[naterg]

Ok, it has been a while since I have owned a Jeep, and I have forgetten a few things, so don't laugh too hard when you read these questions...

1. I bought my Jeep with a 4 inch lift already installed. Is there anyway to tell what brand it is? I really don't expect to be able to tell, but I was wondering if there was a way. The shocks that are on it are some offroad shop's brand shocks down in Birmingham.

2. The first time I put my top back up, the zipper on the back window broke (only had one zipper to start with, I assume the other already broke off). Now, I don't know how to go about fixing this. I do not remember if the zipper is on the top side or the window side of the connection. So I guess what I am trying to figure out is how to go about fixing this.

3. I also am not sure that I have a stock top or not, and was wondering how to go about finding out.

4. I have a 1999 Sport 5 speed, and was wondering what tranny and transfer case I had. I know some 99s had the AX-15 still, and some had the NV3550. I already got a build sheet back from Jeep, but it never specified which one I had.

5. Will 33s fit with a 4 inch lift (I have 31s right now). Also, I have the stock 3.73s i believe, so what gear would I want to go to.

I believe that is all for now, haha. Don't laugh too hard, as I said it has been a while since I owned a wrangler. I am so glad I am back in one, and thanks in advance for the help.

 

[calpher]

Answers:

Question 2: The zippers are on the top side, not the window side. It is possible to replace the zipper, but a new top is around $350.00 it may be better just to buy a new top. Bestop will come with new side and rear windows as well.

Question 3: If you have the bowed side frame that attaches to the sport bar, curves down and then cack up you have the original top or the Bestop Replace-a-top. This is the most common. It has the strip of topfabric that cuts into the window on the side breaking up the side window.

Question 4: You have the AX 15 transmission and the NP 231 transfer case.

Question 5: 4.56 would be the best gear ratio for 33's. Any taller tires you will want to go with 4.88's.

 

[lunneborgc]

You shouldn't have a problem fitting 33's. 4.56's seem overkill for 33's. Should probabally find out more information about what the jeep is going to be used for first. I'd only go with 4.56's if it was going to be an off-road only vehicle. For street and off-road use i'd go with 4.10's. Assuming you have a 4.0 engine because you said its a sport. You can drive with the 3.73's and 33's as well.

The formula is current tire size divided by new tire size multiply by your gears = what your gears will act like for ex..
31/33 x 3.73 = 3.50

If you don't regear it will drive like you have gear equivelant of 3.50 vice 3.73.

The formula to find out what gear ratio you need to change to, to keep the same performance, is new tire size divided by old size multipy by your gear ratio ex...
33/31 x 3.73 = 3.90

I'd recommend the 4.10's. Probabally more information then you were looking for but could be good for future reference. - Chris

 

[mud707]

O.k. naterg, I have a 01 sport with a 4 in. lift and 33's fit fine you can actually go with 34's if you want that what my cousin is running. As for gearing I am running the stock 3.73's in mine and I live in a mountainous region and have not noticed that big of a problem pushing the 33's except sometimes i have to drop into 4th to climb a hill witch i used to keep in fifth. 4.10's would be nice but not necessary unless you plan on doing a lot of rock crawling. If you can get by without them save your money for something else you might need, winch etc.

 

[1BLKJP]

Nate, glad you got back into Jeeps man. It's sad to see one go, but even better to get a new one. Here are some basic suggestions to a couple of your questions.

1. You can typically tell what kind of lift you have in a vehicle by the color of the springs (most manufacturers use a different color). Otherwise just post a picture and we can help with that.

Q's 2, 3, and 4 have already been answered nicely for you.

As for your gearing. I run 35's on 3.73 gearing with an auto in my 99 and it still has plenty of go unless i'm going up a steep incline or something. I probably won't even plan on putting gears in it except for a 4:1 in the TCase. Based on some calculations from Lunner and basing my opinion on the standard cost to re-gear your rig I would say 4.10's in your case wouldn't be a good investment. It would cost you more for the job than what you will get out of it. Because 33's and 4.10's will give you an effective ratio of 3.85 and that's just not enough in my book to justify a 1000 to 1200 dollar investment. If you are going to do any gearing you might as well get some additional benefits out of it and go with 4.56 if anything at all.

 

[lunneborgc]

...my opinion on the standard cost to re-gear your rig I would say 4.10's in your case wouldn't be a good investment. It would cost you more for the job than what you will get out of it.

I agree with 1BLKJP on this. I would save the regearing money and put it into skids, winch, or whatever your heart desires. There is a lot better things to spend your money on if you're going to stick with 33's. I still would not recommend doing the 4.56's though unless you plan on moving to 35's in the future. A friend of mine had the 4.56 and 33's and was not pleased with it on road at all. Off road it was a beast though. Just my $.02