Regear/locker ?'s

[BobA]

Currently I have d30/d44 with 3.73, the d44 has the limited slip. Not sure what to change to but 3.73's suck on the highway with 33" tires.
Should I go 4.10 or 4.56? And would like to get lockers also that are street friendly and make no noticeable wierd noises.
Should I do only the front and keep the rear LSD or ??
Whats the average price if a shop does this?

[Don]

Going from 3:73 to only 4:10 is a lot of $$$.. Just a re-gear, labor only will run you $250.00 (low price) or more per axle (got to do two axles if you will ever use 4wd). This is labor only, and only for the re-gear. Add the cost of lockers (x2), plus cost of parts such as new ring & pinion gears (x2), install kits (x2), plus labor to mount air compressor, or whatever is needed for the lockers to work, and you are quickly talking about a serious chunk of change.

For the front axle, you could add an Aussie ($230 - $250), it's a lunchbox locker, so it's a DIY install. In 2wd, there will be minor locker quirks such as a clicking sound when making a slow sharp turn such as turning into a parking space. Since this is in the auto locker class, there is no switch to turn locker on/off.... so driving on snow / ice covered roads in 4wd maybe an issue. Offroad and in 4wd, is where you will see the Aussie shine. Sharp turns in 4wd maybe a 3 point turn, but you can always go back into 2wd, make turn, then return to 4wd if you really need to do so.

The Powertrax is a lunchbox style locker that I have been hearing rave reviews about. It really is a copy of the Aussie locker, except for a couple minor changes. There are suppose to be almost ZERO locker quirks with a Powertrax. Cost of the Powertrax is $450.00 plus.

Rear axle, a locker is always better off road than a limited slip. However, for a Jeep that is a DD or sees a lot of highway time, I would leave the limited slip as is, UNLESS you decide to do a re-gear, and then, I would spend the $$ to get a selectable (switch to turn locker on/off) locker like an ARB or whatever.

I would never ever consider paying the $$ marjor $$ we are talking about just to go from 3:73 to 4:10 gear ratio. I would consider going 4:88 or 5:13 and 35's though :) :) The 5:13 ratio would give you a crawl ratio to die for (drool, drool). However, I don't know what your RPM's would be at 70 MPH.

[mawardjr]

Keep in mind that as you go up numerically in gears, your pinion will get smaller and possibly becomes the weak point.

Another option is to just watch for used axles geared the way you want.

I've got the I6, 4.10s with 33's on my ZJ ... interstate performance is okay but she still bogs down on steep hills out there. Wish I had a V8 in it ... :)

[YJason]

IMO: I would go 4.56's, the lowest you can go is 4.88's in the D30. The 4.88 pinion is tiny and will become your new weak link and thats something you definitely don't want to break.

Edit:

I'll add some more. I had 33's with d30/d35 w/4.10's which was the factory setup with the 4cyl 5spd. I installed a lockrite lunchbox in the rear with the stock axles. The first time out I broke a axle, so I got a set of $200 Yukon axles and never had another problem. I loved the Lockrite on the trail but hated it on the street until I had about 6-7000 miles on it and then I could barely tell it was back there except for the clicking when cornering and the ocassional torque steer which will probably be worse with a 5 spd. Later, I swapped to a 4.0 auto w/OD and the 4.10 gearing was perfect.

I now have a set of JK Rubicon D44's w/ factory lockers. IMO: It has been the best money I have spent on my jeep. The selectable lockers front and rear are very nice. If I had a jeep like yours I'd buy a TJ rubi front diff and regear the rear to 4.10 and leave the lsd in it. A Rubi front diff will cost anywhere from $1500 to $2500+. If you look at what regearing, locker, axles, and install is going to cost on your D30 the D44 doesn't look so bad and you can bolt it in yourself.

[Don]

Keep in mind that as you go up numerically in gears, your pinion will get smaller and possibly becomes the weak point.

Another option is to just watch for used axles geared the way you want.

I've got the I6, 4.10s with 33's on my ZJ ... interstate performance is okay but she still bogs down on steep hills out there. Wish I had a V8 in it ... :)

Finding TJ axles with 4:10 gears is not an easy or inexpensive task. Every once in a while, you will find a Jeeper selling the stock axles (w/4:10 gears) from under a Rubicon, but when you do find this very rare sale, plan on paying approximately $1,100 per axle which is way too much $$ in my mind. The only advantage BobA has is he has a D44 under his Jeep currently that he could sell to recoup some of his $$. He would still have to deal with an air compressor, plus switches to turn Rubi lockers on/off. Finding a 8.8 in a bone yard that already has the 4:10 gears would be another option, then simply pay to have the D30 re-geared. However, by time you take all the other issues about doing this into account, I think you are still talking about a lot of $$, a lot of work, for very little gain.

No Jeep that I ever heard of came from the factory with 4:56 or 4:88 gears so find one of these animals would probably be near impossible. Every once in a while, you will find a D35 that someone has slapped a set of 4:56 or 4:88 gear in, but that would be such a major step backwards for BobA, it would even be something to suggest.

BobA, I stated in the prior message that you could go to 5:13 gears.... This is a correct statement for your rear axle because you already have a D44. However, your D30 (front axle) will only go as deep as 4:88 and since the gears in one axle must be a very close match to the other, 4:88 is it.

[Buckeye]

MOPAR® Performance Rubicon Edition Dana 44 Rear Axle Assembly with Brakes
For 07-11 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK
Quadratec Part No: 52446.100.T
Manufacturer Part No: P5153826AB

$2569.99
This item has an additional $150.00 shipping surcharge


MOPAR® Performance Rubicon Edition Dana 44 Front Axle Assembly without Brakes
For 07-11 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK
Quadratec Part No: 52446.101.T
Manufacturer Part No: P5153825AE

$2999.99
This item has an additional $125.00 shipping surcharge

[d-rockXJ]

I have 4.10's and 33's on my XJ(5spd) and I love them on the trail. Mine doesn't get driven on the highway much anymore so that's not a concern of mine. 4.56 would be great with 33's on the trail, nice low gearing, but will run the rpms up on the highway. I also have a spartan(lunchbox style) in my 30 and it works great on the trail and what time I have had mine on the street I never noticed it. Look for a ring/pinion combo on PORC, Rustys, etc. They come with everything you need(gears, master install, bearings) and most of the time are less than $500. I installed my gears on my own, it is an involved process but if you take your time and do your research you can do a quality job. I am really happy with the way mine turned out and I had never installed gears before.

[mawardjr]

You can find D30's out of XJ's with 4 cyl with 4.10's ...

That is what I pulled mine out of ... (HP AND no vacuum disco)

[YJason]

MOPAR® Performance Rubicon Edition Dana 44 Rear Axle Assembly with Brakes
For 07-11 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK
Quadratec Part No: 52446.100.T
Manufacturer Part No: P5153826AB

$2569.99
This item has an additional $150.00 shipping surcharge


MOPAR® Performance Rubicon Edition Dana 44 Front Axle Assembly without Brakes
For 07-11 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK
Quadratec Part No: 52446.101.T
Manufacturer Part No: P5153825AE

$2999.99
This item has an additional $125.00 shipping surcharge
Those prices are crazy, I have as much in both axles new as they want for the front axle, and mine came with brakes front and rear.

Also those are JK axles, they are 5" wider than his TJ axles and they aren't a direct bolt in.

[Buckeye]

Those prices are crazy, I have as much in both axles new as they want for the front axle, and mine came with brakes front and rear.

Also those are JK axles, they are 5" wider than his TJ axles and they aren't a direct bolt in.

You said, "they are 5" wider than his TJ axles". Then he can clear a path for everyone else.
I agree they are pricey. Moab OffRoad here in Louisville gets axles like that in for customers and they are impressive.

[Turfzilla]

Contrary to what Don said, the Aussie in the front will be invisible in 2wd. No noise , nothing........ from my experience.

If your on a budget, that is what I would do first. Lock the front.

[Buckeye]

Contrary to what Don said, the Aussie in the front will be invisible in 2wd. No noise , nothing........ from my experience.

If your on a budget, that is what I would do first. Lock the front.

I had an Aussie in my d-30 on both my CJ-5 And my XJ and you barely even knew they were there (until you needed them) and the XJ drove real freeway speeds. The Aussie in the front is rarely if ever noticed in 2wd or 4 even 4wd. I would go Aussie again if ever given the choice. You can't beat the price. It is a cheap, easy install first class front locker and factory guarenteed. I have heard some horror stories about locker failure and factory denials.

[Don]

BobA, I know where there is a real purdy Green 07 Rubicon (JK) that just happens to have D44 axles with 4:10 gears under it. IF you contact Midnight Auto Supply Company, you can probably get a pretty good deal on these axles. :) ;) :)

Do you see any other parts you might need?

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/Rubi/DSC00297.jpg

[Buckeye]

[QUOTE=Don]BobA, I know where there is a real purdy Green 07 Rubicon (JK) that just happens to have D44 axles with 4:10 gears under it. IF you contact Midnight Auto Supply Company, you can probably get a pretty good deal on these axles. :) ;) :)

Do you see any other parts you might need?

If you think you are man enuf to get past the guard dog....Give it a shot!

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/Temporary030.jpg

[BobA]

[QUOTE=Don]BobA, I know where there is a real purdy Green 07 Rubicon (JK) that just happens to have D44 axles with 4:10 gears under it. IF you contact Midnight Auto Supply Company, you can probably get a pretty good deal on these axles. :) ;) :)

Do you see any other parts you might need?

If you think you are man enuf to get past the guard dog....Give it a shot!

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/Temporary030.jpg
The dog would be no problem but I seem to remember past photos of "Guns" so I think I'll pass. :D
Would 4.56 gears, aussie in front,keep rear LSD be a good setup then? I have about 1500-2500 to do this. would stronger axles be good to get also? Figure while its apart ,might as well do it all together.

[YJason]

[QUOTE=Buckeye]
The dog would be no problem but I seem to remember past photos of "Guns" so I think I'll pass. :D
Would 4.56 gears, aussie in front,keep rear LSD be a good setup then? I have about 1500-2500 to do this. would stronger axles be good to get also? Figure while its apart ,might as well do it all together.
Yes, it would be a good setup if you don't mind spending the money on a D30. I would suggest getting a set of alloy front axles, or a carrying a set of spares from a JY XJ while offroading. Also, with a auto front locker you won't be able to drive safely on snow covered roads in 4wd.

[Don]

I have had my Aussie in a D30 with stock axle shafts since 2006 and have only torn one u-joint in the shafts. Different people will have different results with this, but 33 inch tires and no crazy right foot stomp-n on the skinny pedal and you should be fine.

[YJason]

I have had my Aussie in a D30 with stock axle shafts since 2006 and have only torn one u-joint in the shafts. Different people will have different results with this, but 33 inch tires and no crazy right foot stomp-n on the skinny pedal and you should be fine.


Thats funny, as much as you wheel they'll last another 50 yrs.

[Don]

Thats funny, as much as you wheel they'll last another 50 yrs.

Ouch..... did Mr. McGoo hack your IAJ account? :)

[Buckeye]

[QUOTE=BobA]
Yes, it would be a good setup if you don't mind spending the money on a D30. I would suggest getting a set of alloy front axles, or a carrying a set of spares from a JY XJ while offroading. Also, with a auto front locker you won't be able to drive safely on snow covered roads in 4wd.

I think you can drive safely on slick roads as long as you know what you have and are ready to modify your driving habits. However, if you are not the only driver, that may be a legit concern.

[Buckeye]

Another suggestion I always wanted to try is use your stock gears and invest in a Rubicon T-case or;

http://www.quadratec.com/products/52254_100.htm


TeraFlex LOW 231 HD Transfer Case
For 88-02 Jeep® Wrangler YJ & TJ with Automatic Transmission
Quadratec Part No: 52254.100
Manufacturer Part No: 002104400

$1234.99



The Tera Low231conversion kit is the solution for providing Wranglers, Cherokees, and Comanches with low crawl ratios. This kit provides rock-crawling performance without affecting high range gears for daily drivers, or the trip to and from the back country. It provides a true 4.0:1 reduction through a heavy duty 5 gear planetary system. Every part in this kit is new, with no core charges. Shift linkage and driveshaft length changes are not necessary.

[YJason]

Another suggestion I always wanted to try is use your stock gears and invest in a Rubicon T-case or;

http://www.quadratec.com/products/52254_100.htm


TeraFlex LOW 231 HD Transfer Case
For 88-02 Jeep® Wrangler YJ & TJ with Automatic Transmission
Quadratec Part No: 52254.100
Manufacturer Part No: 002104400

$1234.99



The Tera Low231conversion kit is the solution for providing Wranglers, Cherokees, and Comanches with low crawl ratios. This kit provides rock-crawling performance without affecting high range gears for daily drivers, or the trip to and from the back country. It provides a true 4.0:1 reduction through a heavy duty 5 gear planetary system. Every part in this kit is new, with no core charges. Shift linkage and driveshaft length changes are not necessary.


You can buy a good used NP241OR (TJ rubi t-case) for less money. A 241 much better unit and there's no 2000 rpm input limit.

[Buckeye]

You can buy a good used NP241OR (TJ rubi t-case) for less money. A 241 much better unit and there's no 2000 rpm input limit.

Ah, Good. I have never seen this concept discussed. I'm thinking that with the expence of buying and installing axle gears, the t-case option would be an obvious and perhaps better alternative. You could have stock 3:73 gears in the axle for decent highway travel and have a low t-case gear for the trail.

[Turfzilla]

Thats funny, as much as you wheel they'll last another 50 yrs.


Good point:p :p :p

[Turfzilla]

Ah, Good. I have never seen this concept discussed. I'm thinking that with the expence of buying and installing axle gears, the t-case option would be an obvious and perhaps better alternative. You could have stock 3:73 gears in the axle for decent highway travel and have a low t-case gear for the trail.

You guys have lost focus, or at least the old guys! :p
I think Bobs orginal intention with gearing was to make it better on the hiway. While 4:1 on the trail is great, it will not help his orginal problem any at all.

Currently I have d30/d44 with 3.73, the d44 has the limited slip. Not sure what to change to but 3.73's suck on the highway with 33" tires.

As far as the front installed aussie on the snow. It just makes your knuckles whiter when holding the steering wheel.:eek: but it is still very driveable after you get use to it.

[mawardjr]

I spent time this last winter driving in snow/ice in 2wd and 4wd (I have lockright in front and detroit in rear) ... had zero issues driving fully locked.

Our road is curvy, hilly and has slight off camber areas and I never once regretted the setup.

The only time the Jeep wanted to walk off the road was when I was in 2wd and coming down one of the hills in our area. Slowed down enough to drop it into 4wd and she stuck to the road nicely.

Just my 2 cents on lockers + snow/ice.

[Buckeye]

You guys have lost focus, or at least the old guys! :p
I think Bobs orginal intention with gearing was to make it better on the hiway. While 4:1 on the trail is great, it will not help his orginal problem any at all.



As far as the front installed aussie on the snow. It just makes your knuckles whiter when holding the steering wheel.:eek: but it is still very driveable after you get use to it.


Who you callin' "OLD", Whippersnapper! Must say though, I had 31's on my XJ with 3"73 gears, so I can't relate to the 33 issue.

[Don]

I spent time this last winter driving in snow/ice in 2wd and 4wd (I have lockright in front and detroit in rear) ... had zero issues driving fully locked.

Our road is curvy, hilly and has slight off camber areas and I never once regretted the setup.

The only time the Jeep wanted to walk off the road was when I was in 2wd and coming down one of the hills in our area. Slowed down enough to drop it into 4wd and she stuck to the road nicely.

Just my 2 cents on lockers + snow/ice.

Long wheelbase versus short.... you can not compare the two and expect to get same results. The Little Jeep has Aussie up front, full Detroit in rear... a skateboard on greased glass drives better than the Little Jeep on snow/ice covered pavement.

[Buckeye]

Long wheelbase versus short.... you can not compare the two and expect to get same results. The Little Jeep has Aussie up front, full Detroit in rear... a skateboard on greased glass drives better than the Little Jeep on snow/ice covered pavement.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Maybe it's not the Jeep! If anyone has been with you when you are driving, shifting gears, talking on the CB, dialing the Cell Phone and adjusting your GPS, all at the same time with two hands...............................it could explain a lot! :rolleyes:

[Don]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Maybe it's not the Jeep! If anyone has been with you when you are driving, shifting gears, talking on the CB, dialing the Cell Phone and adjusting your GPS, all at the same time with two hands...............................it could explain a lot! :rolleyes:

And yet, I still drive better than you :p :p :)

[Buckeye]

And yet, I still drive better than you :p :p :)

No ya don't! I just don't care. :cool:

[Bob XJ]

:D LOL, you two are at it again!

[Buckeye]

:D LOL, you two are at it again!

Two hoo!:D

[Don]

Two hoo!:D

Just go back to your nap, Buckeye :)

[Buckeye]

Just go back to your nap, Buckeye :)

And I can if I want to because I'm retired and don't have to go to work, HAH! :D Put that up your tail pipe and blow it out, PFFFT! :p

[Buckeye]

Just go back to your nap, Buckeye :)


Actually, I've been up since 5:30, made Carolyn's coffee, posted mission messages, walked the dog his 1.1 miles, checked the oil in my JK and am ready to go swimming in the pool, :eek: :cool:

[Don]

Actually, I've been up since 5:30, made Carolyn's coffee, posted mission messages, walked the dog his 1.1 miles, checked the oil in my JK and am ready to go swimming in the pool, :eek: :cool:

Wow! Your dreams are pretty wild :eek:

[Buckeye]

Wow! Your dreams are pretty wild :eek:

Eat your heart out you working stiff! :D :p

[Buckeye]

Eat your heart out you working stiff! :D :p
Plus I just finished wattering Carolyn's Garden and pumped out the Septic Tank!:eek:

[YJason]

Plus I just finished wattering Carolyn's Garden and pumped out the Septic Tank!:eek:


Remind me not to eat any fresh veggie's from Buckeye's house, he water his garden with septic water. :eek:

[yellowx]

look around dude i have a dana 30 hp from a cherokee up front with a lock right and 4.88 gears and a ford 8.8 with the super 88 kit in it and a arb in the back and i found someone who was parting out thier rig and bought it compressor and all for $1100 he is a buddy of mine but if you will be patient and look around you will find a deal i had to rework the brackets on the 8.8 but that was a additional 350 for a more bracket kit

[BobA]

look around dude i have a dana 30 hp from a cherokee up front with a lock right and 4.88 gears and a ford 8.8 with the super 88 kit in it and a arb in the back and i found someone who was parting out thier rig and bought it compressor and all for $1100 he is a buddy of mine but if you will be patient and look around you will find a deal i had to rework the brackets on the 8.8 but that was a additional 350 for a more bracket kit
Because of my job I dont have time to do it myself or track down parts.

[gate53]

You might look on some of the car auction sites for a wrecked TJ 4 cyl they all have 4.10's that will bolt right up and throw an Aussie locker in. I have picked up and rebuilt an extra set of shafts. I figure they are my weak point and it's a cheap fast swap even out on the trail it's under and hour and your back to wheelin.

[Elven]

Daveys Jeeps currently has a set of rubi axles for 2k...needs bracket work and a yoke maybe....just an option sell and recoup some from your axles and should be good....not sure on his prices by might be able to haggle down some???