Lifting your Jeep opens up a whole new world of off-road capability—but it also creates one of the most overlooked performance problems: stock gearing that’s no longer matched to your tire size.
If you've added bigger tires and noticed sluggish acceleration, reduced MPG, or excessive transmission strain, your gears are likely the issue. In this guide, we’ll break down why re-gearing matters, how to choose the right ratio, and which brands we recommend at JeepHut.
Why Re-Gearing Matters
When you install larger tires, you're changing the final drive ratio—essentially forcing your engine and transmission to work harder to turn each revolution. This results in:
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Power Loss: Feels like your Jeep has gone flat on the throttle.
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Higher Transmission Temps: Especially bad on automatics in hilly terrain.
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Fuel Economy Drops: Your RPMs are off, leading to inefficient shifts.
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Poor Towing Performance: Gearing becomes even more critical if you’re hauling.
Re-gearing restores optimal power and efficiency by compensating for the increased tire diameter.
How to Choose the Right Gear Ratio
Here's a simple reference chart to match tire size with ideal axle gear ratio:
| Tire Size | Daily Driver / Light Off-Road | Heavy Off-Road / Towing |
|---|---|---|
| 33" | 4.10 | 4.56 |
| 35" | 4.56 | 4.88 |
| 37" | 4.88 | 5.13 |
| 40"+ | 5.13 | 5.38+ |
Notes:
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Automatic vs. Manual: Auto transmissions often benefit from slightly higher ratios for better torque.
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JK, JL, JT Differences: Some newer models with 8-speed transmissions handle gearing changes better, but still benefit from swaps at 35”+.
If you’re unsure, our tech team at JeepHut can help recommend the best ratio based on your use case.
Brands We Trust at JeepHut
We carry premium gear sets built for strength and long-term reliability:
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Yukon Gear & Axle – Known for performance and precision; ideal for daily drivers and weekend warriors.
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Revolution Gear & Axle – Great for extreme off-road use and larger tires (40”+).
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Motive Gear – Affordable, dependable, and a great option for budget builds.
All of these are available at JeepHut.com, and many kits include master install kits and carrier upgrades.
When to Consider a Locker Upgrade
If you're already opening up your diff to install gears, it's the perfect time to consider adding a locker or limited-slip unit. Combo installs save labor and maximize trail traction.
We offer:
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Eaton E-Lockers
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ARB Air Lockers
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Yukon Zip Lockers
Let JeepHut Help with the Hard Part
Not sure what ratio to choose? Need help with install kits or labor quotes? Contact our team or stop by JeepHut in Jasper, GA. We can walk you through the full process—from parts to installation—and even bundle gear swaps with axle upgrades or re-gear specials.
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Nationwide shipping or shop installs available