Towing, Lift, Regear

[ecnrsfm_3hnds]

First, apologies as I wasn't seeing anything directly on point. Second, have a '21 JLUR, 3.6, 6-sp, currently stock but for a Rusty's full-length bumper & Rough Country Pro 9500 (Warn unavailable where I'm at). Third, like everyone else, looking to balance on-road daily driving (stock ride, a bit softer) with offroad needs, particularly pulling an 1800-lb off-road camper (Escapade Backcountry). Photo of my current setup (prior to bumper swap) and my Jeepin' buddies.

I'm getting differing opinions - shocker, right? - as to proposed build: 35"s, ~2" lift, whether to regear to 4.88. What say y'all as to advice relative to my evolving thoughts? Considering performance and budget, I'm looking at the AEV Dualsport 2.5 or Dynatrac EduroSport for the lift; like to keep my 17" stock rims and go with 35's, and believe the re-gear is probably in my best interest for drivability and "easier" on the clutch/tranny.

Very much appreciate your thoughts and advice! Happy Wheeling!

Sponsored

 

[Tncdrew]

My thoughts...
If you're going to 35", a 4.88 re-gear with the manusl trans is probably about perfect!
I've got a 2dr Willys (3.6L/8-spd), and I just re-geared to 4.56. Soon to be installing a Clayton 1.5" (yields 2+" on a 2dr), and some 34" (285/75-17).

 

[grimmjeeper]

For 35s, it's hard to go wrong with 4.88s. 5.13s wouldn't be off the table for me when you factor in towing.

 

[ecnrsfm_3hnds]

Thank you!

 

[jbcrane]

First, apologies as I wasn't seeing anything directly on point. Second, have a '21 JLUR, 3.6, 6-sp, currently stock but for a Rusty's full-length bumper & Rough Country Pro 9500 (Warn unavailable where I'm at). Third, like everyone else, looking to balance on-road daily driving (stock ride, a bit softer) with offroad needs, particularly pulling an 1800-lb off-road camper (Escapade Backcountry). Photo of my current setup (prior to bumper swap) and my Jeepin' buddies.

I'm getting differing opinions - shocker, right? - as to proposed build: 35"s, ~2" lift, whether to regear to 4.88. What say y'all as to advice relative to my evolving thoughts? Considering performance and budget, I'm looking at the AEV Dualsport 2.5 or Dynatrac EduroSport for the lift; like to keep my 17" stock rims and go with 35's, and believe the re-gear is probably in my best interest for drivability and "easier" on the clutch/tranny.

Very much appreciate your thoughts and advice! Happy Wheeling!

First off, love your Jeeping buddies. You're describing what I went through last year almost to the letter. Mine is a '21 Sport S. First added the 2" Mopar lift & 315/70R17 BFG KO2's & Mopar Satin Carbon (17"x8.5") off road wheels. Then re-geared to 4.88's, which are perfect for the 6-speed manual trans. My thinking was exactly what you mentioned: easier on the clutch/tranny in long run and way better than stock for high-altitude stuff & pulling a trailer. I'm putting the Rival steel modular bumper on now, with the Warn Zeon 12. Don't know anything about the lifts you're considering but I'm sure others will chime in with their opinions. Go for it. It's a hefty nut, but worth it. Good luck.

 

[Tncdrew]

First, apologies as I wasn't seeing anything directly on point. Second, have a '21 JLUR, 3.6, 6-sp, currently stock but for a Rusty's full-length bumper & Rough Country Pro 9500 (Warn unavailable where I'm at). Third, like everyone else, looking to balance on-road daily driving (stock ride, a bit softer) with offroad needs, particularly pulling an 1800-lb off-road camper (Escapade Backcountry). Photo of my current setup (prior to bumper swap) and my Jeepin' buddies.

I'm getting differing opinions - shocker, right? - as to proposed build: 35"s, ~2" lift, whether to regear to 4.88. What say y'all as to advice relative to my evolving thoughts? Considering performance and budget, I'm looking at the AEV Dualsport 2.5 or Dynatrac EduroSport for the lift; like to keep my 17" stock rims and go with 35's, and believe the re-gear is probably in my best interest for drivability and "easier" on the clutch/tranny.

Very much appreciate your thoughts and advice! Happy Wheeling!

Nice trailer BTW ?

 

[ecnrsfm_3hnds]

For 35s, it's hard to go wrong with 4.88s. 5.13s wouldn't be off the table for me when you factor in towing.

Thanks - curious, why would you opt to regear "further"? That much improvement performance-wise?

 

[ecnrsfm_3hnds]

Nice trailer BTW ?

Thanks! It's a bit like being in a clown car with the dogs but it's perfect for getting away from the usual camping traps!

 

[ecnrsfm_3hnds]

First off, love your Jeeping buddies. You're describing what I went through last year almost to the letter. Mine is a '21 Sport S. First added the 2" Mopar lift & 315/70R17 BFG KO2's & Mopar Satin Carbon (17"x8.5") off road wheels. Then re-geared to 4.88's, which are perfect for the 6-speed manual trans. My thinking was exactly what you mentioned: easier on the clutch/tranny in long run and way better than stock for high-altitude stuff & pulling a trailer. I'm putting the Rival steel modular bumper on now, with the Warn Zeon 12. Don't know anything about the lifts you're considering but I'm sure others will chime in with their opinions. Go for it. It's a hefty nut, but worth it. Good luck.

Very much appreciate you sharing your journey! Satisfied with your regear? How has it changed on a day-to-day basis from stock? Thanks!

 

[jbcrane]

Very much appreciate you sharing your journey! Satisfied with your regear? How has it changed on a day-to-day basis from stock? Thanks!

Yes to satisfied with re-gear. Was hard to pull the trigger on it because the Jeep is still under warranty and all that fun stuff - but the benefits more than make up for any perceived risk. the difference between 3.45 and 4.88 is nothing short of Jeep-altering, especially on hills. He is nimble, even with the heavier wheels/tires and larger contact patch. On hills I'm regularly in 3rd or 4th gear - with power - where before I'd be shifting between 2nd and 3rd to struggle up the same hill. I see 5th gear often, and 6th gear the rare times I'm on the highway @70-75mph. What you give up is top speed (of no consequence - I don't drive the Jeep fast), and a short 1st gear that takes a little getting used to with the 315's. Thinking with a heavier 35 (Nitto) it'll change to the positive some... ask any questions you want.

 

[grimmjeeper]

Thanks - curious, why would you opt to regear "further"? That much improvement performance-wise?

Because the 3.6 lacks low end torque. It's a minivan engine. The automatic covers up many of its sins. The manual exposes all of its weaknesses. Having more gearing will help off road, especially when towing a trailer off road.

 

[Old Jeeper]

First, apologies as I wasn't seeing anything directly on point. Second, have a '21 JLUR, 3.6, 6-sp, currently stock but for a Rusty's full-length bumper & Rough Country Pro 9500 (Warn unavailable where I'm at). Third, like everyone else, looking to balance on-road daily driving (stock ride, a bit softer) with offroad needs, particularly pulling an 1800-lb off-road camper (Escapade Backcountry). Photo of my current setup (prior to bumper swap) and my Jeepin' buddies.

I'm getting differing opinions - shocker, right? - as to proposed build: 35"s, ~2" lift, whether to regear to 4.88. What say y'all as to advice relative to my evolving thoughts? Considering performance and budget, I'm looking at the AEV Dualsport 2.5 or Dynatrac EduroSport for the lift; like to keep my 17" stock rims and go with 35's, and believe the re-gear is probably in my best interest for drivability and "easier" on the clutch/tranny.

Very much appreciate your thoughts and advice! Happy Wheeling!

I have 35s and 4:88s, you will LOVE IT. MPG is 15.6 City/Hwy (90/10%), prob go up more as I only have about 7XX miles on my JLR.

 

[entropy]

Definitely 4.88s with the manual. Especially if towing.

I am on a similar boat as you are. Currently towing a 1,500lbs hiker trailer with a 2 door Jeep auto tranny. I am all setup for 35s in terms of lift but I am still running 33s. I have an auto transmission. The only issue I haven't gone to 35s is because I know I am gonna need to re-gear because of towing.

I personally need the 35s for the kind of wheeling I do. If I didn't really need them I would love to just keep the 33s. That's the main reason I haven't gone 35s yet. 33s are just so much more practical, but I've been holding myself off-road and pushing the jeep a bit too much.

If you absolutely don't need 35s. Keep the 33s would be my suggestion. They're so much easier on your drivetrain, give you better mileage, safer towing, better onroad manners, and still capable offroad.

 

[hoch]

I’d skip on the Dynatrac ES lift. Reports say they sag with any weight. Maybe you could add airbags but that’s up to you.

 

[ecnrsfm_3hnds]

Because the 3.6 lacks low end torque. It's a minivan engine. The automatic covers up many of its sins. The manual exposes all of its weaknesses. Having more gearing will help off road, especially when towing a trailer off road.

Thanks for the feedback - where I'm at, I just get "it's better" or similar, versus the time for an explanation. I really appreciate it!

Sponsored