dentondanner

First, I have a 2012 JKU AUTO with a Metal Cloak 2.5 Lift, procomp 315/70/17 Dura tracs with 3.21 gears, propaq. I find the ride OK (a lot better than my 2003 Rubicon with 35) and bearable but I need a little more. I use this as a third vehicle and travel to different locations with the family. With that being said, I am looking for highway drivability with offroad capability as well. I have read tons of post but would like first hand knowledge from someone that has been in my shoes. I am leaning towards 4.56. Dana 30 upfront and it also sounds like I will need a new compatible carrier for the gears? Any input appreciated.

twofourflinching

I think 4.56 will be good and you will need new carrier with D30

MarwanJeeper

4.1 is the way better or 3.73 if you are not hardcore offroad.

4.56 if you have manual trans.

iam 2012 on 4.56 and the rpm is too high on highway

Mbogan

Sounds very familiar. I have a 2012 Sport JKU, 2.5 AEV lift, 315/70/17 Duratracs. I changed out my 3.21s for 4.56, primarily because I was going to add on heavy bumpers and wanted to get my acceleration back. It was probably one of the best decisions, although I do wish I had the extra $$ to put lockers in at the same time. Anyway, I really like this setup. I am even contemplating going to 37s when the time is right and feel pretty confident the 456 would be just fine.

You can get a great deal on the gears going to 4ws.com. You will need to change out the carrier since 3.21 isn't compatible.

Slow_but_Sure

Have the same set up as OP. After long debates i decided to go with 4:88. Its a 4 door with steel bumpers and rock sliders including the winch. 4:56 would be great too especially if you dont plank moving to 37 in the future

Paul Woodcock

Hi guys

I have the same as the OP now.

Went with 4.88, while I had 33" BFG wheels.

I ONLY drive in the big soft dunes of Dubai and spent a long time monitoring speeds and rpm before doing the switch. I wanted a "4L 3rd gear" on the fly. It works very well on our dunes to pull off in the soft sand and when you need max power at a slow speed... In a hurry. I used to use 1st gear all day in the dunes. Now I use 2nd and 3rd most of the time with an occasional blast in 1st. I also regained my 6th gear.... Which a 3.21 driver knows is pretty useless. 4.88 an 33" is admittedly too much. 4.56 would be better.

I have just switched to 315/70/17 tires and 4.88 works very well with these.

I also DON'T use the Jeep for much other than off roading. So gas consumption and 2800 rpm at 70 does not bother me for the short trips I do.

There is more to a re gear than the 70 mph vs rpm chart everyone quotes.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Paul

dentondanner

Thank for the input, I am very content with my set-up and plan to stay with current wheel size. It sounds like 4.10 or 4.56 are my two choices. I need to find someone local with a similar set-up and thumb a ride to see what it feels like. Anyone in the Sumter Columbia area

Monkeyfist

Just installed 4.56 and love em my ride 4 door standard trans with stock rims and nitto m/t 285/75/17 which are 33.60 mounted on freeway at 75 I turn 2800 overall more responsive, happy I stayed away from 4.88s

Good luck

Kweejebo

Just installed 4.56's on my 2013 JKU last Friday. I run 35x12.5x17's and I'm feeling very happy with this setup on the road (it's my DD). I feel like this was the sweet spot for me.

mhockey9090

4.56 seems to be a sweet spot for most who will not be running anything bigger than 35s.