4:56 or 5:13

[Evan]

The 4.56s I have are a little deep for the highway with 31s, but not bad. It's a big jump to 35s, I'd definitely go with 5.13s.

Take it from someone who actually runs 35s and 5.13s....5.13s are a little too deep for highway cruising.

If I could go back in time I'd order 4.88s.

 

[Sunk]

He's got a 2.9 though.... With a 4.0, I'd go with 4.88s like you said. Ultimately it's his call.

 

[BlackBII]

I agree with sunk.. 2.9 - 5.13 for 35's, 4.0 - 4.88 for 35's

 

[Evan]

He's got a 2.9 though.... With a 4.0, I'd go with 4.88s like you said. Ultimately it's his call.

It doesn't matter if he has a 2.9, in terms of highway driving. You don't want the engine to be cruising at above 3000k, be it 2.9 or 4.0. With 5.13s he'll be above 3000k at 70-75 MPH, which is too high.

 

[BlackBII]

The problem is getting the 2.9 up to 3000K on the freeway.

 

[Sunk]

You need to spin the 2.9 more than the 4.0, not too mention you're puching a lot of air... I don't think 3000 on the highway is that bad. IIRC, that's about where my truck was stock. And if it is a problem, then he can slow down. I'd much rather have the gearing down low.

 

[ranger]

well i know summit sells 4,56s and 5.13's for the 7.5 but how hard is it to do an 8.8 swap and how long would it take

 

[Sunk]

It's not too difficult. If you get an Explorer 8.8, you'll need to move the spring perches to the top of the axle and weld on shock mounts. If you're having your gears set up, this could probably be done at the same time.

A Ranger 8.8 just bolts right in, but is not as strong.

 

[Evan]

well i know summit sells 4,56s and 5.13's for the 7.5 but how hard is it to do an 8.8 swap and how long would it take

They sell 5.13s for the 7.5, but I'm not sure you could find them for your front...

 

[Gum-B]

yea good luck finding 5.13 for the d35 i have looked everywhere. the boat i am in is sas for a better ratio or drop in a bigger motor i have 31's with 4.10 gears, and a 2.3L. I want 35's, and 4.88 is not going to do the trick with the little motor. I do very little highway driving so low ratio is what i want. you may be limited to the 4.88, and if you do that you need a 8.8 cuse no one makes them for the 7.5.

 

[ranger]

so the ranger 8.8 bolts right in all i have to do is hook up the brake lines... also isnt the ranger 8.8 a little bit narrower than the exploder 8.8 plus i have the d28 and i dont think im gona swap it dont do enough with 4x4 just mild stuff when it comes to breaking then ill do the swap

 

[Sunk]

I think 4.56 is the deepest ratio made for the D28.You can pick up a D35 for probably $50, so it really isn't worth putting any money into a D28.

 

[4x4junkie]

It doesn't matter if he has a 2.9, in terms of highway driving. You don't want the engine to be cruising at above 3000k, be it 2.9 or 4.0. With 5.13s he'll be above 3000k at 70-75 MPH, which is too high.

Ummm...

I have 5.13s and a 2.9L and would want nothing else.

A 2.9L is NOT the same as a 4.0L, like everyone's already said, it needs more RPM than a 4.0, therefore 5.13 is the ideal ratio for it with 35s (3000RPM at 70 is nothing).

 

[Evan]

Ummm...

I have 5.13s and a 2.9L and would want nothing else.

A 2.9L is NOT the same as a 4.0L, like everyone's already said, it needs more RPM than a 4.0, therefore 5.13 is the ideal ratio for it with 35s (3000RPM at 70 is nothing).

I guess it comes down to a matter of opinion, within reason...

Freeway speed limit in Michigan is 70, and slow-lane traffic moves at 75-80. That's just too many RPMs for me, regardless of if I have a 2.9 or 4.0. I'd rather gear up a little and lower the RPM.

Everyone agrees that the 2.9 is different than the 4.0 and needs a little more RPM. But this doesn't mean you want to install gears that put you at 3500k for a cross-country drive.

 

[4x4junkie]

3500K? (as in 3,500,000)? That I don't think a 2.9L is capable of lol


j/k

I still would much rather be able to maintain 65-70 on long grades without excessive downshifting, and getting 22 MPG in the process too (speed limits are 70 outside of city limits here too)