FrankieB

Looking for help on what mods to do along with a regear (ex upgrade to dana 44 front axle) to get it right and if there are any "add-ons" (lockers?)I should consider. I think I've decided to regear my 2009 Sahara 4dr auto with 3.73 gears to 5.13 gears. I've got the Teraflex 2.5 coil and shock lift with Procomp xtreme mud terrain tires (315/70/17) on Black rock Yuma 17 wheels.

After reading a ton of posts it's not clear whether 4.88s or 5.13s will be better for me but with the extra weight I'm carrying (Highrock Narrow Front bumper with grill guard, Quadratec 11,000 winch, ARB Rear bumper and tire carrier, Gobi stealth rack, and Tuffy security trunk) and that other than my daily commute (not too long) my major highway trips will be loaded with family luggage (and maybe a rooftop cargo box) I'm thinking 5.13s will be a better choice.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this. Oh and if you have a recommendations on shops to do this on the north side of Atlanta, I'd appreciate that too.

jeeeep

personally I wouldn't go more than the 4.88's as the RP gets smaller and you'll also lose top end as your rpm's will get higher sooner.

I have 2010 auto 35's and 4.88's mix of wheel and DD power is good, I can still use and lock out the OD and also get decent mileage.

GunDude

I to plan to regear to 4:88's. Most tires are less than a true 35", and the front gears are so small in the dana 35 that even the stock 3:73's make me nerves.

nthinuf

4door auto with a 3.8? Go with 5.38's if you opt for a d44 front, 5.13's if you stay with the d30.

Lockers will depend on your off-road usage, which I did not see listed. Can you live without them? Do you need thousand dollar selectables? Auto-lockers? Would a pair of relatively inexpensive TrueTracs work for your needs? Hard to give advice with no info.

Have you thought about strength upgrades to whichever front housing you go with?

ScottW

I did 5.13's on mine and I like them. I live at 6500 ft and drive in the mountains so more gear = more better.

FrankieB

I haven't done any offroading, but I plan to start. (This isn't all just for show). I would be interested in recommendations regarding what strengthening I should consider with the regear.
Thanks

Northridge4x4

I agree with a 2007-2011 you will need to go with 5.13's the pinion is about 2% smaller than 4.88's so in my opinion that doesnt matter

David

FrankieB

So in addition to 5.13 gears, I will also need to add C gussets which I haven't done yet. What about chromoly shafts? Better to wait and upgrade to a Dana 44 front later?

Also does anyone have recommendations on where to get the re-gearing done in near Roswell-Alpharetta, Ga?

nthinuf

A JK d44 front will have stronger gears, slightly beefier shafts and it will also come with a locker. The housing itself is just as weak as the d30 though, and will need all of the same strength mods. Before purchasing one, list out all of the costs and compare it to a PR44 or Tera44.

D30 vs D44 will depend on your budget and needs. I would say to go with minimal investment in the 30 and start saving, but ...