beast40
Well-Known Member
4.88 would be my recommendation. Those charts don't factor in rolling weight, drag etc. I've made the expensive mistake of under-gearring before.
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Judging by passing comments I've heard from dealers, I believe there is a chronic shortage of qualified mechanics in this area.I'm not too far South of you and am getting ready to do my own. I don't know what is so weird about this area, but it the labor is crazy high here. On top of that, shops don't stand by their work. Most don't offer any warranty. I received similiar quotes to you before going through a nightmare I won't get into here, so now I'm doing my own. If you're mechanically inclined and want to see how it goes, I'd schedule the setup day with you so you can watch and we can bring questions back to the forum.
Don't go with 4WP, do Northridge 4x4 instead if you're going to drive. They're on the forums and will be accountable to their work. 4WP don't care, I went off their recommendation and regret it along with the ~$4.5k I've spent to date with more tools to go before I can install my own.
Back to the tire topic, there are Rubicon take-off tires available in our area. I don't think I posted mine here, but if you want me to I will.
Yeah. The shop I’m still waiting to get a quote from was leaning towards 4.88.4.88 would be my recommendation. Those charts don't factor in rolling weight, drag etc. I've made the expensive mistake of under-gearring before.
Yeah, and the ones they do have are quite busy. The shop I was prepared to pay for a 3rd attempt at my rear axle was thrilled when I changed my mind and said I'd pay retail for the parts if they'd just give them to me. They were trying to cut me a deal on cost because of my bad experiences and I'm pretty sure they would have lost money. On another note, they all know each other around here. So be careful to be objective if you're ever talking to one.Judging by passing comments I've heard from dealers, I believe there is a chronic shortage of qualified mechanics in this area.
I drive with my SOT open and the back windows out all the time which creates more drag. When it warms up a little I'll pull the doors off as well! I am picking up the Jeep today with new 4.88 installed!4.88 would be my recommendation. Those charts don't factor in rolling weight, drag etc. I've made the expensive mistake of under-gearring before.
Update:
Shop C came back with a more reasonable quote: $2,500 to $3,000, but they don't have availability until the 3rd week of March...
- Shop A - $5,000
- Shop B - $4,400
- Shop C - $2,500 to $3,000
- Shop D - Still trying to meet with the owner to get a quote
- Shop E (4WP) - Never sent a quote
I am going to try Shop D one more time.
Picked up the Jeep last night! Very happy with the new gears. No problem holding 8th on the freeway with the top and the windows open on my way to work this am!I drive with my SOT open and the back windows out all the time which creates more drag. When it warms up a little I'll pull the doors off as well! I am picking up the Jeep today with new 4.88 installed!
That’s great to hear!Picked up the Jeep last night! Very happy with the new gears. No problem holding 8th on the freeway with the top and the windows open on my way to work this am!
Wow, looks like it will be a fun trip. What brand gear are you going to use?That’s great to hear!
I’m scheduled to get 4.88 gears on February 21-22 at Northridge 4X4’s shop in Salt Lake City.
It’s a 1,000-mile drive; gives me the perfect excuse to plan a road trip around it.
I’ve been wanting for a long time to see Yellowstone in winter. I might stop at Jackson Hole, too. Can’t wait!
Ha! No idea. Yukon would be my guess; that’s the most prominent on Northridge’s website.Wow, looks like it will be a fun trip. What brand gear are you going to use?
I went with Yukon as well. There is a slight gear whine at 55 mph which doesn't bother me especially since I can only here it when the Jeep is all buttoned up which is never! That is the only issue. Overall I am very happy. If you have to have perfection you might want to go with one of the other brands.Ha! No idea. Yukon would be my guess; that’s the most prominent on Northridge’s website.
Since I will be driving 1,000 miles there and 1,000 miles back, I asked about breaking-in. The person at Northridge 4X4 was very helpful; he explained that the gears are very tight at first, so there is a specific breaking-in procedure:I went with Yukon as well. There is a slight gear whine at 55 mph which doesn't bother me especially since I can only here it when the Jeep is all buttoned up which is never! That is the only issue. Overall I am very happy. If you have to have perfection you might want to go with one of the other brands.