Optimal gearing set up

[Tiffster]

OK, I know most everyone goes with 4.56 gears to push the 33s, but is that truly the optimal gear ratio for that size tire?

I ask because I want to make sure I get this right the first time.

FACTS:
Stocky is my daily driver
I will not run anything bigger than 33s on this XJ
Do a lot of long highway driving in the summer
Want the best setup for overall use

Knowing that, is 4.56 the best setup to go with? Or would y'all suggest something else? 4.10s? 4.88s?

Help me out, I want to buy everything for this swap this week, but want to make the best decision.

[derf]

I'd say go with the 4.10s. Those gears with the 33" tires will give you about the same final drive ratio as the stock gears (3.55) and tires (roughly 28.5"). I know that my 2001 XJ with stock gears and tires has no trouble getting up and over any obstacle. That 6 cyl is tough enough to get the XJ around with shorter gears. And since you are planning on doing a lot of highway driving, you will appreciate the mileage with the 4.10s over the 4.56.

An alternative is to change the low ratio in your transfer case. There are kits out there that will give you around a 4.0:1 low ratio for serious rock crawling without sacrificing your highway mileage.

[SactoXJ]

I vote for the 4:56's. I think they will help you pull the hills around Denver. I also agree with Derf on the 4 to 1 kit for your transfer case. Hope this helps ya!!