Overview
The G2 Axle and Gear 4-YJ2-488 is a 4.88 ratio front and rear ring and pinion kit for the Jeep Wrangler YJ. The YJ name in the title is the chassis code for the 1987-1995 Wrangler. The kit is set up for a Dana 30 reverse front axle and a Dana 44 rear axle, so both axles are changed to the same ratio in one order.
G2 builds the gears to original equipment specifications and describes them as strong and quiet performance sets. Each kit includes the front and rear master installation kits, which are matched to the gear sets they accompany.
Key features
- Front and rear 4.88 ratio ring and pinion sets
- Dana 30 reverse front axle with a Dana 44 rear axle
- Matched master installation kits for both axles
- Computer heat treated 8620 steel gears
- Double shot peened and double lapped
- Limited lifetime warranty
Choosing gears for a YJ
Changing both axles to a shorter ratio at the same time keeps the front and rear turning at matching speeds, which matters for the transfer case and driveline under the Wrangler. Gears at this ratio pull harder at low speed and turn the engine faster on the highway, so a driver who spends time on steep grades or in deep sand will notice the change more than someone who mostly drives flat roads. Think about the tires the vehicle runs before fitting anything, because ratio and tire diameter together decide how the engine feels at a given speed.
Gear sets rarely wear alone. A driver changing ring and pinion gears often replaces the pinion bearings, crush sleeve and seals at the same time, since the carrier is already open. Check the gear oil for metal flakes at the first oil change after the swap, and listen for whine or chatter that changes with speed, which can point to a setup problem.
- Pinion bearings and seals to replace during the job
- Gear oil suited to the axle type
- Driveline angles after any lift change
Specifications
| Brand | G2 Axle and Gear |
|---|---|
| Part number | 4-YJ2-488 |
| UPC | 700007521701 |
| Gear ratio | 4.88 |
| Front axle | Dana 30 reverse |
| Rear axle | Dana 44 |
| Material | Computer heat treated 8620 steel |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Vehicle fitment
Fitment is taken from the product name, which gives the YJ chassis code for the Jeep Wrangler (YJ), 1987-1995. The kit is set up for a Dana 30 reverse front and a Dana 44 rear.
The YJ years run 1987 to 1995. Later Wrangler generations, including the TJ, LJ and JK, are outside those years. Confirm your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
The front axle must be a Dana 30 reverse, so confirm that before ordering. After the gears are installed, check pinion depth and backlash, and keep each master installation kit with its own gear set.
What’s included
Front and rear 4.88 ring and pinion sets, with matched master installation kits for both axles.
Not included: The carriers are not part of this kit.
