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33s. 4.56 or 4.88?

A

Abstrastic

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Fort Worth, TX
I bought a 98' XJ a week ago it currently sits on 35s with stock axles.

The plan is for it to be an overlanding rig. I ordered 33s for 3 days ago. I will be traveling from dfw to Colorado alot so will 4.56s or 4.88s be a better option. Price is the same either way I go.

The front axle will be getting an arb with 30 spline shafts and the rear either a posi or spartan locker.

It currently sits on I would say 5inch short arm lift. Long arms will be happening soon.
 
Everyone will probably want to know which transmission you have.

I’d guess most will recommend 4.88s because mountains and weight of overlanding (camping) gear.

I recommend selectable locker in the rear and automatic locker in the front.
 
4.56 to 4.88 is a 7% difference.

Grim Jeeper calculator lets you play with things -

I'd focus on the speed you intend to drive on the highway ~65ish, and then what RPM that runs at, then go drive your jeep at that RPM and see if it feels right to you.

another consideration is rear axle choice. 4.88's for the rear Chrysler 8.25 didn't exist in the normal market until maybe the last 15 years, and tend to command a premium price. there is always the debate of investing any funds in the Dana 35.

I'm also considering this gear ratio choice, and will likely choose 4.56's for my application (33's, 1997, 4.0L, AW4, 231, 8.25 rear) - forest road driver with camping gear, kid hauler, daily driver.
Gas mileage isn't a major factor in my consideration.
 
I vote 4.56. That is a lot of highway driving and you will want the higher (numerically lower) gears. Had 4.56 gears on 33s in Colorado and it was plenty peppy in the mountains. Plus you live in flat DFW so how often will you actually be in CO?
 
XJ_ranger said:
4.56 to 4.88 is a 7% difference.

Grim Jeeper calculator lets you play with things -

I'd focus on the speed you intend to drive on the highway ~65ish, and then what RPM that runs at, then go drive your jeep at that RPM and see if it feels right to you.

another consideration is rear axle choice. 4.88's for the rear Chrysler 8.25 didn't exist in the normal market until maybe the last 15 years, and tend to command a premium price. there is always the debate of investing any funds in the Dana 35.

I'm also considering this gear ratio choice, and will likely choose 4.56's for my application (33's, 1997, 4.0L, AW4, 231, 8.25 rear) - forest road driver with camping gear, kid hauler, daily driver.
Gas mileage isn't a major factor in my consideration.
Click to expand...
I have the same drive train as you. I think i am going to do 4.56s, an arb for the 8.25 rear and a grizzly locker up front.
 
For the described use, true track front and selectable locker rear and winch sounds super. Front will mostly participate, rear will work hard when needed and not push when not needed, and winch as necessary.
 
Phil said:
For the described use, true track front and selectable locker rear and winch sounds super. Front will mostly participate, rear will work hard when needed and not push when not needed, and winch as necessary.
Click to expand...
For the record I currently have the np242 but want to switch to the np231. Would my current t-case play a significant role in what way I lock the front axle?
 
I believe the front limited slip with NP242 Full Time would be excellent in the slick, but otherwise NP231 Part Time and NP242 Full Time will be identical, and NP242 4low and NP231 4low are identical.

If you 100% will never want and will never use full time all wheel drive, in my opinion you could use a full automatic locker, but the only issues I ever had with a Dana 30 were related to the stock carrier and a lunchbox locker. I think a full differential replacement limited slip would still be better than a lunchbox locker in a stock carrier.
 
Phil said:
I believe the front limited slip with NP242 Full Time would be excellent in the slick, but otherwise NP231 Part Time and NP242 Full Time will be identical, and NP242 4low and NP231 4low are identical.

If you 100% will never want and will never use full time all wheel drive, in my opinion you could use a full automatic locker, but the only issues I ever had with a Dana 30 were related to the stock carrier and a lunchbox locker. I think a full differential replacement limited slip would still be better than a lunchbox locker in a stock carrier.
Click to expand...
That makes sense thanks.
 
Wait is the 242 a all time 4wd drive rig? if so i dont think id do a grizzly/Detroit type locker.

The 242 tcase is a beast all its own and rarely understood. I know i dont
 
242 has:

2-hi (which is fine for any front locker)
4-full time (all wheel drive, loses value if you put a locker in the diffs)
4-part time (just like a 231, slipper surfaces only)
Neutral (I have no opinion)
4-low (just like a 231)
 
Put a selectable locker up front. It's better for everything regardless of your T-Case. ARB or Eaton and be done. Frankly I would do the same in the rear and just run a set of ARBs.
 
Paradiddle said:
Put a selectable locker up front. It's better for everything regardless of your T-Case. ARB or Eaton and be done. Frankly I would do the same in the rear and just run a set of ARBs.
Click to expand...
Yes, but if you have cash for just one selectable and one automatic/limited, selectable in the rear axle :stirthepot:
 
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