I added a factory Electronic Swaybar to my JK and the instructions to enable it was for the dealer to add OPTION SHG to my build info and download the info to the ECM. This enabled the dash light.

If I were to add a 3.73 Rear Locking Axle to my stock X with 3.21 gears could I just have the dealer add option DSH (locking rear axle) and option DME (3.73 axle ratio) the same way they added the E-disco? Would that enable everything to work with the factory switch and harness?

Also ... if I were to install a rear 3.73 axle could I still drive around in 2WD with the 3.21 front until I got 3.73 gears installed in the front?

Thanks ..

 

Assuming the switch is wired up stock, I do believe you need the flash. I know some have wired them directly so that they can operate the locker whenever they want, not limited to the stock parameters. You wouldn't get the dash light though this way. And as long as you do not engage 4WD you could have the 3.21's in front.

 

Even in 2wd, wouldn't this cause the two driveshafts to spin at differing velocities? Similar to if you were towing by lifting the front wheels off the ground, I would have thought this would be a no-no.

 

Without lock-out hubs it's goodbye transfer case....

 

So the safe thing would be to just remove the front drive shaft ???

 

I don't think that is the prudent thing to do (that would be to wait until you can do it right and do it all at once), but yeah, this would get you by for now.

 

Correct. My plan would be to install the 3.73 locking rear in my driveway ... remove front shaft and then drive to the shop doing the 3.73 front gear install. I didn't plan on indefinitely driving around with the incorrect gears in the front.

 

Then I think you're golden.

You'll like 3.73s much better than stock Sahara gearing (which is a crime).

 

just my humble opinion, but if you re going to change gears, and you have a choice, you shouuld go to a lower set like 4.10 or 4.56. if you go much above 33s you will wish you had gone to a lower gear set.

Up to you, just something to think about...

 

That's a good point, actually. I initially had the impression the OP was going 3.73s because he already had the OEM gearsets and whatnot on the cheap. Now that I go back and re-read his post, he doens't really indicate that. But again, you're right, even with stock 32" rubber, 4.10s would be a useful upgrade (since he's changing gear ratio anyway).