Two comments, I had my 2013 regeared in Dec and it cost about $2300 (there was a regear special at the time) for both front and back. Prior to that I had been quoted between $1000 and $2000 per axle depending on where I went. Apparently the cost varies around the country with some areas higher and some lower. I have been told multiple times that 4.56s are recommended for 35" tires and the automatic but to consider 4.88s if I intended to tow at higher elevations or eventually go to 37" tires.

 

The prices of parts and labor have gone up just like everything else. I had mine done is 2016 and it was $1400 and was a good deal. A good deal today would be around $1800.

As far as you attempting it or not it comes down to how patient you are. It is not hard with the proper tools but it does take time.

 

My husband is not a mechanic but might as well be. He's rebuilt engines, trannies etc etc. If it can be modified or re-built he's done it. He won't do a re-gear again. There are some specialty tools you'll need to factor into your budget. Unless your BIL has a bearing press laying around- amongst others. I am firm believer in experience counts- there is "how to do it" and then "how easy the guy who has done it 100 times" makes it look. If I needed a re-gear on my JL I'd spend $1500 no doubt. Though I'd certainly shop your area for pricing.

 

You definitely can do a regear yourself. I did mine with good results. There are some tools that are either necessary or will make the job a whole lot easier. If you have to buy those, then the economics of doing it yourself probably won't really pencil out. Maybe you will save a few hundred bucks, buy you will be putting in a lot of time and won't have any warranty in case there's a problem. So if you are just doing it yourself to save a few hundred bucks, then I would recommend that you have a shop do it. But if you are a DIYer and there's value to you in learning new things, then go for it. I recently set up a new set of axles for my jeep. Since I already had the tools from the first regear, and the knowledge learned, it was a fairly easy and enjoyable project.

 

What tools we are needed? I believe I have a bearing press at my dads, he farms and I’m pretty sure I’ve used it for other things. I may have a lot of it. Thanks

 

As part of selecting a shop, check what the warranty terms are if you supply the gears or if they will only give you a full warranty if they supply the gears/install kit as well. That's been an issue for a few members here in the past. I'd also agree with installing a locker while you're in there--why pay for labor twice. Good luck.

 

add a programmer in this unless you have one. To change gear ratio on the 5 speed needs to be programmed or it goes to limp mode. I would think the 8 speed will need the same.

 

Curious, but OP, where did you get the idea that lockers are high-maintenance?

 

Look into a truTrac if you don't want an automatic locker.

 

I paid $1000 OTD back in 2015 on my 1st Jeep. Now on my 2nd Jeep i paid $1200 OTD in Jun 2021, that's everything parts, labor taxes etc etc. Used the same dudes, and my shop doesn't keep the Jeep for 3 days lol. I was in and out in just couple of hours from 3.21 to 4.56. they did my rear locker last month. One hour to get that installed. (locker install only i did the wiring msyelf)

 

where are you located? That’s really cheap

 

Its around $1500 now unless you take it to a Jeep dealer, Call Rebel offroad

 

I recently had my 2014 Rubicon regeared at Exodus 4x4. I went with 4:88's running 35" tires. I went from less than 13mpg to 14+ mpg immediately. It's like a totally different Jeep now. Tax and all I paid slightly north of $1700. I am very satisfied so far.