opinions matter......what's yours?

[cj rob]

Hey all. Been a while since I have been on here. Got a build idea that I am looking for advice or input on. If anyone has done this set up it would be great to get you opinion as well.
The following is on a 82 CJ7 .

Current set up: vortec 5.3, AX15 tranny, Dana 300 tc, 30 front and the terrible 20 rear. The rear has been converted over to 1 piece axles though and are getting me by. This sits on a 4.5 inch lift with 35s.

Plan: Cummins 4bt diesel, sm465 tranny, np205 tc, Chevy 14 bolt rear and Dana 60 front,
SOA and keeping the lift. I will need a 1 inch body lift to clear the tranny and yes I know this will be tall. I plan on running 39s. Gear ratio I'm looking at is 3.73 which should be very adequate.

Let me know what yall think. Thanks. Robert

 

[007]

I think you'll hate 3.73's with 39" tires. Check out Grimm Jeeper's gear ratio page here ---Grimm Jeeper

 

[cj rob]

That is where I have been doing a lot of my research. This is going to be a weekend warrior. Something that can be driver to the bog and play all weekend and then drive home. Top speed would be about 70, although I won't be doing that with those sived tires. My low range would be amazing and with the torque of the 4bt I could use it as a 2 speed. 3rd to 4th with 1st and 2nd being reserved for crawling and towing. Thank you for the input. I'm still doing research. I am also considering 4.10s but still not sure.

 

[Shifter]

I think we should swap transmissions..

 

[cj rob]

You don't like the 465? What gear set are you running?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That's gonna be one nose hvy Jeep....
Not gonna get far in the mud with the weight your add'n.
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

You asked for an opinion. Why not keep the donor vehicle together and add a nice stretched scrambler body to the frame. Then you won't ruin a perfectly good CJ AND have a very cool custom rig with a frame and suspension made for that great smelly awful sounding beast of a diesel. There is something about horrible smelling diesel exhaust blowing smoke at a stop light or running down the freeway that makes me have negative thoughts about diesel vehicles. ..... my dad was a truck driver and I lived all winter with a diesel truck running while sitting in the driveway constantly revving up and down on the governor.

 

[Shifter]

You don't like the 465? What gear set are you running?

It's a great tuff Transmission .. Would just like Overdrive . Running 3.73 on 31"s