No, I'm not being brutal... I just don't see or foresee any progress for a hot minute. As far as me not knowing or understanding what it's like to have a first build is...
. We all have stated, gave ideas, opinions etc from experience etc... Between the two common swaps (Ford & Chevy) both are covered extensively on most Jeep forums. I'm just saying keep it simple... You already know how you are going to use the Jeep, mostly road use with light offroading from time to time. This is my advice for you to start with...
Dana 44 front, Go with the 8.8 rear, Chevy 350, if you want an auto go with the TH350... If you use a driver drop front axle I have a TH350 to Ford
Transfer Case adapter
.... if you want to use a manual tranny go with a 5 speed because this Jeep will be on the road more than the trails. The NV4500 is a great option especially when you toss on a
Dana 300 . The biggest thing in my opinion is knowing how you are going to use it, once you know how you are going to use it, build it to be stronger... with that you can't go wrong.
Ain't that the absolute truth!