how much does it normally cost to upgrade axles? i've got a 2012 6spd with dana 30's up front and dana 44's in the rear with 3.21's and am wanting to go with 4.10's. i know absolutely nothing about it. any and all help is appreciated. what all do i need to get to make it work? are you able to run 4.10's out of a 30 or do i need to upgrade the whole thing to a 44 and then upgrade the rear 44 to a 4.10?

 

Check out this article over at Project-JK.com for a good kick-off to understanding JK axles…

Project-JK.com - Jeep JK Wrangler Resource » Jeep JK Wrangler Axle Basics

And, yes, 4.10 will work in the D30. Check out the pictures in the above article under “Axle Components Visual Reference” to get an idea of what the difference is between a D44 and a D30.

Cost depends on what you want to change, the entire axle or just the gears. I saw a deal yesterday on the forums for a set of gears (D30/D44 4.88) and some extras for $700. I think an axle housing starts in the $2000 range but a little window shopping with the sponsors could clear that up.

 

Lots of shops will re-gear your jeep for you. Firestone and Big O are two chains that can perform the service for you. I'm not sure you'd want 4.10's if you were paying for it. I'd consider 4.56 gears at a minimum if you want to pay to change.

If you are bent on 4.10's, I'd save money, surf the classifieds and buy a pair of rubicon axles that include those gears in them + gets you a D44 up front AND dual lockers...

I sold my rear D44 with a locker and 5.13 gears for 650. I sold my front D44 with a locker, 5.13s and some minor upgrades for 2200.

You should be able to get a complete rear axle for about what it costs to install a set of gears plus you can then sell your old axle to offset the cost.

I sold my rear axle for 650. I paid 3050 for a delivered complete D60 axle with an ARB and 5.13 gears. My net costs was 2400. If you installed an ARB in your rear axle and re-geared it, I bet you'd be looking at 1600. So it comes down to budget and your long term vision of the build.

Decide what you want your jeep to do/look like and then post here asking questions like you're doing. The prices I posted (except for the 1600) are actual dollars I either bought or sold something for, so they are probably pretty close to what you could get.

Most of all - Have fun and learn as you go along! Welcome to the jeep world!

 

thanks for all the information its a big help. i never knew a dana 30 could have a 4.88 gear put in, probably would have ended up buying a dana 44 if i hadnt asked. i may take it off road every now and then like once in a blue moon but just want it to be able to run 35's or so comfortably. is their any harm putting new gears in before getting the lift and tires or is that a non issue? again thanks for all the help