Why your Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator Needs a Regear!
Why Do I Need a Regear?
Throwing on larger tires sometimes feels like a rite of passage for Jeep owners, it's something almost all of us do to our Jeeps and for good reason! Larger tires enhance your Jeep’s off-road capability by increasing ground clearance, improving traction and of course, gives it a rugged, trail-ready look. However, Jeeps come from the factory tuned for the stock tire size, larger tires throw this perfect harmony of torque, speed and efficiency off balance. Regearing your Jeeps axle ratio is the solution to gaining back power, torque and fuel effeciency!
What is a Regear?
Regearing is a common topic in the Jeep community, but what does it actually mean? Simply put, a regear involves replacing the factory differential ring and pinion in your front and rear axles with an aftermarket set featuring a lower gear ratio than stock. It’s important to note that “lower gears” have a higher numerical value—for example, 4.56 gears are lower than 3.73s. Regearing is essential for Jeeps with larger tires, helping to restore the optimal power band, towing performance and improve lost fuel economy.
What Gear Ratio Do I Need?
The gear ratio you should upgrade to depends on a multitude of factors and personal preference. However, there is a general aggreence in the Jeep community as to what gear ratios typically work well with specific tire sizes. Below you'll find charts of our recommendations for which gear ratio you should get depending on the tire size and model Jeep you have!
Jeep JK Dana Ring & Pinions
| Tire Size |
3.6L V6 + 5 Speed Auto (2012-2018) |
3.6L V6 + 6-speed Manual (2012-2018) | 3.8L V6 + 4-speed auto (2007-2011) | 3.8L V6 + 6-speed manual (2007-2011) | 6.4L Hemi |
| 35" |
4.56 / 4.88 |
4.88 | 4.88 | 4.88 | 4.10 |
| 37" |
4.88 / 5.13 |
5.13 | 5.13 / 5.38 | 5.13 / 5.38 | 4.56 |
| 39" |
5.13 |
5.38 | 5.38 | 5.38 | 4.88 |
| 40" |
5.38 |
5.38 | 5.38 | 5.38 | 4.88 / 5.13 |
Jeep JL Dana Ring & Pinions
| Tire Size |
3.6L V6 + 6 Speed Manual |
3.6L V6 + 8 Speed Auto | 2.0L Turbo + 8 Speed Auto | EcoDiesel + 8 Speed Auto | 6.4L Hemi 392 + 8 Speed Auto |
| 35" |
4.56 / 4.88 |
4.10 / 4.56 | 4.10 / 4.56 | 4.10 | 4.10 |
| 37" |
4.88 / 5.13 |
4.88 | 4.88 | 4.56 | 4.56 |
| 39" |
5.13 / 5.38 |
5.13 / 5.38 | 5.13 | 4.56 | 4.56 |
| 40" |
5.38 |
5.38 | 5.13 | 4.88 | 4.88 |
Jeep JT Dana Ring & Pinion
| Tire Size |
3.6L V6 + 6 Speed Manual |
3.6L V6 + 8 Speed Auto | EcoDiesel + 8 Speed Auto | 6.4L Hemi + 8 Speed Auto |
| 35" |
4.56 / 4.88 |
4.56 / 4.88 | 4.10 | 4.10 |
| 37" |
4.88 / 5.13 |
4.88 / 5.13 | 4.56 | 4.56 |
| 39" |
5.13 / 5.38 |
5.13 | 4.56 | 4.56 |
| 40" |
5.38 |
5.38 | 4.88 | 4.88 / 5.13 |
Components Needed for a Regear
There are several components needed to upgrade the gear ratio in your 4x4, it can often be confusing to know exactly what you need! We've compiled a list of parts to make it easy to know exactly what you'll need for a sucessful regear.
- Front axle and rear axle ring & pinions w/ the same gear ratio
- Master Overhaul Kits, also known as Install Kits, include everything needed for ring and pinion installation. Be sure to get one per axle.
- Gear Oil - Check your owners manual for required oil weight
To simplify your regear, we've assembled kits with everything you need for a successful installation. Click for JL/JT, for JK
Q & A
Should I attempt a Regear Job Myself?
Regearing your axles is an involved process that requires a multitude of speciality tools, for most people its best to leave this job to a professional.
Can I buy my own parts & bring them to a shop for installation?
Absolutely! Most reputable shops will let you supply your own gears instead of using theirs. This gives you full control over the parts going into your Jeep and ensures it’s equipped with quality components.
What brand of gears should I get for my Jeep?
While we stand by all of the ring & pinion brands on Northridge4x4, we highly recommend Dana Ring & Pinions. Dana manufactures the OEM gears in your Jeep, known for their smooth, quiet, and heavy-duty performance. Choosing Dana Ring & Pinions ensures your new gear ratio maintains the same reliability and quiet operation as the factory setup.
How long does a regear take?
In general, a regear job should only take a day. Good shops are fast and experienced enough to do them in a day, any longer and the shop may not be experienced enough to do the job properly.
What other upgrades can I add while regearing?
Since the axles are already opened up during the regear process, you can save money on labor by bundling these upgrades with your regear!
Regear Break In Procedure
After having your gears installed, its critical to follow the proper break in procedure to ensure your gears povide maximum longevity and proper function. Your shop may provide a different procedure, however the list below is an optimal break in procedure for your new gears.
- The first drive on the new gears should be under normal driving conditions (No hard starts, No off-roading, No racing, No towing.)
- The Jeep needs to be driven around 15-20 minutes around town under normal driving conditions. Then the Jeeps axles need to completely cool before driving again.
- Repeat this 15-20 minute drive procedure 2-3 times.
- Then drive on the highway and repeat the cooling process at least 2 times. Do not exceed 65mph for this step.
- At 500 miles the differential oil needs to be changed, then the process is complete.
- *If towing: After the first 500 mile oil change, keep the first towing to less than 15 minutes and allow the axle differential to completely cool, repeat 2-3 times.
Ready to Give Your Jeep a Regear?
If you've upgraded to larger tires and noticed reduced acceleration, power, MPG, and towing performance, it's time to regear! With a lower set of Ring & Pinion gears, you'll be able to gain back what you lost after upgrading to larger, heavier tires.
CLICK HERE to shop high-quality, smooth & quiet riding Dana Ring & Pinions for the ultimate regear for your Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator!
