32" tires with stock gears

[95' heep]

OK, but what's your point? Are you saying someone shouldn't put the correct gears in for their tire size because the gears might be weaker? I understand the theory, and it's debatable based on the ratio and what diff, but I don't think it applies to getting the best ratio for a street driven XJ. I guess I'm saying that even if the gears are slightly weaker, we know we're already increasing the risk of driveline component failure when we get bigger tires.

I also happen to not buy into the perception that higher ratio gears are automatically weaker. Maybe, maybe not.

The theory of gear contact being reduced with low gearing (higher #) is :bs:

The real deal on this that the pinion gear DIAMETER get progressive smaller, some's actually smaller than the pinion shaft so they're pretty weak.

on the left is the 4.56, 3.73 on the right, its for the gm 7.2" IFS axle, but same idea

Flame away!

 

[Rod Knee]

I can snag 4.10 axles out of a 4-banger for extremely cheap compared to buying gears, master install kits, carriers, and any other misc. parts.

I've about concluded that this idea that axles with 4.10 gears from cherokees with the 2.5L engine are plentiful in salvage yards and that they are substantially cheaper than regearing one's existing axles is a myth. That conclusion is from calling around where I live and surfing car-parts.com. I think it is especially true for the front axle.

Maybe its different where you are.

 

[codyyy]

So far I've found a few 2.5L XJs in both Ecology and PYP down here. Each axle is around 150 bucks on a regular day, half off would equal 150 for both axles. Either way, $300 for both axles is much cheaper than new parts (it will probably end up being a D35 in the rear, unless you snag a Ford 8.8 with 4.10s out of the yard for the same price). The key is to find a u-pull-it type yard that will have good prices. I've called around for an XJ D44 and most places either didn't have it or wanted a crazy amount of money, one junkyard wanted around $1000 for that one axle not even built. Ford 8.8s were a joke too, but that must just be the fad down here.
However, I guess I'll have to get 4.56s for this vehicle. I want to do it once and do it right. About how much money would you guess an open HP D30 front with 4.56s and a lunchbox locked D44/29-spline 8.25 rear with the same gearing, used, will go for? I'm debating if it will be cheaper to just buy the axles all ready to go vs. doing everything myself.

 

[Rod Knee]

My guesses probably aren't worth as much as others when it comes to jeep parts but I'll bet you would end up paying a grand or more for both axles if you can even find them with that gearing.

I'll have to try the pick/pull once Spring comes. Too much of a mess now. Record snow and cold and now rain. Yuck.

 

[codyyy]

My guesses probably aren't worth as much as others when it comes to jeep parts but I'll bet you would end up paying a grand or more for both axles if you can even find them with that gearing.

I'll have to try the pick/pull once Spring comes. Too much of a mess now. Record snow and cold and now rain. Yuck.

Yeah I'm not really sure. I can gear it myself/have the help of a friend for pretty much free as it is, so basically it is just parts cost at that point.
The best bet to find those stock axles is for a u-pull-it yard, I think that's the only way they'll be cheaper. On top of that, you can sell your old axles and make some of the money back.