Mastering the Trail: Revolution Gear & Axle Dana 44 Rear 4.56 Gear Upgrade for Your Jeep JL Non-Rubicon

For any serious off-road enthusiast or even a daily driver looking to optimize their Jeep Wrangler JL Non-Rubicon, the stock gearing can often be a limiting factor. Whether you've upgraded to larger tires, added significant weight with aftermarket accessories, or simply crave better low-end torque for crawling over challenging terrain, a gear ratio change is one of the most impactful modifications you can make. At CI Motorsports, we understand the pursuit of peak performance, which is why we're excited to delve into the Revolution Gear & Axle Dana 44 Rear 4.56 Ratio Gear Package – a professional-grade solution designed to transform your Jeep's capabilities.

This comprehensive package from Revolution Gear & Axle isn't just about swapping out parts; it's about fundamentally enhancing your vehicle's driving dynamics, ensuring it performs exactly as you need it to, both on and off the pavement. From improved acceleration and optimized engine RPM with larger tires to superior control in technical off-road situations, the right gear ratio can make all the difference. Let's explore how this premium differential upgrade can elevate your Jeep JL Non-Rubicon experience.

Understanding the Power of Gear Ratios: Why 4.56?

Before diving into the specifics of the Revolution Gear & Axle Dana 44 Rear 4.56 Ratio Gear Package, it’s crucial to understand what gear ratios are and why selecting the right one is paramount for your Jeep JL. In simple terms, your vehicle's gear ratio determines how many times the driveshaft spins for every one rotation of your wheel. A higher numerical ratio (like 4.56 compared to a stock 3.45 or 3.73) means the engine will spin more revolutions for each rotation of the tires, translating to more torque at the wheels.

The Benefits of a 4.56 Gear Ratio:

• Optimized Performance with Larger Tires: When you install larger diameter tires (e.g., 35-37 inches), you effectively increase your overall gear ratio, making your engine work harder to achieve the same speed. This can lead to sluggish acceleration, constant downshifting, and reduced fuel economy. A 4.56 gear ratio re-calibrates your drivetrain, bringing your engine back into its optimal power band, restoring lost performance, and improving drivability.
• Enhanced Low-End Torque for Off-Roading: For serious off-roading, especially rock crawling or tackling steep inclines, low-end torque is king. The 4.56 gearing provides a significant boost, allowing for more precise throttle control at low speeds. This makes navigating challenging obstacles easier, reducing strain on your engine and drivetrain components.
• Improved Towing Capability: If you use your Jeep JL Non-Rubicon for towing, a higher gear ratio like 4.56 can make a noticeable difference. It helps the engine maintain RPM more efficiently, reducing strain and improving the overall towing experience, especially when hauling heavier loads.
• Better Power Delivery: While it might seem counterintuitive to some, a well-matched gear ratio can actually improve the feeling of power and responsiveness throughout the RPM range, making your Jeep feel more lively and enjoyable to drive in various conditions.

The Revolution Gear & Axle Difference: Precision Engineering for Your Dana 44

Revolution Gear & Axle has earned its reputation as a leader in drivetrain components by focusing on precision, durability, and performance. The Revolution Gear & Axle Dana 44 Rear 4.56 Ratio Gear Package is a testament to this commitment, offering a comprehensive solution for your Jeep JL Non-Rubicon's rear differential. This isn't just a basic gear swap; it's an investment in a meticulously engineered system designed for demanding automotive applications.

The Dana 44 axle is a robust foundation, and Revolution Gear & Axle enhances its capabilities with components crafted from premium materials. Every gear set undergoes rigorous testing and quality control to ensure perfect meshing, minimal noise, and maximum longevity. When you choose Revolution Gear & Axle, you're choosing components designed to withstand the harsh realities of off-road adventures and the daily grind.

Key Features of the Revolution Gear & Axle Dana 44 Rear 4.56 Ratio Gear Package:

• High-Quality Ring and Pinion Gears: The core of this package, the ring and pinion gears, are precision-machined from high-strength steel. They are heat-treated for optimal hardness and strength, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to wear even under heavy loads and extreme conditions. The careful manufacturing process ensures proper tooth contact patterns, which is critical for quiet operation and long life.
• Complete Master Install Kit: This isn't just the gears; it's a complete differential install kit. The package includes all necessary components for a proper installation, such as high-quality bearings and races (carrier bearings, pinion bearings), shims for precise gear setup, a crush sleeve or solid spacer kit, pinion nut, gear marking compound, and RTV sealant. This ensures that every aspect of your new differential setup meets professional standards.
• Direct Fitment: Engineered for direct fitment into the specified Dana 44 rear axle, minimizing installation complications and ensuring compatibility with your existing axle housing and carrier. This allows for a smoother upgrade process, though professional installation is always recommended.
• Manufacturer Warranty: Backed by Revolution Gear & Axle's manufacturer warranty, giving you peace of mind in your investment and confidence in the product's quality and reliability. At CI Motorsports, we only carry brands we trust, and Revolution Gear & Axle is certainly one of them.

Benefits You'll Experience with Your New 4.56 Gears

The upgrade to a Revolution Gear & Axle Dana 44 Rear 4.56 Ratio Gear Package will fundamentally change how your Jeep JL Non-Rubicon feels and performs. Here’s a breakdown of the tangible benefits you can expect:

• Superior Low-End Torque and Acceleration: Feel an immediate improvement in your vehicle's responsiveness off the line and at lower speeds. This increased torque is invaluable for overcoming obstacles, pulling out of sticky situations, or simply merging onto highways with confidence.
• Optimal Engine RPM for Larger Tires: Say goodbye to your engine constantly hunting for the right gear. With 4.56 gears, your engine will operate within its peak power and efficiency band, resulting in smoother driving, less transmission strain, and often better fuel economy (compared to running oversized tires with stock gears).
• Enhanced Off-Road Control and Crawling: For the avid off-roader, the increased mechanical advantage of 4.56 gearing provides unparalleled control. You can crawl over rocks and through mud with greater precision, reducing the need for excessive throttle input and minimizing wheel spin. This translates to a more enjoyable and capable off-road experience.
• Improved Towing and Hauling: If your Jeep JL Non-Rubicon serves double duty as a tow vehicle, these gears will significantly improve its capability. You'll experience less strain on the engine and transmission, easier starts with a trailer, and better performance on inclines.
• Reduced Drivetrain Stress: While often overlooked, running oversized tires with inadequate gearing places immense stress on your transmission, transfer case, and existing differential components. By correcting the gear ratio, you allow your entire drivetrain to operate more efficiently, potentially extending the life of these expensive parts.

Is This Gear Package Right for Your Jeep JL Non-Rubicon?

This Revolution Gear & Axle Dana 44 Rear 4.56 Ratio Gear Package is specifically designed for the 2018+ Jeep Wrangler JL Non-Rubicon models equipped with a Dana 44 rear axle. It's crucial to confirm your vehicle's axle type before purchasing. While it's a fantastic upgrade, here are some considerations to help you decide if it's the right choice for your build:

• Tire Size: Ideal for Jeep JL Non-Rubicons running 35-inch to 37-inch tires. This ratio perfectly complements these larger diameters.
• Driving Style: If you frequently go off-roading, engage in rock crawling, or tow heavy loads, this gear set will provide substantial benefits.
• Daily Driving: While excellent for off-road, a 4.56 ratio might lead to slightly higher cruising RPMs on the highway compared to stock, which is a trade-off for the massive gains in low-end torque. Most drivers find the balance to be highly favorable, especially with larger tires.
Front Axle: Remember, if you are upgrading your rear gears, you must* also upgrade your front axle gears to the exact same ratio (e.g., a Dana 30 or Dana 44 front axle with 4.56 gears) to prevent severe damage to your drivetrain, especially when engaging 4WD. CI Motorsports offers a full range of complementary front gear packages to complete your upgrade.

Professional Installation: A Must for Differential Gears

Installing differential gears is not a DIY job for the faint of heart. It requires specialized tools, precision measurements, and extensive knowledge of drivetrain mechanics. Incorrect installation can lead to premature wear, excessive noise, and catastrophic failure.

Key Aspects of a Proper Gear Installation:

• Pinion Depth Adjustment: Critical for correct tooth contact between the pinion and ring gear. Requires shims and precise measurement tools.
• Backlash Setting: The amount of play between the ring and pinion teeth. Too much or too little can cause noise and premature wear.
• Preload Settings: Proper bearing preload ensures longevity and smooth operation of the differential.
• Tooth Contact Pattern Analysis: Using gear marking compound to ensure the gears are meshing correctly across their entire tooth face. This is the ultimate check of a correct setup.

CI Motorsports highly recommends having the Revolution Gear & Axle Dana 44 Rear 4.56 Ratio Gear Package installed by a certified automotive technician or a shop experienced in differential setups. This ensures the job is done right the first time, protecting your investment and ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Maintenance and Care for Your New Revolution Gears

Once your new Revolution Gear & Axle Dana 44 Rear 4.56 Ratio Gear Package is installed, a proper break-in procedure is vital for ensuring long-term reliability and performance. This is not a step to be skipped!

Gear Break-In Procedure:

• Initial Drive: Drive for 20-30 minutes at moderate speeds, avoiding hard acceleration or heavy towing. Let the differential cool completely for at least an hour.
• Repeat Cycles: Perform 2-3 more short driving cycles, allowing for full cooling in between. The goal is to allow the gears to slowly heat cycle and for the gear oil to properly lubricate and protect the new contact surfaces.
• Avoid Excessive Heat: During the break-in, avoid situations that generate excessive heat, such as continuous highway speeds for extended periods, aggressive off-roading, or heavy towing.
• First Fluid Change: After approximately 500 miles, it is strongly recommended to change the differential fluid. This removes any microscopic metal particles that have worn off during the initial break-in period, which is completely normal. Use a high-quality, recommended gear oil for your Dana 44 axle.

Ongoing Maintenance:

• Regular Fluid Checks: Periodically check your differential fluid levels and condition. Contaminated or low fluid can lead to premature wear.
• Scheduled Fluid Changes: Follow your Jeep's manufacturer recommendations or, for heavily used off-road vehicles, consider more frequent fluid changes (e.g., every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually).
• Inspection: During tire rotations or other maintenance, visually inspect your differential for any leaks or unusual noises. Addressing issues early can prevent major problems.

Why Choose CI Motorsports for Your Revolution Gear & Axle Upgrade?

At CI Motorsports, we are passionate about automotive performance and dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality parts and expert advice. When you purchase your Revolution Gear & Axle Dana 44 Rear 4.56 Ratio Gear Package from us, you're not just getting a product; you're gaining a partner in your vehicle's journey.

We pride ourselves on:

• Premium Product Selection: We meticulously curate our inventory, offering only trusted brands like Revolution Gear & Axle that meet our stringent standards for quality, performance, and durability.
• Expert Knowledge: Our team comprises automotive enthusiasts and experts who can provide guidance, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions about your upgrades.
• Customer-Centric Service: From pre-purchase inquiries to post-sale support, we are committed to an exceptional customer experience.
• Competitive Pricing: We strive to offer the best value for premium performance parts, ensuring you get top-tier products without breaking the bank.

We understand the importance of reliable, high-performance components, especially when it comes to the critical drivetrain of your Jeep JL Non-Rubicon. Our goal is to empower you to tackle any challenge with confidence, knowing your vehicle is equipped with the best.

Unleash Your Jeep's True Potential

Upgrading your Jeep JL Non-Rubicon with the Revolution Gear & Axle Dana 44 Rear 4.56 Ratio Gear Package is more than just a modification; it's an investment in an unparalleled driving experience. Customers consistently praise the quality and performance of this product, noting significant improvements in their vehicle's off-road prowess, daily drivability, and overall responsiveness. The difference between struggling with oversized tires and gliding over obstacles with optimized gearing is truly transformative.

Don't let stock limitations hold back your adventure. Enhance your off-road capability, restore lost power, and optimize your Jeep's performance with this top-tier gear upgrade. Whether you're conquering rugged trails or simply seeking a more robust and efficient daily driver, this Revolution Gear & Axle package delivers outstanding results for demanding automotive applications.

Ready to transform your Jeep JL Non-Rubicon? Shop this product at CI Motorsports today and feel the Revolution difference! If you have any questions or need further assistance in selecting the perfect gear ratio for your specific setup, don't hesitate to contact our expert team. We're here to help you build the ultimate off-road machine.