gearing and stress

[bigchief79]

when you put on big tires and gear to run them in the "normal" engine operating range, what components if any bear the extra stress? It takes more energy somewhere to turn those big meats right?

[FSJ Thing]

I just think of it like this, the faster it spins, the less stress. When you regear for bigger tires, you keep the spinning at the same speed (or faster) for everything between the pinion gear and the engine. This leaves everything inside the axle as the weak points. In front axles, it's usually a locking hub that goes first. In a rear axle, it's generally an axle shaft that poops out first. However, side gears and spider gears can always be suspect too, just because they are so little. I never really understood why I would break an axle shaft before the stupid little gears.

[River Beast]

alot has to do with the size of the axles as well... 44's are a good axle... but you can't put an extreme amount of stress on them,,, I learned....

For example... I regeared to 4.89's in my 44's.... there are only 9 teeth on the pinon to grab the ring gear.... any lower of a gear with the 38's I was running may have done SERIOUS damage in there... I did have stress fractures in the the R&P of the rear gears and a chunk missing off the pinion...

[will e]

Originally posted by bigchief79:
when you put on big tires and gear to run them in the "normal" engine operating range, what components if any bear the extra stress? It takes more energy somewhere to turn those big meats right?Yes it does. They weigh more for one thing. If you re-gear make it all close to stock you shouldn't notice a problme with normal driving.

When you are wheeling you can get yourself into trouble. If the big tire grips better than the small tire and doesn't start to spin from loss of traction then something else in the drive train has to take the load. Your rear axle will actually twist like a torsion bar. If the additional energy stored in the axle isn't enough to break the tire free (or move the truck) then eventually it will twist to the point of breaking.

[sloop]

it also takes a lot more braking force to stop those big meats.

[River Beast]

Originally posted by sloop:
it also takes a lot more braking force to stop those big meats.YEP!! that's why I run a Hydroboost Brake System.... Retro93 does, too.... AWESOME brakes!!! :D

[Retro93]

Originally posted by River Beast:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by sloop:
it also takes a lot more braking force to stop those big meats.YEP!! that's why I run a Hydroboost Brake System.... Retro93 does, too.... AWESOME brakes!!! :D </font>[/QUOTE]There are other brake systems out there besides HB? smile.gif The stock Jeep brakes are so wimpy it is just plain criminal. :rolleyes:

[bigchief79]

thanks guys. that probably shoulda been in general discussion but thanks for the great info as always