4.88 gears

I have 4.88 gears in the rear end of my 66 CJ5. My top end speed is 45, maybe 50 mph, but that's racing the engine, (V6), pretty good. How much trouble is it to swap out gears for something not geared quite so low. And what effects does that have on off-road capability especially in the sand? Thanks

 

You should be able to go faster then that with 4.88s 5.38s will give you that feeling. In the sand you do want lower( numerically higher) gears in my opinion, 3.73s in the ZJ last summer just didn't cut it I thought.

 

:iagree: od would give you the best of both worlds.

 

X3

 

How expesnsive/difficult is it to add the OD? The tires i have on it are Hercules HDT Bias ply tires that look just like the originals, 30" diameter.

 

Easier then changing gears by a long shot

 

overdrive....and taller tires. There some out there that would love to have those 4.88's.

 

People pay big money to regear to lower (higher numerical) ratios. 4.88s are a desirable feature of your Jeep.

Jeeps make a lot of noise - tires, engine, drivetrain. The Dana 18 makes a lot of gear noise. Even with 28" tall tires, you should be able to go 60mph (3500 RPM) with no problem. It's loud, but it's part and parcel of owning a Jeep.

An overdrive would be a fine option - easy to install, effective, and you'll get back what you spend on it if you ever sell your Jeep.

 

Thanks Guys, great advice as usual!

 

I have the same engine/gearing as you, with 32" tires. Even when I had old 31's (probably like a new 30" tire), I could still go 60 without feeling I was working it too hard.

I now have an OD and 32's and feel fine at 70 mph. I wouldn't even consider re-gearing to 3.73's or 4.27's. I would feel good about swapping in a set of 5.38 axles.

 

If you want the best of both worlds in sand and on the road the only choice is the OD unit. Just bolt it on and go. Although they are scarce, you should be able to find a nice used one for around $600.00 just make sure you get the tooth count on the back gear on your transmission. (thats the transfer case input gear) Doug

 

You got the 2-piece 44, yes? I think Eugene might have 5.38s. Been trying to figure out exactly what to do with them. Hmmm...

I second or third or whatever the Warn OD. Numerically high gears and a Warn is the way to go.

 

Dangit Sparky! Why did you let that bondo bucket move to Jayhawk country?


Yep Clint, I have a tapered Dana 44.

 

Just like everyone else said, go with the OD. I went from 3.73s to 4.88s and a Warn OD. Yeah, it was expensive, but I love it. You'll like being able to split gears and find the one that's just right.