4.56 or 4.88?

wondering what gears would suit my 71 dauntless powered cj with 33x 12.50's. i plan on driving it on the road as much as off.

 

I just put 4.56 in my 74 I have old 31 on it now it is a little low for the highway. I going to go to 32 11.5 . I was going to go to 33 which would have about 300 rpm more at 55 with 33 and 4.56.


Jerry

 

got an overdrive or not?
if so then 4.88 gives you about 3.76 ratio
if not then i would go 4.55. i plan on 4.55 with an OD later on when i get out of jeep dept.

 

no od, i wish.

 

You could go 4.56 and do a Tera Low range kit. It would drop your low range to 3.15:1 instead of 2.43:1 in the D18.

 

I would go 488,,,,, Course I just recieved a package with 2 pair of 5.89 gears but it is in an offroad only rig,,,,,

 

In My Experience For 33 Inch Tires With The Gutless 3 Speed, 4.56 Gears Is Perfect For Good On Road Speed And Enough To Pop A Willie In Low Range. I Wouldn't Go Any Lower Than That On 33 Inch Tires.

 

I hate to be negative, but there's only a 7% difference between 4.56 and 4.88. If it were mine, I'd let the economics of the choice make the decision. One thing 4.88 has in its favor - it's a stock ratio for that vehicle, and nobody will question your choice of ratios.

Also, I think you're less likely to regret going higher numerically (4.88) than lower (4.56). There are so many variables - tire size, transmission, transfer case, engine, driving style, expectations, highway time vs. trail time, and so on, that thinking about just the choice between 4.88 and 4.56 seems, well, not very significant.

JMO

<edit> Another thing - there are plenty of V6/T14/D18/4.88 CJs owned by readers and members here. I'd ask if they're happy with the combination, and whether they drive on the street a lot.

 

Running 4.88 with 12.5 X 33 here. No problem, but also have a warn OD for the highway.