Front axle on all XJs. Reverse-rotation cut (drive side on the back of the ring). Available 3.07-5.38. Yukon is the safe choice, USA Standard the budget.
The XJ front axle is a Dana 30 (specifically the high-pinion D30 used in lifted XJs, low-pinion D30 in 80s-90s XJs — they take different ring and pinion sets).
Reverse rotation: the front axle drives off the back side of the ring gear (because the pinion sits below center on a low-pinion D30). This means front gear sets are 'reverse cut' — confirm you're ordering the right cut.
Vendor options:
Yukon Gear & Axle: the standard. Decent pinion grade, consistent pattern. $190-260 per set. Yukon master install kit $220-280. Lifetime warranty on the gears.
Motive Gear: comparable quality, slightly cheaper. $170-230. Common at off-road retailers.
USA Standard (Yukon budget line): $140-180. Adequate for most builds. Slightly noisier in some lots; if you're sensitive, spend up.
Sierra Gear: premium offering, slightly stronger heat treat. $250-320. Worth it for hard-launching or competition trucks.
Nitro Gear: similar to Yukon, slightly different setup characteristics.
Available ratios for Dana 30: 3.07, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10, 4.56, 4.88, 5.13, 5.38 (limited stock for 5.38).
For 33" tires: 4.56 is the sweet spot. For 35" with stroker: 4.56-4.88.
Matching to rear: the front and rear gear ratios should match exactly, even if axle types differ. A 4.56 Dana 30 front and a 4.56 8.25 rear is correct. Mismatched ratios cause t-case bind.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Yukon D30 4.56 ring/pinion | Yukon | ~$220 |
| Yukon D30 master install kit | Yukon | ~$240 |
| USA Standard D30 4.56 | USA Standard | ~$165 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.