Topic: gears... again!

[YZGUYONE25]

Okay, I searched and did not find much of an answer.

Here is my dilemma...  I have a 98 TJ with a 2.5L/NP231 and the wonderful 3 speed automatic!  I was running 3.73's with 35's and it was horrible both on and offroad.

Now...  I am putting a Ford 9" in the rear and a HP D30 up front.  I plan on running 4.88's.  

Now....  Those of you with the autos, what gear/tire combo are you running and how do you like it?

I would like to have a little get up and go around town, I will probably step it up to 37's before to long...  

HELP!

Turtle!

[Jeffy]

http://www.4bangerjp.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=173

[shotgun]

From experience with the 4.0L,  the 3 speed auto tranny with 4.88's and 35's hates anything over 65. However the 4.0L with the 4 speed auto tranny with 4.56's and 35's is fine.

So my guess is that the 2.5L with the 3 speed and 4.88's would be better as a daily driver  but workable.

[jagular7]

I went from the 3.73's to 4.88's w/ 34" TBs. Its not a bad combo, but its still a 4cyl. My auto isn't in its best shape, but rpm near 70mph is ~3350-3400. A tad higher on the tall side, but acceptable. Since you are going to the 9", is there a plan to upgrade the front so deeper gears can be brought into the picture. If you plan to hit a tire size in the 37's, I would atleast minimum hit gears in the 5.30's.
Do note, 5.89 is available in the 9" and 5.86 in the low pinion D44. That would make an awesome combo for the 37" tire. Next, with a tire size that large, is the Jeep still to be a daily?

[SMC4WD]

I'm running 4.88's with a 9", a D30 and 35's.  Only difference is, I've got a 5 speed manual.  
Am I happy with it, yes.  Would I got taller if I could?  Probably, depending on the size of the pinion.  

Not having an automatic, I'll have to leave the rest of the opinions to the others.