I have a 97 XJ and was wondering which should I upgrade to first. I got a 4.5 inch lift and running 33" tires, and stock gears. It lags on the highway. What should I do? Get a stroker motor or upgrade my gears first? Which gears would be best for both worlds: on and off road?
Um, gears. Gears are a fraction of the cost of a stroker, and fix the actual problem. A stroker will give you more power to move the tires, but you'll still be working the transmission harder. Do gears now and stroker later. Look around in FAQ and/or the stickies at the top of this forum for info on gears. I went with 4.88s for more power. Others will say 4.56 is perfect, others say 4.10 is the way to go. Still others will insist gearing is optional, but we don't listen to them.
I have a 97 XJ and was wondering which should I upgrade to first. I got a 4.5 inch lift and running 33" tires, and stock gears. It lags on the highway. What should I do? Get a stroker motor or upgrade my gears first? Which gears would be best for both worlds: on and off road?
i have to dispute this... its all over the internet but i just dont see it being possible. i picked up an 8.8 with disks and 4.10s for $100... ok. by the time i add up brackets, e-brake cables, flange adapter, brake job, fluid, painting, etc. all the little odds and ends, its well over $500. and if you factor in your man hours as shop labor itll be more... cheaper than gearing? no. cheaper than gearing and adding disks, likely.
4.10s are a just a tad high for 33 inch tires. 4.56s are a little low. 4.88s are way too low for 33s unless the vehicle is for offroad only. highway driving all you will do is wind up your rpms. i would do the gears over the stroker. i had a friend put 4.56s in his jeep on 33s... rpms ran a little high. i would run 4.10s if i were you. if you plan on going bigger then put the 4.56s in it.
The differences between 4.10's, 4.56's and 4.88's is only approx 100-200rpms or so for each. It's hardly noticeable and not really even worth debating. Gotta love that crazy internet BS effect though. :roflmao: I've got 4.56's and 35's on mine and it runs about 2400rpm's at 70mph in OD just as a reference.
4.10s are a just a tad high for 33 inch tires. 4.56s are a little low. 4.88s are way too low for 33s unless the vehicle is for offroad only. highway driving all you will do is wind up your rpms. i would do the gears over the stroker. i had a friend put 4.56s in his jeep on 33s... rpms ran a little high. i would run 4.10s if i were you. if you plan on going bigger then put the 4.56s in it.
4.10s are a just a tad high for 33 inch tires. 4.56s are a little low. 4.88s are way too low for 33s unless the vehicle is for offroad only. highway driving all you will do is wind up your rpms. i would do the gears over the stroker. i had a friend put 4.56s in his jeep on 33s... rpms ran a little high. i would run 4.10s if i were you. if you plan on going bigger then put the 4.56s in it.
