I've seen lots of questions asked about 35s on stock gearing (especially non rubi 4.10 gears). I was concerned myself whether it would be drivable.

I'm happy to report that I feel almost no difference! I probably keep it in gear before shifting for another split second..say 200-400rpms more.

6th gear is just fine at freeway speeds. Going uphills i always downshifted anyway, so no difference there.

For daily driving.. its going to be just fine, and honestly, first gear feels smoother now with the change. was always a bit jerky before.

And this is not just with tires, but a heavy rear bumper... with the bumper and full spare, its probably 250lbs more weight in the rear that the stock full size and plastic bumper.

As for offroad, I havent had a chance to test..but im sure itll be more noticeable, especially 4low trying to crawl... that will probably drive me to 4.56s (i dont think / know yet if 4.88s will really be needed). Or maybe go the cheaper route and pick up a rear 4.10 off someones rubi and get a d30 4.10 up front.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience. While I think the Jeep drivetrain engineering staff was on glue (or under duress from a bunch of green NAZIs demanding fuel economy standards be met) when they decided on the available gear ratios (especially for those poor sods with the 4-speed slush pumps), I'm glad to hear this, as I've been deliberating it for my one month of Jeep ownership. 35s with a 2.5" lift just looks RIGHT on a JK Unlimited.

If I find it intolerable I just keep an I peeled at the local Jeep wrecker for a set of Rubicon axles.

AEV Savegres will be ordered tomorrow (not sure what tire to go for).