Jeep W/Ford axle's, need advice

[newman187]

Getting ready to change the gears and add lockers to my rig, I have the following:

1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Orvis)
1977-F150 Ford Axles, HP D44 front, Ford 9" rear (3.50 gears)
Long arm kit
Springs
1999 Jeep Wrangler Xfer case
35" tires on 15x8" rims

I'm asking advise on gear ratio, I have set in my mind what i'd like, but i'm being criticized by some guys in my office. I'm planning on 4.56 gears and ARB air lockers. According to some charts I have seen, 35" tires with 4.56 gears will bring my gear ratio as close as its gonna be to stock running the tires I have, what do you all think?


Thank you,

 

[mbryson]

IMHO, the 4.56 would be a good choice if you wanted to optimize more for road use vs. off-road. I ran 4.88s on my XJ with 35" tires and wanted taller tires to tone the gears down a little on the highway. Off-road it was about right, but a little much on road.

You'll get 200 different opinions on this. You'll be fine with the 4.56 gears if that's the way you decide to go, esp. if you've got the V8.

 

[1993yj]

My brother has a V8 grand with 35's and 4.56s and it seems good for him. It is his DD but can do any trail without issues from the gearing.

 

[Herzog]

4.56's would be about right for you. And if you want some more low range control on the trail, do a 4:1 in your t-case. That will put you in a sweet spot.