4.56 vs 4.88

[xlukex]

Hey guys, I was going to go 4.88 and run 35s on my 96 xj with front dana30 with iron rock sleeve kit and have a dana44 in the rear. But have been reading that the 4.88 are a weaker gear than the 4.56, as the 4.56 turns with two teeth as a posed to one tooth in the 4.88. I will be using my xj occasionally during the week to and from work and it will see a fair amount of highway kms to get to my 4x4 spots. Can anyone give there opinion or experience with this? I know a lot of you run 4.56. Thanks for your help guys.

[low ranger]

another option would be to use 4.56 gears & then re-gear the transfer case or fit a Rubicon transfer case to the XJ. I believe they run a lot lower low range ratios than a stock unit. On a side note, I`m trialing 35`s on my TJ with 4.56 gears & a 5 speed manual. I usually run 33`s. It`s definitely slower on hills & doesn`t tow my camper as well on 35`s & apart from the extra 1" clearance under the diffs, I`m yet to find any improvements in flotation & I`m on the beach most weekends. Perhaps 4.56 & 33`s would be a better all round option. I`ll keep testing in the mean time.

[Hunno]

4.88's with 35's will be about 150RPM higher at 100kph. pretty close to stock.

[Ando_13]

I havent run 4.88.
However final drive ratio would be similar to 33s on 4.56; which I ran for years. I am currently on 35s and find the 4.56 to be perfect on road with 4th enabling acceleration to 115km/h on the Parkway after the Cotter fixed camera up hill heading south.
I'm giving 4th as the example as it is 1 to 1 and dont know what gearbox you have.

As far as strength; I think you know the answer already. The 30 R&P are weak enough with stock ratios...
JMHO