TIRE SIZE: When larger tires are installed, the overall diameter increases, which can affect the vehicle's performance. To compensate for the larger tires and maintain the optimal power and torque delivery, the gear ratio needs to be adjusted. Changing to a lower gear ratio (numerically higher) helps to regain the lost power and torque.

OFF-ROADING: Changing the axle gear ratio can provide better low-end torque and crawling ability, which is beneficial when navigating steep inclines, rock crawling, or traversing through mud or sand. Lower gear ratios (higher numerically) offer increased torque multiplication, making it easier to conquer obstacles.

TOWING & HAULING: If you frequently tow heavy loads or haul significant cargo in your Jeep, changing the axle gear ratio can improve its towing and hauling capabilities. A lower gear ratio allows the engine to operate at a higher RPM range, providing more power and torque, which is useful for pulling heavy loads.

FUEL EFFICIENCY: Although it may seem counterintuitive, changing the axle gear ratio can also be done to improve fuel efficiency. By opting for a higher gear ratio (lower numerically), the engine operates at lower RPMs during highway cruising, which can result in improved fuel economy. This change sacrifices some low-end power but can benefit those who do a lot of highway driving.

PERFORMANCE UPGRADE: Some Jeep owners modify their vehicles with performance upgrades, such as adding a supercharger or installing a larger engine. In such cases, changing the axle gear ratio can help optimize the power delivery to match the increased horsepower and torque output of the upgraded components.

It's worth noting that changing the axle gear ratio can have an impact on other aspects of the vehicle's performance, such as speedometer accuracy and transmission shifting points. It's crucial to consult with a knowledgeable mechanic or automotive specialist who can help determine the appropriate gear ratio change based on your specific needs and vehicle configuration.


There are many factors that go into the choosing the right gear ratio including engine, transmission, tire weight, axles, cargo weight, trailer weight, elevation and the type of off-road trails the vehicle will see. For example, the Rubicon and Max Tow models have 4.10 stock gearing to handle the advanced off-road trails and high tow weight compared to the 3.73 stock ratio in the Sport and Overland models.


As a general rule for a Jeep equipped with the 3.6L engine and automatic transmission, we recommend 4.88s for 33-35” tires and 5.13-5.38 for 37-40” tires.

Manual transmissions, more aggressive trails, heavier cargo and larger towed objects may call for even lower gearing/higher ratios. Those looking for better gas mileage and anticipating less off-road use can look to higher gearing/lower ratios.

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JT GLADIATOR ('20+)

Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JL / JT Rear Dana 44 (M220) Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JK Model 44 Front
Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JL / JT Front Dana 44 (M210) Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JK Model 44 Front

JL WRANGLER ( '18+)

Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JL / JT Rear Dana 44 (M220) Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JK Model 44 Front
Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JL / JT Front Dana 44 (M210) Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JK Model 44 Front
Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JL Rear Dana 35 (M200) Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JL Rear Dana 35 (M200)
Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JL Front Dana 30 (M186) Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JL Front Dana 30 (M186)

JK WRANGLER ('07-'18)

Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JK Model 30 Front Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JK Model 30 Front
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JK Model 44 Non-Rubicon Rear Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JK Model 44 Non-Rubicon Rear
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JK Model 44 Front Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JK Model 44 Front
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JK Model 44 Rubicon Rear Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - JK Model 44 Rubicon Rear

XJ CHEROKEE ('84-'01)

DANA 30 RING & PINION SET - 3.55 RATIO - STANDARD ROTATION DANA 30 RING & PINION SET - 3.55 RATIO - STANDARD ROTATION
DANA 35 RING & PINION SET - 3.73 RATIO - STANDARD ROTATION DANA 35 RING & PINION SET - 3.73 RATIO - STANDARD ROTATION
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30TJ Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30TJ
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 35 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 35
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Chrysler 8.25 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Chrysler 8.25
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 44 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 44

TJ/LJ WRANGLER ('97-'06)

DANA 30 RING & PINION SET - 3.55 RATIO - STANDARD ROTATION DANA 30 RING & PINION SET - 3.55 RATIO - STANDARD ROTATION
DANA 35 RING & PINION SET - 3.73 RATIO - STANDARD ROTATION DANA 35 RING & PINION SET - 3.73 RATIO - STANDARD ROTATION
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30TJ Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30TJ
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 35 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 35
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 44 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 44
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - TJ Rubicon Model 44 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - TJ Rubicon Model 44

YJ WRANGLER ('87-'95)

Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 35 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 35

MJ COMANCHE ('86-'93)

Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 35 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 35
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 44 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 44

ZJ GRAND CHEROKEE ('93-'98)

Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30TJ Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30TJ
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 35 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 35

CJ ('76-'86)

Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 30
Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 44 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 44
Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - AMC 20 Motive Gear - Motive Gear Overhaul Kit - Model 44