2006 wrangler question on gear ratios

[sheababe]

I am on my second wrangler and looking for a third. I am looking at a 2006 Wrangler Sport-6 cyl.-6 spd. tranny. I am trying to decide whether to get standard tires or the 30" package mostly because of the gear ratio changes with each option. The std. size tires come with a standard 3,07 rear end (which should give you better highway gearing and gas mileage). If I order the 30" tire package, rear end ratios change to a 3.73 Heavy Duty Dana 44 (a lower geared, probably more robust rear end). My question is: Is it worth giving up the heavy duty lower geared rear end (3.73) for the higher speed rear end for more engine economy with the 3.07 or does this put too much strain on other parts as Jeep infers with the rear end change with the tire change? I forgot to mention that I plan on buying larger tires after the purchase if I buy the standard tire package just for the 3.07. Another thing is that with the 6 speed transmission, 1st gear is really low for off road and 6th gear allows you a little extra for the highway speeds over the old 5 speed.

[neon_rt]

I would go for the 3.73 Gears if you want big tires.
Big tires with the 3.07's make it difficult to drive in 6th (5th on mine) gear.
I don't like the 3.07's much myself, I find it difficult to back up b/c it wants to go so fast.

[wilwith1l]

Actually 6th gear is the same as the old 5th gear(OD). 5th is the same as the old 4th(1:1). The lower gears are much closer together. 1st is geared to the ground. In mine traffic sucks cause your always shifting, but I also have 4.11 rear end. It is definantly worth it to go with the Dana 44. It's not bullet proof, but the 1/2" differance in pinion makes a big differance.