~$500+/- is the right cost for parts depending on brand. Labor for a simple 2-axle regear is often $750-$1k, bringing a total to around $1250 - $1500. Some parts of the country are higher, but that is generally a good standard. I can see Dana gears being overpriced, although have never looked at them. Outside of having worked with a shop previously and having a rapport, most regear jobs are a leap of faith. As long as you have a good feeling about the shop and them standing behind their work, I'd say pull the trigger.

 

My re-gear is scheduled for this upcoming Friday. Funds are a bit tight..however I could be considering going with 37" tires..they have been on the back of my mind. If I go with 4.88 gears vs. 4.56, as a DD/Weekend Warrior JKU..how much difference would I have if 4.88's are installed but I end up with 35" tires? Or have to wait to buy 37" tires.

 

Pull up any of the gear charts, they are easy to find. The ones at extremeterrain were linked earlier in the thread. But looks like it's around 180ish rpm difference at 70mph between the 4.56 and 4.88 gears. Remember to use measured height, not sidewall or mfg spec.

Worst case, 4.88 with 35's that measure out to 34" (my last set of 35's measured 33.5"...), you'll be around 2837 rpm @ 70. Maybe a bit high for long-distance freeway, but quite a few people are dealing with it just fine.

 

I did check the re-gear guides. It shows me in the "green" with either gear ratio. I will talk to my guy about it today about it. For the amount of drive time and use of my Jeep and the fact that re-gearing is not like your changing your tires out, it is not too easy of a decision. Just have to pull the trigger.

 

I'm not discouraging running 37s, but most people don't really consider the work involved. Since you're kinda new to the game, look at posts #4 and #6 in this thread and just take em to heart. Be honest with yourself about use and budget along the way. You can do 95% of what you can do with 37s just by running 35s.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...d-help-349200/

You have to address a lot of things along the way with 35s too, but each step up you go you're adding quite a bit more additional stress on all components.

You have a harder time undergearing the 3.8L compared to the 3.6L. I'd get at least 4.88 with that engine, but it's just my opinion.

 

I took your advice along with my gut feeling. I now have 4.88 gears. I figure with all the weight that my Jeep will have in time that 4.88's would perform the best even if I stayed with 35's over 37's. I have been going through all the ups and downs of emotions considering everything 37's vs 35's. With 37's I understand upgrades to other components are needed but how soon if I am not wheelin like the rest of my true Jeeper counterparts? Man, what a roller coaster (like the stock market, lol). I have read and seen 37's on a 2.5" Teraflex lift (Punk'd Teraflex Jeep) and I have been told that's enough since my articulation needs may not be the same as one that Rock Crawls all the time(Yet Punk'd Rock Crawls with that 2.5" Lift). Based on all that I have read(maybe too much) Flat fenders, 2.5" lift and 37" M/T's, HD bumper seems right up my alley for how often or not I am going to be wheelin(light to medium trail work for me in Cali and not too much of a risk taker).

Here are my thoughts when I pull the trigger on my 37's(or if 35's are the better call):

Flat Fenders
2.5 or 3" TeraFlex Lift, Either their 9550 shocks, possibly considering Fox or Falcon 2.0/3.1
37" Patagonia Milestar M/T
TeraFlex Heavy Duty Ball Joints.
E-lockers in time(money vs. use)

Other than that, I really don't know much more that needs to be done until something breaks(from wheelin). I am strongly influenced by the folks that Overland and quite honestly that's how all of this started and the fact that Jeeps to me look so bitchin,(coming from a guy that used to daily drive a VW Passat and wanted a secondary SUV to break from the norm). Any other suggestions to get me out of this rollercoaster gate would be appreciated.
My 2011 JKU Sport is a manual (BTW) and always a work in progress.

 

If you're going to have weight, I'd pass on the Teraflex lift, look at other options or adding air bags if you'll only carry the weight part time.

37's on 2.5" lift is possible but man it's tight. I have a friend that loaned me 37's and of course we bolted them up to my Jeep. It looked great but function was limited- mind you oneI've got flat flares and a stubby bumper already. 35's will really take you everywhere. The only downside is if you think you want 37's then you'll be wishing for it every day, though they're not as grand as they appear. It's only another inch and if you've got the skill then you can make the 35's work as well or better than 37's.

 

I appreciate your input. After looking a bit more into it all. I am staying with 35" tires. What I am not trying to do is multiple builds costing more than if I just did it right the 1st time. 35" tires were my original thought. Any other suggestions to the right lift for my needs would be cool for me to hear from a JK Jedi. I have been reading about getting Heavy Duty springs for what I am going to be using my Jeep for and as usual there seems to be a lot of companies out there. I have heard of mix views on JKS JSPEC and a few others. At least I have a sense of direction of what I am using this thingfor, lol. Thoughts?

 

I tend to agree with airbags as well rather than worrying about the spring ratings. Think about this.....that jeep is only going to be loaded down with all your overlanding stuff a small percentage of the time vs. being a daily driver that is unloaded. It's one of those things that you can't have your cake and eat it too. You have to pick what is functional the majority of the time and a workaround for the rest of the time. Airbags allow you to just have the suspension for a DD, but when you're loaded down you have that extra bit of support. I've never had airbags, so can only argue that in theory.

 

Add JKS 'Adjustable Coil Spacers' to your list of research items. You are probably on the right track with air bags, but doesn't hurt to look at other options that could work out.