DD Gears

[BN-HOGGER]

I have a '98 Cherokee, 4.0, manual trans. It is stock except for a 3" Skyjacker lift, and 31" tires. It is my DD, and living in the Denver metro area gets around okay.
When I use my Cherokee to pull a 3,000 lb trailer and it suffers. I am considering changing the gears out to be able to tow easier. I am thinking 4.10 gears after looking at a few posts. Is this too low for a DD?

Thanks

[Stang5lgt]

4.10 or 3.73 should be fine. With 5 speed. Here is link to calculator. http://www.4lo.com/4LoCalc.htm

[Fred]

I run 31's, ~4" and 4.11's with a stick. I commute to S. Denver daily. I cruise right at 3000 rpm or slightly under, which translates to ~80 mph. I think the gearing is a little low, 3.73's would suit me better. On the other hand, I know one guy with a 98, 31's, and a 4" lift and he wishes he had 4.56's.

For towing 3000 pounds, the 4.11's would probably be better.

Fred

[BN-HOGGER]

Thanks for the info guys. I hear gas will hit $4.00 a gallon this summer so i don't want to be throwing money away.

[xjmatt]

First things first the 5-speed manual was only ever rated to tow 2,000lbs. The auto's are capable of 5,000lbs. So you are already towing more than the reccomended capacity. Between that and towing with your current 3.07's :scared:I'd think your going to be due for a new clutch much sooner than usual.


4.10's on 31's in a 5-speed is fun. I could make my jeep leap with that setup and it'd probably make towing the trailer much easier on your clutch when you're switching gears in the hills.

[Racer-X]

I ran 4.56's on 31's for a long time and was very happy with it. Worked really well on my trips to Colorado

[jdogg4]

I'd go with 4:10s

[Sting25]

I say 4.56's then at some point you can run 32's or 33's.....

[RangerRick]

I run 4.10's and 33s with a 5 1/2" lift and get good MPG. Most of my mileage drop was due to the lift kit. I have a 4:1 tc for the trail which is almost overkill. Pulling a 3000# load, I think with 4.10s & 31s would be just about right. Take it easy on start ups and don't power shift when pulling and your new clutch should last 100K +. If the frontal area of your trailer is large like a normal travel trailer, I'd stay away from using 5th gear except on flat ground.

[BN-HOGGER]

Think I am going to go with the 4.10s. I don't pull the trailer that often, its my Boat, Motor, & Trailer. Pulling out of the boat ramp, I usually have to go to 4 low to get it out!
I have noticed some loss in power from putting a strain on things.
If I replace the clutch as well should i go stock, or is their an aftermarket that is better?

[jrsxj98]

With a stick I would go 4.56's, if it was an auto then I would still do 4.56 maybe 4.10, just for the fact if you ever decide to go bigger you dont have to change gears again. But with the stick def. 4.56