I was going to order a Artec axle armor kit for the front axle and replace the ball joints if I don't have to spend 2000 on gears. Even if I do it wrong and destroy a set of gears I'm still almost 1200 bucks ahead.

 

As long as you have access to the tools and are willing to chance a repeat if there is a problem, I say go for it. The WriteUp I linked to is a good start, and I'm sure you can find a lot of youtube videos to help out as well. Then you can look forward to free cases of beer for helping out all of your buddies with their gears...

 

Greatest quote ever.

 

"Thank you for calling 4 Wheel Parts, can you please hold?" is how they must be trained to answer the phone.

 

Yes they make 5.13s for a D30. There was even one company making 5.38s. There is controversy between 4.88s and 5.13s but many run 5.13s with no issues. I still believe 4.88s is the better choice

 

What size tires are you planning on running? I think you said that you own a 2013 jeep. I have 4.56 gears in my 2012 running 35's and it's perfect. They would probably work for 37's if your planning on going that route. If you run something like 4.56 or 4.88 less chance of breaking as compared to 5.13. Also it may be wise to chromoly treat your gears prior to install to make them stronger.

 

I already have 35" tires on my JK. I was going to go ahead and install an Artec Dana 30 armor kit and heavy duty ball joints when I put the gears in. I wanted to go with 5.13s for a little extra torque and incase I decide to run 37"s in the future.

 

Not sure what your budget is, but I had my axles done, parts and all, with Truetracs for 2400 bucks. That's Yukon 4.56 gears, F/R truetracs, master install kits, and warrantied installation by a reputable shop. I'm running 33's but I know the 4.56 would be perfect on 35's. Thing is, i'll likely never go higher than 33's as I prefer the low COG vs. the extra inch or two of clearance i'll gain for the added weight/ strain of a larger tire. There isn't much a 33 can't do if you pick your lines and have any skill behind the wheel. Also, don't rule out truetracs even for a seasoned trail rig. They perform better than you may think. There are some that will bad mouth them, many that have never even ran them. I'm hear to tell you that they are cheaper in price, forgiving on the street, tough as nails, and have locked up every time on the trail for me; tire in the air or not. Your jeep has a brake lock Diff. It works with the TT like peanut butter and jelly.

 

I have the Artec Dana 30 front armor armor kit with synergy ball joints and both are awesome. I am About to install some Nitro sleeves for a little more assurance. I still think that 4.88 gears would be more than enough with 3.6L engine and 37's but I am sure you will happy with 5.13. Definitely would recommend them to be chromoly treating the ring and pinion before install, would make the ring and pinion a lot stronger and less likely to fail. Doesn't cost all that much a lot cheaper then replacing gears.

 

Did you install the Artec kit yourself or have it installed somewhere? I figure the money that I save from doing the gears myself could be used to upgrade ball joints and throw on the armor kit. I cant afford a Dana 60 and I cant justify buying a 44 just to get a 60 later, so I figured the armor kit was the next best thing.