Gearing a CJ

Thanks to all who replied with info and opinions. After searching, and searching, 4:27s' for the D30 are no longer available. You can get them for the D44 rear, but not the D30 front. I have decided to go with the 4:56's as I am not going to larger tires. That will be nice for river creeping and wash running. (We have a lot of desert here) And should keep my tire speed ok for sand. This is a great site, happy jeeping!

 

I ran 4.56's in my '80 with an AMC-20/D-30 combo, lockers in both and with 33 inch tires. Seemed the best of both worlds. Engine in a happy rpm range on the roads, good pull in the sand,dirt and rocks.

I was bummed cause a week after I did my gear change 4.88's became available for these axles:/

The good news is that at least you already have the right carrier for swapping in deeper gears, as 3.73 and up us the change-up point for these diff's. If you were running 3.55's or less you would be looking at replacing the carriers as well.


IMHO, 3.73 to 4.27 isn't much of an improvement for the time and $$$ involved in a gear change.
Either way,,,have fun with it once you are finished.

 

Gears are going in today! I can't wait!
Gears are now in and what a difference. Performance is way up, and cant wait to hit the hills. Thanks a ton.