Future drivetrain planning

[cglax6]

Here's what I have right now...

76 CJ5 , AMC 304 , T-18 /Dana 20 , Dana 30 (3.73), Dana 44 (3.73), 2.5" BDS spring lift, 31" tires (10.5" wide). Got it a couple years ago, and worked through a lot of PO issues since. Drives great, but the engine can be squirrely at times.

My current project is rebuilding a 351w and Ford T-18 to go on the D20 xfer case. I'll be converting to twin stick before it's all over.

The final piece of the puzzle is what to do with my differentials. Right now, both are open, and I wanted to get the veterans' opinions on what I'm thinking. Unless I encounter some sort of financial ruin, I will keep my CJ until it turns to dust, or until I do. It currently serves as the grocery-getter, warm weather road rides, and the occasional car show because Jeeps never show up to them in this area (I've won a couple awards, but never best in show, so it's not like I baby the thing...it doesn't stay in a garage either...it's a looker, but definitely not perfect). After I'm done with the engine swap, I'd like to start doing trail rides and some offroading, but I will rarely have the chance to do anything serious. I'd like to offroad with confidence, but don't plan on climbing crazy rock piles/formations.

Here's what I'm thinking about my diffs...

LSD up front and one of those fancy ECTED lockers in the rear. Here's my reasoning...I'll be doing more road driving than offroad. Due to being in the military, I move a lot and I like the versatility of LSD for road applications. Being able to have LSD in the rear with the option of locking appeals to me when I encounter more difficult offroad conditions...translated: I really like having the option.

I guess I could consider a lunchbox up front seeing as the primary terrain is blacktop, but I don't like the way that a lunchbox works. It relies on the built in slop and when those parts wear down, it'll become less reliable (correct me if I'm misunderstanding how they work). Yeah, they're easy to swap in and out, but I like the idea of a permanent and reliable solution. To me, I think it may be worth the extra bucks.

Next issue. Gearing. I don't plan on lifting it any higher than it is with the 2.5" lift...I may end up going to 32s, but that would be the extent. Based on all of the above, would you recommend going numerically higher than 3.73? I'd need to work that out before because options are based on gear ratio. Is there an option between 3.73 and 4.10? Not sure if I'd need 4.10.

Looking for your thoughts.

Appreciate the help!

 

[gert]

Dang dude you have one awesome combo there As is


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[caveman]

I agree with gert

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[mriplaybass]

Lots of things to consider, and it sounds like you have done your homework. You will get many replies based on other members experiences. This topic often sparks debate by members, so take it for what it is worth.

That said, here is my 2¢ worth.
For your application I tend to agree with what you seem to be leaning towards. Some sort of LSD or lunch box up front, with an electric locker in the rear. Electric lockers are expensive, but in my opinion, very versatile. I run Elockers front and rear on a 79 CJ7 w/Dana 30 & Dana 44 . I love it because I can control everything with the flip of a switch. They have never failed me. I also like cable controlled lockers. Same kind of on demand control, but more moving parts to go wrong. Air lockers work well, but again, more moving parts, and you need an air compressor or a CO2 tank & regulator.
As far as gear ratio, sounds like you won't be doing a lot of hard core off roading, so I think 3.73 gears would be a good choice for both road and off road use.

 

[jp360cj]

With 31s or 32 (or even 33), I also think the 3.73s will be a choice all around choice. I've had 3.54s and 3.73s with my 360 and a 3 speed with 33s. It was fine on the street, but needed more low range off road (which your T-18 will take care of). Also, there was very little noticeable change from the 3.54s to 3.73s.

 

[cglax6]

Dang dude you have one awesome combo there As is

Thanks gert and caveman...

I certainly know what I've got and I consider myself lucky to have it and in such good condition. The frame is flawless, I'd give the body a B+ (only flaw is a 3" stress crack in the rear panel...looks like fatigue from the spare riding back there all those years), and it's about to get one hell of a heart transplant.

4WD is great, but I'm looking at the bigger picture. I think at some point in my life, I'm going to want to take it out on the trails and see what it can do with that 351 in there, so some sort of traction control will make it one hell of a rig that will last me a lifetime...of empty wallet.

And I accept all sorts of judgment from you folks...I'm looking for personal experience, opinions, lies, myths...just looking for info before I pull the trigger on these high dollar decisions. Trying to avoid the "man, I wish I thought of that."

Thanks again!

 

[Posi]

For your intended use:
I would recommend keeping your 3.73's
Rear -Selectable locker, you won't like an auto locker in the rear for road use in a short wheelbase 5. They bang, chirp, and kick the rear end over whenever you step on the gas or brake hard. They also cause accelerated tire wear.
Front - keep open. With a rear locker, T-18 , V8, and 32" you can go most anyway without a need for a locker in front. I've done some black (hard) trails with just a rear locker, less crawl ratio, and 81" WB to your 83" WB.
Again, this is suggested for your intended use.

Hope this helps.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Get rid of the Model 20 rear axle setup.
A good LSD ft & re wouldn't be bad......
LG

 

[cglax6]

Get rid of the Model 20 rear axle setup.
A good LSD ft & re wouldn't be bad......
LG

Thank you!

I have a Dana 44 in the rear.

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[007]

Like Bass said, you'll get varying opinions based on varying experiences.

I've only been wheeling since 2012 and in that short time I have seen an electric locker fail (electrical issue), an air locker fail (air supply issue) and a cabled locker fail (melted cable). Now, that doesn't keep you from moving by any means, but it's just one other thing to consider. That said there are A LOT of selectable lockers out there and most all are good, durable, quality units. I agree with Posi on the lunchbox locker (another good design) in the rear on a 5. I personally am a Truetrac fan, but that's just one other guy's opinion.

Here's a good watch to perhaps help you decide...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x40WGUtdaLI