Topic: 4.88

[Loke Groundrunner]

Just curious. I'm contemplating a regear with 4.88's on my 4-clanger. I've read that this might improve performance on the highway (as I am subject to travel it several times a week). What differences would I notice in (daily) driving the TJ with 4.88 gears (w/5-speed manual tranny)? Would low gear torque still be maintained? Will highway speeds of 65 be easily attainable (I can do it now with 31's and stock gearing,..but it's a stretch and isn't much fun)? Would another gear ratio be more suitable?  Honestly, I don't think I'll ever throw on any tires larger than 31's (maybe 32's...I'm not a crawler but I do like to be able to access remote campsites)....so...I am really interested to know if regrearing will make my banger a more comfortable commuter/road-tripper. It is my ONLY ride. Any other thoughts appreciated.  cheers.

[Jeffy]

Just curious. I'm contemplating a regear with 4.88's on my 4-clanger. I've read that this might improve performance on the highway (as I am subject to travel it several times a week). What differences would I notice in (daily) driving the TJ with 4.88 gears (w/5-speed manual tranny)? Would low gear torque still be maintained? Will highway speeds of 65 be easily attainable (I can do it now with 31's and stock gearing,..but it's a stretch and isn't much fun)? Would another gear ratio be more suitable?  Honestly, I don't think I'll ever throw on any tires larger than 31's (maybe 32's...I'm not a crawler but I do like to be able to access remote campsites)....so...I am really interested to know if regrearing will make my banger a more comfortable commuter/road-tripper. It is my ONLY ride. Any other thoughts appreciated.  cheers.

Low-end torque will be even better. (lower egars multiply torque.) You'll probably gain 600RPM's across the board at all speeds.  You'll probably be able to cruise in 5th at 65mph and be just below 3000 RPM.

[aw12345]

If you do a lot of highway driving and don't really live in a mountainous area then 4.56 gears might suit your needs better. Either way it will be an improvement across the entire rpm range. It does not affect torque of the engine it basically increases torque to the wheels

[Mozman68]

I'm running 4.88's with 35's and probably a lot more weight than you will ever have on your Jeep (and no, smart asses, not because I'm a fatso....).

I hit low to mid 70's when not battling the wind or hills...right under 3,000....you'll probably feel like you are speeding around town....go for it.

----------------
Now playing: Weezer - The Angel and the One
via FoxyTunes

[neale_rs]

I ran 4.56 with 30 inch tires for a while and it was great so 4.88 with 32s will probably be great too.

[Bikerjr1]

I don't mean to hi-jack this tread but I'm looking at changing gears to 4.88's in the next couple of weeks.  I have a 93 YJ 2.5, 5sp with 33's.  I want to be able to pull a small pop-up camper (1500lbs).  I would like to know what I should lookout for when I order my gears sets.  If there are any brands that I should stay away from etc.
thanks to all,
JR

[Bounty Hunter]

Sounds like 4.88 gears would work great for you both, don't consider 4.56 as it isn't enough of a change from stock to justify the time and $$.  Your power and mileage will improve onroad with the 4.88 gears.

Check out www.completeoffroad.com for great prices on gears, it's where I got my d44 parts.

[Bikerjr1]

 :biggrin:I got my gear ratios finally changed to 4.88s.  Man what a difference.  Its almost like someone swapped the  6cyl out of the wifes XJ into my YJ.  Driving back from OKC on the highway last Saturday I was finally able to maintain 70 going up a pretty good grade With a 15mph head wind, in 5th gear.  The camping trailer should be no problem now.  Anyone who is thinking about changing to 4.88 you won't regret it one bit.  Now i'm just waiting for my speedo gear to come in and the YJ is finished for a while.  Next thing is a winch.
See ya in the woods hunting Bambi next week 
JR

[jfrabat]

Same here; 4.88 and 31's, and I am one happy camper!  Finally I can drive at 65mph in 5th against the wind!

[Bikerjr1]

I thought 4.88s with 31" tires would be a little tall geared.  At 70 mph I'm running around 2900-3100 rpm depending on wind and road with 33"tires.  The 4 cyl seems to settle there in a sweet spot.  What rpm do you get running on the hwy ?
yesterday I finnally got to take it on a short trail down in the woods to put up a deer stand,  4 hi in first gear It just crawled at just the right seed.  I usually had to play the clutch with the 4.10s to keep the speed down and not lug the engine.  This is a good thing because there are a couple of bad hazzards on this trail.  One side in several sections get real close to an 8' drop off to the creek below and a 3-4' drops on tinhorns.  When it rains it turns into a 1/2 mile mud bog.  The ruts are solid and deep enough if you get into them you might not climb out for a while.  Clay sand and Oklahoma's red mud are worse than black gumbo mud I've been thru when I was stationed in Shreveport.  This red mud seems harder for the tires to clear out.  The clay sand can turn into quick sand even if you can walk on the top of it your Jeep will sink.  I hope it doesn't rain for the next two weeks.
latter all,
JR

[Bounty Hunter]

2900-3100 is good at 70mph, I run 3000rpm at 70mph with 5.38's and 36" TSL's, the 4bangers like the 3k.