Opinions wanted on new setup

[bluesman423]

I own a 77 CJ5 with AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , 3speed and a Dana 20 . My gears are 3.54 and I have 33' tires. This is great on the street but terrible off road.

I am contemplating the purchase of a SM420 (7.05:1 low gear), adapter, Dana 300 with complete clutch setup and driveshafts from a 78 CJ5 .

Will this new lower gear setup in low/low be sufficient for hills, a little mud and some of the milder rock crawling found at Disney, Oklahoma?

I am currently running an AMC20 rear with Limited slip differential and one piece axles plus a Dana 30 front with a Lock Right and chrome moly shafts.

 

[gert]

I would think that would do real good offroad a 7.05 first gear is super deep

 

[LASTCJ786]

Look for a 76-79 T-18 (there are two versions)

 

[bluesman423]

Well, I looked for a T-18 from a CJ, hard to find and very expensive around here. Plus I wanted a Dana 300 . The combo of a T-18 Ford plus adapter plus a Dana 300 was more than I am paying for this complete setup.

I realize I could go with a Scout Dana 300 and CJ T-18 but that was also more than this complete setup, not to mention slightly higher geared.

 

[bluesman423]

I forgot to mention that I am getting four pilot bushings and a bellhousing in the deal.

 

[Old Dog]

The 7:1 first gear should be great for rock crawling, it might be to low for hills and mud though. Your probably use 2nd for that.