear a JK? Expensive if a shop does it?

Just wondering before I absorb the build costs for my JK. It's an auto and is really disappointing to drive, especially pulling my aluminum trailer and RZR on back.

 

Unless you are a qualified mechanic or natural born mechanical do-it-yourself guru, I would not attempt this install yourself. Gears have to be set up properly with exact tolerances or you'll grenade your parts and axle assembly and you'll be out way more than the labor you would have paid for. IMO.

 

I agree you need a back lash guage and some know how to complete this task. It's not mechanically difficult but the downside is huge if you get it wrong.

 

Here is another diy gearing thread from today, right here on the first page in fact.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...g-3.73-to-4.88

It includes a link to a great write-up.



Some other relevant threads from a diy install:

The install and various issues -
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...g-to-tackle-it....

The aftermath of the install -
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...uld-cause-this

And just the reinforce, this is his last post:

 

Great information. Thanks.

These answers help me better identify the way I will go. I'm not mechanically talented enough to do it and wouldn't put $2500+ in a shop doing it, so the 'ol Jeep will stay stock (or with 33's max.).

 

If half that cost is more acceptable, check around. I had mine done (parts and labor) in Dallas by a forum sponsor (Screamin' Lizard) for $1K plus another couple hundred (or so) for the master rebuild kits (new bearings). Depending on mileage on your Jeep, you may not need/want the master rebuild kit.

 

I would advise against doing it. But then again I did regear my mustang when I was 19. Wasn't pretty but it held together. I had no patience back then. I would want the jeep done right thou.

 

To the OP, I would not spend 2500 either, and that's why I didnt, like mark d said you can get a quality install with parts for about 1000... You just need to shop around. My rig is sitting at Clayton offroad right now for an install... It's the only thing I don't trust myself doing....

 

Unless you have experience doing gears I wouldn't attempt it. Not worth trying to diy. Do it right the first time