Switch to 3.54

[ClovisMan]

My GW currently has 2.72 gears according to the tag. The parts jeep has 3.54. Is the swap worth it. While its out, I will weld the rear carrier and install a lockright oe aussie in the front.

I will soon be sportin a lift and 33's.

[jeepskater433]

if you dont plan on regearing the axles you have now then yea it would be a good idea, but youre talking about using the axles out of the 77 right? if so isnt the rear off set instead of centered?

[rocklaurence]

Yeh, its a 28% increase (decrease depending on how you look at it). It'll make the 33's less of a Drag.

[ClovisMan]

if you dont plan on regearing the axles you have now then yea it would be a good idea, but youre talking about using the axles out of the 77 right? if so isnt the rear off set instead of centered?I would swap the complete Ring/Pinion/Carrier over from the 44's in the 77 to the 44's in the 88. I'm also gonaa swap over the flat top knuckles, so figured, I might as well do it all at once. I know 3.73's would be better, but I won't have the cash to buy new gears after dropping 2k on a lift kit, rims, tires, and a lunchbox locker and I already have these sittin' in the driveway.

[Tad]

I did the 3.31 to 3.54 to 3.73 to what I have now, 4.10 swap (but the 4.10's came with the SOA and axle upgrade).
I did it all on the cheap like you are looking at.

Going from 3.31 to 3.54's was a noticable difference in punch off the line with 33's.
Well worth it if you can get it done for some freetime and $100 or so.

[jeepskater433]

I would swap the complete Ring/Pinion/Carrier over from the 44's in the 77 to the 44's in the 88. I'm also gonaa swap over the flat top knuckles, so figured, I might as well do it all at once. I know 3.73's would be better, but I won't have the cash to buy new gears after dropping 2k on a lift kit, rims, tires, and a lunchbox locker and I already have these sittin' in the driveway.

o ok, i miss read your post, i thought you were talking about swapping the complete axles over, hollar if you need any help

[Stuka]

2.73's to 3.54's is a VERY noticeable increase. The gear may not wear properly with just swapping them over with no re-shimming. But then they may be fine. It all depends on how different one housing is in comparison to the other.

3.54's will make the 33's livable. 33's with the 2.73's will be hell.

[ClovisMan]

2.73's to 3.54's is a VERY noticeable increase. The gear may not wear properly with just swapping them over with no re-shimming. But then they may be fine. It all depends on how different one housing is in comparison to the other.

3.54's will make the 33's livable. 33's with the 2.73's will be hell. I'll use an old drag racers trick I learned while racing mustangs. You pull the whole carrier keeping the ring and bearings installed. Swap over the shims as well. Doing the pinion will be easier than a mustang because it just uses shims as well and not that blasted crush sleeve. If I ever decide to go to a 4.10 gear, I'll do it the right way. I've done this twice going from a 3.55 to a 4.10 and also going from a 3.08 to a 3.73 and both cars still zipped along the dragstrip for the rest of the season. My GW is not a daily driver so if I screw up its not really a big deal.

FWIW..I do not recommend anyone doing as I am.