Topic: Weight!!!!

[bobarosa]

Jeffy, thanks for your post! I did not realize those light Rubicon D44s would only go down to 5.13, and I may have to go a different rout. Where do you think 5.13 would put me exactly doing 70mph?

My target is 3500rpm at 70 mph, and from what you said about being able to use more rpm doing 70mph at 3000rpm comfirms my plan. I won't do much highway cruising, but need it all to work good should I choose to.  I would rather err to the side of lower rather than higher gears if I can't hit target, becasue getting it right the First time saves money.

Can anyone recommend the best value least weight TJ axle that can get down to 5.38?

Thanks

[Jeffy]

I'd suspect it would be fine for 33's and 35's with some tuning.  I know with my Jeep, I'd probably be happy with 5.13's but I'm not sure if a stock Jeep would do so well with 35's.  5.38's are generally though og being optimal for 35's.  5.13's for 33's.  If you're not going to do that much highway driving then you could get away with the higher gears.

If you want to replace both axles then I'd probably go with some D44's from a '87-'91 SJ.