I wanted to make a thread about recommended gear ratios to help out fellow TJ / LJ owners. My reason for this is because we see this question come up all the time, and it could be helpful for new owners to have a thread like this to reference. Those "gear ratio" charts you see floating around the internet are notoriously inaccurate, especially when you consider that they don't take two of the most important factors into consideration: which engine you have, and which transmission you have. Those factors are absolutely crucial (along with tire size) when making a decision on which gear...
Mine had 35s when purchased 5 months ago (in combo with 5.13 gearing - Dana 44 combo) but I changed to 33s, which work a bit better with the 42RLE trans. IMO, another inch of axle/diff clearance wasn't worth the tradeoffs for my own usage.
Mine had 35s when purchased 5 months ago (in combo with 5.13 gearing - Dana 44 combo) but I changed to 33s, which work a bit better with the 42RLE trans. IMO, another inch of axle/diff clearance wasn't worth the tradeoffs for my own usage.
33s and the 42rle would work even better with 5.38. The reality is the 5.13 gears most are able to use are appropriate for a 31" tire and will get the engine close to 3k rpm at 75mph.
Save your cash for more upgrades to run 35s safely anywhere, except the Walmart parking lot. Even those speed bumps will bend a stock tie rod.
p.s. Jerry B made me say that.