What GEARS Did I Install in My Jeep Wrangler? 4.88 or 5.13's? 

Another great thing about 4.88’s vs. 5.13: it may not be a huge difference especially since ring and pinion gears aren’t really a problem with Dana 44’s, but the 4.88’s are slightly stronger because less teeth=thicker/bigger teeth=stronger gear.

Just wanted to say that i love that you start the video with a brief description what the video is all about, even before your logo. Very good job respecting your viewers time.

Thanks. I am currently running 3.73 gears with a stock 2010 JK Sport suspension but I am looking to eventually upgrade to 35 inch or larger tires. So, this is very useful in terms of recon for helping me decide what will work best for me. Thanks again!

Thanks, @trailrecon! I was leaning towards the 4.88 for my Gladiator running 37’s. I’m swapping axles for ProRock 44’s, and swapping to RCV instead of U joint axles. For the wheeling I do, this is great. Keep up the great work on the videos!

That formula was a great help! I've been trying to decide for MONTHS now if I should go from 4.10s to 4.88's or 5.13's. And, I've actually decided on something more than 5.13's. I plan on going to 35's on my '01 Jeep soon, and even going 5.13 wouldn't give me the additional power I am looking for. Thanks a ton for this video, and thanks a ton for sharing how you made your decisions! Thankfully, Mine is not a daily driver, nor do I utilize it a ton, so that helped out. Great video. -Matt

Brad your work is simply outstanding man! Love Love your videos. I learn so much from them. Thanks again sir!

Very well done and awesome job explaining the gear ratios. Nice to know you are happy with the 4:88's with the 37's. Your videos are so professional now. No bull, straight to the point, honest and informative...Thank you!

I agree with your reasoning and choice if gearing! Great video again Brad! Happy trails to you!

I have a 2013 rubicon JKU. Had factory 4.10 when I was running 35” tires. I went to 37” & 4.88 gears. I’ve been very happy with my decision. I pull a little camper and it handles it well.

Thank you for explaining gears to a novice, you made it easy to understand

Hey Brad, I’ve been watching your channel for a while now and really like the way you explain things. I had a 2010 JKUR that made 6 trips from Ky to Co. to Moab, to Sedona to N.Dakota, etc. Always made sure to hit Moab and Ouray. I was just running 2” budget lift and 34” tires. Put 100,000 miles on it with very few issues. Never any extreme trails but did Hells Revenge and Top of the World. Now I’ve go to a 2018 JLUR. Did Moab last year stock but have now lifted it and gone to 37’s. I, like you, realize the need for regearing, so 4.88’s are my next upgrade for sure. I dont wheel as hard or often as you do but the highway miles on these trips I think would just really kill my overall mpg

2011 JKU 3.8L auto with 4"/3.5" lift and 285/75R18 on stock wheels with 2" spacers. Went with 5.13 gears. Excellent bottom end grunt, no OD hunting (even up decent grades), and getting 15-16 MPG combined driving. Pretty happy with it, and definitely have the option of going to 37s with no problems.

One of the best informative videos I’ve seen great job

Excellent video Brad. Prior to this video, I knew nothing about basic gear ratios. 8 mins later, I have a basic understanding that I can build upon. Thank you, Not only was I entertained but, I receive real value from this one.

Same here. 4.88 on 37s and since they had they had everything opened up I too, took the opportunity to upgrade my axle shafts to 35 spline G2 gold placers, ARB air locker to accommodate the higher spline count & 3 link truss.

Brad, very informative video, you did a great job explaining things as well as the various gear options. Good to hear the 4.88 gears are working out for you. Looking forward to your next video.

Great video and the right amount of explanation. Thank you. I am going through the same decision now - balancing off road with daily driving.

Another great video from Trail Recon, thank you Brad!

For the longest time I couldn't find a good video on regearing. Incredible job, thanks, very informative. (I love the use of be roll)

Lots of good info on this video. There's a lot of factors that should be considered when choosing a gear set. Everyone will have different opinions but it comes down to what you want to achieve with your rig and understanding what each gear set will provide. 👍

I’m glad I found this video, it saved me a lot of money and time, most shops wanted $1400 more than rebel off-road and 2 days with the Jeep . Thanks

we upgraded our front to the exact same chromoly axle kits. Rear will be upgraded as well. always appreciate how well you explain what you are doing and how it works Brad!

I installed 4.88s went I upgraded to Cooper STT Pro 315/70/17s. Was running 3.73s before. Good performance, mpg down from 17 to 14 / 15. Will be doing 37s in the future so the 4.88s. Just finished the run in period and had my diff oil switched out, now time for some 4 wheeling :) Keep making great content, it was your review of the coopers which sealed the deal for me to get some myself.

When I had my Cherokee, I did 4.56 gears with 31s. I had lockers f/r and knew that 33s would probably cause breakage even with hp D30 / chry rear axle. The next owner put 33s on it and never had a problem, but he also didn’t need to regear! My Xterra has 4.9 gears * and the off-road performance with 31s is amazing *factory gearing

Good call on the 488’s. I mentioned before I’m running that ratio with 37” tires. I had used the same formula and choose them for the same reasons. The Jeep is my daily driver. Also, I drove it from San Diego to Alaska last summer on the AlCan highway, worked great and averaged approximately 17.5 mpg. I think you’ll be happy with your choice.

Once again, great evergreen content. Timely video for me as well.

Another good video. 2016 2 door jk, I'm running 4.56 gears with pro comp 35's, and at 65 mph it's running 2500 rpm. Works for me.

Perfect breakdown. This helped me make my decision 👌 if you want a dedicated Offroad performance gear ratio bump it up to 5.38(if it will fit in your axle or course) the higher you go in ratios the higher your rpms will run so that translates to less mpg. If it’s a daily driver and a weekend warrior from time to time go with the chart he stated and round up to the nearest ratio. In his case it’s the 4.88. Even with 35s the 4.88 is a good choice. It’s pushing lighter tires than 37s and it’s Rpms are still very suitable for a DD

Brad, awesome video! That was really helpful information. I'm not at the point where I will go bigger that 33's (not willing to sacrifice my garage) but understanding the gear ratios is huge. Great calculation method as well. Really appreciate it!

Years ago I was building my xj. Did a 6" lift and bfg 33's. It was tolerable but I knew gears were on the short list. A few months later I went to heavier tires and that made it almost unbearable. Went with 4.56 gears right then, which means night as well do lockers. Changed it into a totally different rig. Plenty of power back and crawled everywhere without issue. Would easily to a standing power break on dry pavement with those 33's. Bone stock 4.0 litter.

Engine, transmission and weightt make a big difference too! I just regeared my 2008 JK Rubicon to 5.38s with 37 Cooper STT Pro. Huge improvement, gas mileage hasn't changed much. Brad, I wish I would have done this way way back myself lol👍

Great video! Love the new Rubicon sticker and like the the WJ being added to the list on the wall. 😎

Thank you, Bard. I am in a similar boat as you were where I was debating between 4.88 and 5.13, but after watching your video I think I will be going with 4.88 as well. I have an 06 modified Wrangler Rubicon (originally Sport but had swapped Dana 30/35 with Dana 44s from another 06 Rubicon) with 35-inch Tires but I plan to upgrade to 37s in the near future.

Thanks for the calculation to find the right gear ratio. Love the videos!

Oddly enough I was thinking about Re-Gearing for a few days now. Very Influential and informative Thank You

2008 Rubicon JKU. 4 Door. Auto trans. Running 37’ s with beadlocks 5:38 gears and G2 chrome moly axles . Daily driver / wheeler Runs great on off-road and on. Super chips as well

I really needed the information you provided in your video. I have a 2015 Rubicon 2dr, and was trying to decide between the 4:88 & 5:13. I was leaning towards the 4:88 bc I like to travel to my wheeling spots. Now I'm sure. Thx.

Wow! Awesome and so insightful. Thanks for the information.

I went with 4:88’s last year in my (new to me) ‘07 JKU and I love them as well. I decided on 4:88 for exactly the same reason you did. Love your videos, keep up the great work!

Oh man! Fantastic content Brad. Thanks a lot. Your content is very thoughtful.

Great video with lots of awesome information. I was so confused when my jeepers in my group were talking about gears. I'm not now. Thank you.

Very well made video, going with the 4.88 gears for the same reasons you cited.

Very glad you made this video thanks I enjoy all your videos

Another great video Brad, thanks. Very informative for us newbies!

I really liked your ratio calculation. Makes total sense. I have a 2 door JK with 35" tires and recently added a front big brake kit from teraflex, new steering stabilizer, adjustable track bar, and a magnaflow performance series exhaust and now my JK feels heavy. It still has some power with the 4.10 gear ratio but not as before. I have been thinking about 4.88 for the near future. First need to recuperate from these purchases :)

I am running 35’s on my DD and went with 4.56 up from 3.29. I am extremely pleased with them and the mountain passes are a breeze. 2017 JKU SPORT MANUAL.

hiding out here in colorado people tend to lean towards the 5.13s with 37s simply because of the mountains. im running a 12 jku sahara with one ton axles 5.38s and 41.5 pitbull rockers. i really noticed the rotational mass with the bigger tire vs the 40 inch nittos. however im very happy with it and its a point an go jeep also my daily but i dont drive that far for work so its no big deal.

Exactly. 2010 Rubicon. Put 5.13 gears with 37's. After mods, it was 700 pounds heavier. AEV procal to set the new tire size and gears. This jeep ran well at 80mph on the highway. Still got the same mpg as stock. The 3.8l likes a little higher revs. But with the new 3.6l I'd probably choose 4.88.

Great video. This is one upgrade you want to get right the first time. I went with 4.88 in my 97 XJ. I have a 4spd automatic and I have 35's, great gear choice for the driving and wheeling that I do.

As a 2011 Rubicon guy, I went with the 5.13s to help spin my 35s. I would easily have chosen exactly as you did, even with the 37s, if I'd had the 3.6L engine. But already sucking wind with 80 less horsepower on the 3.8L, the 5.13s gave me the slightly better low end push I needed to outrun the turtles who would overtake me on the highway onramp. ;)

This helped a lot, I don’t know much about gears or any of that and I’m upgrading from 33’s to 35’s here soon and have factory 3.21 gears so it’s good to have at least some knowledge now

This was very valuable and informative video,it did help me make the right decision best for me. I decided to go 4:88 on 35tires my daily driver from previous owner had stock 3.73 in them.

Hi Brad. Thanks for a clear and precise explanation. Just about to upgrade my front diff to a Dana44 and I’ve been thinking about my gears. Cheers mate 🤙

Very helpful! Finally i understand! Thanx Brad

Grate video thanks for Sheering brad your videos are always on point and excellent

I just got my 4.88 gears installed this week. I am very happy with the upgrade. The break-in is going okay.

Great Video Brad! keep up the good work. I just did Gears ( and lockers and one tons and 40") I went with 5.38 in my 07 JKU

I spoke to Rebel Off Road about re-gearing my 2020 Gladiator Rubicon to 488. They do seem to have the best price in town and from the conversation a cool bunch of people. Mentioned finding their shop through your video… thanks Trail Recon.

I'm running 4.88's as well and am really happy with them. As you mention, if you're driving the Jeep daily/or almost daily, then 4.88's are the best choice for 35/37's. 5.13's are a bit too low in my opinion for daily driving. If you're towing your rig then you want performance over anything else and 5.13's make sense. But if you drive your rig daily and/or to and from the trail, then yea, 4.88's are the way to go. I also calculated the overall gear ratio with tire size included, to get my RPM's as close to stock as possible at a 65mph cruising speed. There are a LOT of opinions about how to break in gears too. The shop that did mine, are mostly a big-rig shop, and they told me truck drivers come in and get their gears re-done, then immediately hit the highway with a load. Their big-rigs don't have any issues so the "break in" suggestion in their opinion is mostly folklore. They did suggest changing the oil after 500 miles though. I took it easy on mine, just in case and they've been fine. As they say, "your mileage may vary." lol

Well thought out video and good choice in gears! Since my JLU is not my daily driver and when we do drive it we carry a full compliment of camping gear, I'll be going with 5:13's in Dana 60's with 37" rolling stock. And you made an excellent point about your DD needs. I too commute 60 miles a day M-F, but in a Prius! LOL!

I was quoted $2900 by a 4X4 shop. After watching your last video I called up Rebel Offroad and I go in Wednesday. I told them I had watched your video and that had helped me decide.

I currently have 3.73 and running 35” tires. I have a set of 4.88 gears in the garage. Once my locker is off backorder I will be able to install these! I can’t wait.

Excellent video, thanks so much!

I have the 5 speed auto in my 2012 Sahara too with Yukon 4.88 and ARB lockers in the front D30HP and rear D44. Perfect match for the highway as well as off the road. 20" Fuel Anza wheels and 37" Mickey Thompson tires. Around 105KM/h it spins around 2250 RPM.

I have 4.88’s in my Rubicon. It’s Not horrible on 35’s. I have the 37’s, just need to put them on.

When I first started wheeling TrailRecon was the first channel I saw and I have followed it ever since. It is so well done. And this was a very informative video to help me understand gearing. In fact all of your videos have been very informative, no matter the subject. I know this is an older thread, but I have plans to build my Jeep as I will be doing the Rubicon trail with Jeepers Jamboree at the end of July. I have decided on the shop, but I’m having some reservations about the gearing. I have a 2013 JKU that is stock except for 33” tires and 2" spacer. I plan to re-gear, air lockers, new driveshaft, new skid plates, 37” tires, 3.5” or 4.5” MetalCloak lift, 1 ton steering kit, trussed Dana 44 axle on the front with RCV joints. I was recommended 5.13 gears but I’m wondering if maybe I would be better suited for 4.88 in the long run. I have been wheeling for about 5 years. As I said doing the Rubicon Trail and and have about 60 some trails here in Arizona. I used to live in SD now AZ and want to do trails in CA. I want to do some overlanding as well. I am in the season of retirement at 73, so I don't have the daily commute. I know that’s a lot of information and my Jeep is supposed to go in next week. Thanks Brad.

Thanks for the info great stuff.

It was very valuable an v informative.I have ordered mine with 4.88 and it is great! thanks a lot!

i looked at RPM charts and went with 4.88 myself on 37s. put all the performance back to stock (minus that slight bit of extra weight you can still feel).

3.73 only come stock on Rubicons, and Willys. All other JK wranglers come with 3.21s unless you get the tow package or pay extra to upgrade to 3.73. Good video overall. Thanks for your contribution to the Jeep community. :)

So much valuable information here! Thanks

I got a used set of 4:10s that I'm gonna put in way better than 3:73. I would love to go to 4:88 but I'll wait until I do my one ton swap. Great video and glad you are happy with your gears.

Just seeing this video. I have been trying to figure out which ratio to to with, 4.88 or 5.13. I have 2021 JLUR and put 37s on it with 2.5” lift. This video and the math helped immensely, I’m going to run the 4.88 gears. Many thanks on the great info.

Really helpful thanks for the info

Great Video! I chose to run 4.88’s as well and I’m super happy with them. I’m currently running 35’s but I really only wanted to re-gear once so if I ever want to upgrade to 37’s, 4.88’s will still work out nicely.

Great breakdown, thx brother ✊✌️

WJ huh, so another project in store. Excited to see your line up, with the XJ, WJ, JK, and JL.

Great explanation Brad! I was wondering what you would decide to go with.👍

I think you made the right choice with the gear selection. Now you just need to buy a beater for driving to work.

Excellent video Master Chief!!!

I went with 4.56 gear change and running 35” BFG Km2’s. Very happy.

That formula is very interesting to play with. I've been trying to decide between 33s or 34s (285/75/17) but want to keep the stock 3.73s for now. According to that formula I can go with the 34s and still be geared better than someone with stock 3.21s. Thanks!

Noticed a new addition to the "to do list" board

Very good information Brad!

Great video thx brad

Thanks , that helped me decide.

I liked you change may have to consider that for my jeep.

I like that formula, it seems to work for me in my case as far as variance as to where I was at stock.

Nice job Brad. Good description.

I’m going to go with 4.88 also. Great video. And it was good to meet ya at the flagstaff overland expo.

4.88 on 35s with the 3.6 love it, one thing people dont account for when going up in tire size it's like always towing a trailer everywhere you go because the engine load is so high. That's why most people myself included see an increase in mileage. That said you can go to far and lose that mpg gain in your increased torq.

I have a 2011 2 door Rubicon. which means I have the not so good V-6. I am running 35 inch tires. I went with the 5.13 gears. I like them. I can just idle up and down every thing.

I went with 5.13 and 37s on my '13 JKU Sport. I would have gone lower but my limiting factor was the Dana 30 up front. Though it was perfect for me and did some cross country coast to coast trips, it wasn't ideal on the road. It wasn't my daily but the sacrifice on the road was well worth the preformed on the street/ highway.

Thanks Brad appreciate the videos

Great video, thank you!

Great video as usual Brad Cheers from the Swede in NC

Thank you for explaining this in simple English

Hi Brad, thanks for the video! As always - great :) Can you share what is your mpg with the new gears? I'm considering the same upgrade and would love to hear what is your experience. Thank you in advanced!

Some great info thanks for sharing 👍

2dr with 35 KO2s running 3.73 gears. Love the combo for a daily driver but on the trail it could use new gears.