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4.88 or 5.13's which one do I get?

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Old 09-07-2010 | 11:58 PM
  #1  
vandegrift's Avatar
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From: Soldotna, AK
Default 4.88 or 5.13's which one do I get?

I have an 09 unlimited X with a 6 speed manual. Running 35" MTZ's (comes out around 34") and no real engine mods. I am looking to get as much out of the on and offroad power as possible. I am not going to be upgrading to 37" tires anyime in the foreseeable future.
Do I want to go with 5.13 or due I stick with a 4.88. I know a bunch of guys say 5.13 for power and hill climbs, but they all run the Auto Tranny.

Thanks
Old 09-08-2010 | 12:36 AM
  #2  
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I'm running 4.88s and 35s and I can tell you it has plenty of power on the highway. I can easily stick on 6th and cruise control and maintain 70 MPH with zero issues. 5.13s may be too tall for a 6 speed and 35s.
Old 09-08-2010 | 12:37 AM
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I am thinking about this too. I am leaning to 4.88 for combo off and on road driving but very curious to see what others think. 5.13 seem like highway rpms will be too high
Old 09-08-2010 | 02:18 AM
  #4  
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Originally Posted by vandegrift
I have an 09 unlimited X with a 6 speed manual. Running 35" MTZ's (comes out around 34") and no real engine mods. I am looking to get as much out of the on and offroad power as possible. I am not going to be upgrading to 37" tires anyime in the foreseeable future.
Do I want to go with 5.13 or due I stick with a 4.88. I know a bunch of guys say 5.13 for power and hill climbs, but they all run the Auto Tranny.

Thanks
5.13s is the way to go unless you run interstate highway speeds mostly. I loved the difference from the stock 4.1 to 5.13. No more stalling when you take off and all gears are usable as they should be. My jeep is not my only vehicle and I stay in the 60-65 mph range for fuel mileage when on the highway. You can still run +70 but the fuel usage increases. Bare in mind with 6 speed the 4.88 just place you back at the stock level of power on 35s. I was not impressed with the stock highway passing ablility. If you are just looking for power 5.13s are the way to go.
Old 09-08-2010 | 03:49 AM
  #5  
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I have 4.88 and I think it's about perfect. Enough power down low and enough room up top. I frequently get up to 80 mph and 5.13 would be too much. Also, I wouldn't use first gear that much if I had 5.13. As it is, I could start off in second if I wanted to.
Old 09-08-2010 | 06:47 AM
  #6  
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Thanks for the input so far, looks like I am going with the 4.88, unless someone really comes up with a reason I need the 5.13's.
Old 09-08-2010 | 09:05 AM
  #7  
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That was my decision! I just got my G2 4.88's in yesterday now im saving up to get them in stalled. Check out the deal bustabiz from 4wd is selling them for.
Old 09-08-2010 | 11:27 AM
  #8  
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4.88 all the way, i have 5.13 now and i think im going to switch back when i get a new axle. speed limits are 75 out here, i have to fill up about every 2 hours at that speed. sucks
Old 09-08-2010 | 11:32 AM
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From: Elkins, WV
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I am currently running the g2 4.88's in my 09 6speed with 34 inch km2's. I love the ratio on the highway because I can now focus on driving insted of downshifting. I feel that 35's would be perfect for the 4.88's and will be my next purchase!
Old 09-08-2010 | 12:24 PM
  #10  
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Ive got 4.88s on order through Bustabizz as well. I wont be going above 35s until I swap out to D60's, 40s, and a hemi so they are the best setup for me. No real hills around here either.



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