4:88 gears vs 4:1 Tcase

Wondering what you guys think about upgrading gears vs tcase low ratio?

Upgrading either will cost me about the same but I have a Dana 30 up front and will be replacing that later with a 44 or 60 and don't want to have to buy gears twice.

Upgrading the tcase would be a one time deal regardless of how many times I change axles.

Currently have 3:73, 35s, automatic.

I like crawling as slowly as possible but also like using low gear for mud and sand.

Thanks any thoughts are helpful.

 

I vote t case. I'm in the same boat need a rehear but want to switch axles later and don't want to do gears twice.

 

To effectively crawl low-speed go for the 4:1 TC. IMO you can wait a bit on the gears until you're flush with $$$ or sell a few parts (jeep)

 

Thanks guys.

With your help I've decided on the tcase.

 

So after talkin with a guy who knows a thing or 2, another option is a rubicrawler for our current setup.

It would double our current 2.72:1 for crawling.

Have you looked into that by any chance?

 

I would prefer a doubler so that you have more options. You may not always need 4.0:1 and in a JKU you have a little more wheelbase to work with.

 

A double?

Do tell more.

That sounds even better since we do sand race and mud bog as well as technical crawling.

 

I'm in a rubicon so I have the 4:1 t case. Even with 4:10 gears on 37s 1st is almost unuasuable too much torque. On the other side 2wheel and 4 wheel hi are incredibly under powered

 

A Rubicrawler is a doubler.
Originally people would adapt the low range portion of another transfer case to their existing transfer case (sometimes also called a dual transfer case), now companies make add on gear boxes for the same effect.

Not sure what doubler gear ratios are available but I think a doubler with 4.0:1 gearing would be good. You would have the option of just engaging 4H (1:1), just engaging 4L (2.72:1), leaving it in 4H and engaging the doubler (4.0:1) or 4L and doubler (10.88:1).

1st gear, 4L, doubler, with stock gears and you are looking at a crawl ratio of about 109:1

Though that may be too much....

A 2.72:1 doubler would work good too, about 74:1 crawl ratio.

Crawl ratio = 1st gear ratio x low range ratio x axle gear ratio.

 

Are there doublers besides rubicrawler?

I called the manufacturer and they don't make the rubicrawler for >2012 jk.

Thanks! Was just lookin for that formula!

 

Oh ok. How soon you plan on upgrading the 44s?

I would totally gear a 44. The only reason I don't want to gear my axles now is that I have the Dana 30 and will be replacing it sooner than later.

 

Not sure about the JKs, the next option may be to look at an Atlas or Stak transfer case but they are $$$$.

 

In the end..... you may just be better off to re-gear.

 

When I have $12k to blow... I want to run 40s

 

We are on the same boat then.

These damn jeeps take all of our money.

 

This is the conclusion I'm coming to as well, sadly.

I just installed the lockers

I think ill leave it the way it is and learn to crawl with a high ratio.

I would like to gear it but I would hate to do that PLUS the locker and then the axle breaks right away.

Only reason I locked the 30 was because I got a good deal on the ox, $1000 installed.

Sounds like you might have the 44s for at least a while. I would totally gear it especially with 37s. Throw some 5:13s in it.

Have you gotten a tuner? It helps a lot.

 

How would I know what my '1st gear ratio' is?

 

What transmission do you have?

 

Did a quick search and found I may have a Mercedes Benz w5a580. I can call the dealership tomorrow and find out for sure.

 

If it is it should have a 3.59 first gear.