Topic: tranny for eventual build

[wi1dweasal]

ok, so im tryin to plan out my eventual build for my baby 97 wrangler. now the plan i have in my head is as follows- swap out the rear axle for either an 8.8 or d44. put in small budget lift, do a highline fender kit, put some 34's or 35's on(i know i'll have to change the gears). lunch box lockers front and rear, tera low tcase kit or maybe atlas? but my bigest question is what tranny??  i really like the low gear of the 465 but doing an ax15 swap wood be cheaper. any suggestions? i play mostly in the mud but would like a rig that is a good over all performer, who knows where i'll be in the next couple years.  thanks

[VA_YJ]

I'm not the most knowledgable person on the forum, but here are a few thoughts:

The 8.8 is generally cheaper that the D44.  You can get an Explorer axle ('95 and up) with disc brakes.  The lowest factory ratios are 3.73 and 4.11, but the 4.11s are hard to find.  Mountain Off Road Equipment (MORE) makes a kit for $363 that has all the weld-on brackets and e-brake cables to put the 8.8 on a TJ.  RE and others also sell bracket kits.  The stock brackets are a bit weak, so I would go with HD brackets.

With a "small budget lift", and fender kit, you will likely have trouble running 35's.  The Interco Super Swampers (narrow 34 x 9.5) will fit on stock wheels.  If they rub, you can add 1" body lift.  Also remember the lowest available ratio for your Dana 35 front is 4.88.  This ratio is ideal for a 4 banger with 33" tires.

The NV3550 tranny (2000 model TJs) is very strong.  If I were doing a swap for a 4 banger, I'd look for one. http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/nv3550.htm  You can bolt the 231J with terralow right on the back.

[VA_YJ]

I found an interesting article on how to fit 35s on an unlifted TJ - you have to buy a custom hood, move the rear axle back about 1", and cut off lots of sheet metal.  I don't like it, but it is a possibility.

http://www.jpmagazine.com/projectbuild/154_0503_1998_jeep_wrangler_tj_tire_fitting/index.html

[Jeffy]

ok, so im tryin to plan out my eventual build for my baby 97 wrangler. now the plan i have in my head is as follows- swap out the rear axle for either an 8.8 or d44. put in small budget lift, do a highline fender kit, put some 34's or 35's on(i know i'll have to change the gears). lunch box lockers front and rear, tera low tcase kit or maybe atlas? but my bigest question is what tranny??  i really like the low gear of the 465 but doing an ax15 swap wood be cheaper. any suggestions? i play mostly in the mud but would like a rig that is a good over all performer, who knows where i'll be in the next couple years.  thanks

Well, if you don't need a 5th gear then the 465 would be a good choice.  A SM620 or SM640 would also be a good choice. A NV4500 would be another choice BUT they are expensive even used.  That would be the best choice though since it gives you a lot of options.

[daryy]

I make sure I will buy a custom hood

**banned**