4:1 in Dana 300? Is it worth the $$$?

[GaryMB]

Check engine light???

Since I'm doing an engine and transmission swap, I figure now is the time to rebuild and modify my transfer case. Well I am going to rebuild it for sure seeing as the seals leak, but I am debating installing the Lomax 4:1 gear reduction kit. It's about $600, and so far the only place I have really had alot of trouble with my gearing is in the rocks (I'll be doing the 'con later this summer so wish me luck). I have 3.31 in the axles, but plan on swapping in dana 44's later on with either 4.11 or 4.56 gearing (for 33's, possibly 35's if I ever get enough lift and trim the fenders). I do have overdrive and a 4.03:1 first gear (NV3550 transmission). My engine will have no lack of torque (a stroker). I have never wheeled another jeep so i'm really not familiar with the benefits of lower gears. How will lower gears affect hill climbs? Will I be able to recover my original low-range by upshifting the transmission? I'm also thinking of installing a twin-stick shifter and I've heard of people installing fins on the output shaft to help oil the bearings and seals during 4-down trailering. Any ideas?

 

[Junkpile]

Both of those mods should be done after an upgrade to the output shafts in my opinion. Alot of people install the twin shifters and just remember to stay off the gas pedal too hard when playing with them. While I could see it being really useful in the right situation, I'm not a big fan. I'd do it just for the cool factor though 8)
The 4:1 gears.....with a stroker? Upgrade the rear output shaft or you will probably break it. I don't have a real use for gearing that low in my area, but again, I can see it being an advantage in the right situation. It works alot better in dry conditions with alot of traction. All of my hills are covered in sand, loose dirt, or mud so the extra low gearing is more of a negative than a positive because wheel speed is more important. It's hard to crawl through mud.

These things are easy enough to do at any time. If it were mine, I'd go ahead and get it going and see if you really need any additional gear reduction for what you'll be doing.

 

[redrooster]

RE: Jeep Trailor???

The main benefit of the Lomax is that you get better gearing without regearing axles that you plan to sell anyway and you maintain good road speeds. The Dana 300 is good from the factory and is a desirable case to build upon. It's the next best thing to an Atlas especially if you put the 32 spline shfts upgrades in. $600 for the gears is not that bad. You would be looking at close to that for the axles if you did it yourself. The Teralow kits are over $900.
If it were me, I would get the Lomax installed and leave the stock axles alone. I would also wait until the output on the transfer case breaks before upgrading to the 32 spline. They are good quality but may not be necessary with 35's. There are plenty of people who run the stock 300 without breaking the output.
If you are concerned about towing, talk to John at JB Conversions when you order the Lomax. He will help you out with those questions.
About the Twin Sticks...my buddy sells the ones that are on E-bay. I haven't heard any complaints about them and he sells a pile. I'm kind of confused about what Junk meant by playing with the twin sticks under throttle. You shouldn't shift a gear driven case under throttle anyway because there are no syncros. The twin stick is awesome for doing front digs to steer the vehicle into position on the trail with the rear unlocked. Plus you get 2wd low for the rear. It's well worth it, but keep the front digs to a minimum until you get the front axle swapped out.
Good luck with it, you'll love it. It sounds like you are building a great trail machine.

 

[Junkpile]

I wasn't talking about shifting under power, I was talking about having the front output on the transfer case and the front axle itself handling that much torque when you're doing those front digs. With big power, big tires, and 4:1 Tcase gearing, you better not bring anything smaller than a D60 to the party.


Just don't get stupid with the skinny pedal and you'll be fine.

 

[GaryMB]

This Is A two part question Tires/lights

Do you really think I would need a dana 60 behind a stroker with 4:1 in the T-case and 33" or 35" tires? One of my goals in this buildup is to keep the weight to a minimum...hence the stroker and not 350, and nv3550 instead of nv4500. I was hoping to get by with dana 44's out of a scout, but if they won't hold up with the new powertrain then I'll have to reconsider that. Maybe a 'yota axle? I've heard good things about them.

 

[Junkpile]

RE: YJ Radiator WANTED

I tend to get carried away. You'll be fine with tires that size.