I've tried searching on this and have been unable to answer this question... Why spend the $1k++ to regear when you could spend a similar amount to replace your current rig with new axles? Am I missing something obvious? I am still awake waiting for my ambien to kick in, so forgive me if this is a idiotic question.

If you're looking at a D44, it's more like $2,500-$3,000 per Axel to start. And you can get gears for $500 uninstalled.

I didn't realize it was that much.... I looked around briefly and thought I could find some used d44's for less than $1000. ....

You may be able to get "lucky" and find a stock TJ rear D44 for 1k. That's just the rear.

What about swapping out with the Ford 8.8 or 9? Are they just as expensive?

Ford 8.8s are cheaper to start out with ($200 for the axle) but you'll pay about $900 when all is said and done if you can weld and do the gears by yourself or on the cheap. You regear because finding a D44 setup or a Ford 8.8 setup w/ 4.88 gearing for less then $1k is like finding a golden unicorn.

9 will cost about the same or more depending on your wants.

8.8....cheaper...if you do all the work yourself....clean, cut, weld, etc. And more depending again on your wants/needs...gear ratio, add on's, upgraded parts, etc.

What exactly are you wanting in your axle? Ratio, axle shafts,lockers, ,etc?

I have a 97 sport stock d35/d30 setup with 3.07 gears riding 31" tires. I'm new to the Jeep world and have recently come to understand the whole regearing thing. I'm just wondering how long I will be happy with 3.07's and what I need to do when I realize I am not (happy w/it anymore).

I'm replacing my front axle going from a Dana 30 Lp to a Dana 30 Hp, I never plan on running anything bigger then 35 so I hope I can get away with my 4:10's would go to 4:56's but I have Arbs and I don't want to deal with the hassle of selling them and the re buying lockers. I'm also getting chrome molly shafts too should be fine with 35's some day. So after that long story I would say just depends on what you want to do future mods, etc.

Why would you not be able to go to 4.56s with your existing ARB? The carrier break is 3.54<, 3.73>.. Btw, if you think you can swap your LP gears to the HP axle, think again. You will need reverse cut gears, so you might as well go 4.56.

I will be buying new gears for the HP but I was planing on staying with the 4:10's. I got bad info on the carrier break. Thanks for the correction In that case I will put 4:56's in the front and back it will be a better set up for 35's And yep I'm aware that I need a reverse setup for the Hp swap. Thanks for the reply and info.