what's the easiest way to swap out the gears to make up for the 33" BFG's on my 6cyl yj? just gears and carriers or the whole thing? is it something i can do myself?

If you have the stock d30 and d35. You have to see what carrier you have. One carrier is for 3.54 and numerically lower gears and one is for 3.55 and higher. So if you have 3.73 gears now and want to go to 4.11 you would be fine with just gears. But if you have a 3.54 and want to go to 3.73 or 4.11 then you will need a whole carrier. My yj had 3.54 and when I went to 33s I went to 4.11. and it raised my rpms a little (more power). I think that if I would have gone to 3.73 it might have been about the same. If you are going to change ratios I would suggest upgrading the rear for a Ford 8.8 out of an Explorer. I did one in mine and it is a natural in a Jeep. As a bonus the 8.8 used alot of the same ratios as the jeeps.

the explorer 8.8 is what I'm thinking. Is it something I can do pretty easy and does it matter that i've got 3.5 lift and coiled. I heard that my yj came stock with 3.07 or 3.08 gears is that bs?

Those gears are very possible. The swap on a leafspring yj is very easy. I don't think it would be too much more difficult on a coilspring rig. The only thing you will need in addition would be the mounts for your coil setup. If you need an 8.8 I have 3 here I would make you a good deal on. I know 1 is a 3.73, 1 is a 4.10. The 3rd just came in and Have not checked jet.

would you also recommend beefing up any thing else with the 4.10 gears? I don't off road many times but the few times I do it gets pretty hairy.

I have not had any troubles with mine. From what I have heard the d30 is fine as long as you don't have a v8. Some people I have talked to did have problems with the D35 offroad.

You'll be fine with 33s. Just use common sense.

I appreciate the good advice from you both and will look in to some gears when I get home. 1 thing that has me though, is with all the checking I have found that 87-89 I would have to change carriers but from 90 up I would not. does that sound right? Also what is the deal with reverse or standard rotation? I'm probably getting myself in a little deep with this but I'll learn something. thanks again

Reverse rotataion should only apply to the front axle high pinion models.

ok, my mind is made up. I'm going with the ford 8.8 rear with 4.10. now what do I do with the front? stay w/ the d30. if i do that evrything should be good as long as I match gears. right I've looked up some really good write ups on the dos and don'ts but still could use some help. thanks again. I'll post some pics of the rig in a couple of weeks