The title says it all. I am pretty handy with a wrench, but I will be the first to tell you I don't know spit about gears.

 

Google "reverse rotation differential" and you'll find your answer

 

As found on Google:

A reverse rotation ring & pinion has the opposite tooth spiral on gear teeth that a standard rear differential uses. If a standard rotation differential was flipped upside down, the results would be the wheels turning in reverse while in forward gears and in forward when the transmission is in reverse. The reverse spiral on the gear teeth make it possible to raise the pinion above the axle centerline and still drive the wheels in the right direction.

Still would like to know if this is what is used in the JK?

 

This is used in the front axle of the JK. When reverse cut gears are used in a front differential, the pinion makes contact on the convex side of the ring gear. This is the strong side. If a standard cut gearset is used then the pinion drives on what would normally be the coast side (while driving forward), this is the weaker side. This is just one of the benefits of having a high pinion or reverse cut gearst in the front. There are others as well. Make sense?

 

Makes sense!! Thanks man!!

 

It is a pinion that turns in reverse.

 

you also benefit from the driveshaft having more ground clearance. good for going over things.

 

More words of wisdom!!

 

I thought it was pretty self explanatory, meeself.

Also on a note......a HIGH pinion axle does not necessarily always have to be reverse rotation. Thought I would make that clarification.

 

i learned something new today