Topic: Gear choice for 35's on the 2.5L

[boomhower]

I'm getting a really good deal on a D44 rear for my YJ with 4.56's, a mini spool, and superior shafts.  I'm currently running 33" TSL's.  A buddy of mine who has 35" BFG m/t's wants to swap tires.  Sounds great to me, but will I be ok with the 4.56's until I can afford the 4:1 kit in the transfer case?  I don't want 4.88's in the D30 because I've heard the ring gear is paper thin.  

My second question is, since I'll have to cut and re-weld the spring perches, would it be ok to go SOA in the rear, but leave the SUA setup in the front for the time being until I can afford to go spring over?  I really don't have the money to go spring over up front, being in school and all.  So please, give me some ideas or pointers to keep me headed in the right direction.

[SMC4WD]

I'm running 4.88's and have had no problems...  Since your running a D44 in the rear, I'd think you'd be ok.  It's not as 'paper thin' as you may think.

If money is such a big issue, why change the gears at all.  Even though 4.88's would be better, stick with the 4.56's and see how you like it.

Now as far as springing over the rear and leaving the front.  I see big expenses there too.  Like shocks and shock mounts.  Brake lines too.  Rear driveline length.  Remember, stock springs and a SOA is about 5"...  add any lift springs to the equation and you're up there really tall.  
How tall are you now?   Do you have stock springs?  Are you 5" or so on the front?  Hummm.... what else have I neglected to mention?

[Jeffy]

First off 4.88's in the D30 are fine.  You're more likely to break a U-joint then the gears.  Also, it's not the Ring gear that gets thin.  It's the pinion gear that really gets small.

As for 35's, I would go with 5.38's or 5.13's if you want more cruising gears. It's all in the FAQ Area though.

I would not recommend doing a SOA partial way.  The handeling charactoristics are very different.  Not to mention the rear will be 5.5" up and the front won't.  If you're stting up the D44 for the rear then but two sets of perches.  THey're only $15-20 a pair so it's not a big deal.  Then weld both pair on.  You can always remove them later if you really see a need.