Possible regear...

[prariepunk]

I'm pretty sure I destroyed my rear end... It makes an awful noise when I start off. So I'm thinking about 4.88's BUT in the long run, I don't want the weak 35 rear end so I'm leery about upgrading something I eventually want to replace... What should I do?

 

[greg92jeepxj]

Sorry to hear about your rear axle . Terry Mason had a great suggestion , to use either a Dana 44 or the ford 8.8 which are both strong rear axles . That is a better suggestion than mine which is to re- perch an XJ 8.25 Chrysler rear .

 

[prariepunk]

I'm not to excited about the reperching idea (I've thought about it) & my end goal is a trail rig with 37's so I only want to build to that... But a DD with 33's & (as it turns out) 3.73 gears isn't the best. I've thought about a high pinion Ford 9"

 

[TerryMason]

I've got a Ford 8.8 in my 05 TJ and like it. It turned out to be more expensive than I had original expected (around a grand).

This may be the perfect rear end for you:
Dana 44 rearend

 

[TerryMason]

Also, is your Jeep auto or stick? I've got the 3.73 gears in my 05 auto and I'm pretty happy. Having said that, I've never driven another differently geared Jeep.

 

[prariepunk]

Auto trans but I wish I'd have goren the 6spd

 

[prariepunk]

Gotten*

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

East Coast Gear Supply TJ 8.8 rear axle is a good option.

Problem with wanting 37" tires is the front d30 is very marginal after upgrading the rear. Keep a d30 upgrade in mind when upgrading the rear.

 

[prariepunk]

I know the front will be an issue but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it... or break it. I'd like a D60 in the rear even though I know the pumpkin is low hanging... still open to options in the front