3.73 vs 3.54

Found a set of set of axles for my build that are 3.54 that I would like to update with, my stock ones are 3.73. I will be running the 225, T14 and D20. Will this be a big difference?

 

Pretty easy to start burning up clutches when you get that high. Even if you are running really short tires, it would be less then optimal. I think of 3.73s as the bare minimum for a 3 speed transmission. On the other hand you can cruise down the highway at 80 mph just above an idle.

 

Where are you taking this, on road only or mild off road? What's in your mind?

 

3.55 is doable, but yeah keep your tires under 31" for sure..

 

Mostly highway and an occasional trail ride.

 

Are your stock gears in OK condition? You can always swap the 3.73's over to the new axles.

 

3.54 was the standard CJ ratio after 1975.
That's 46 / 1
3.54 is only a 5% increase over 3.73 gears.
Instead of cruising say at 60 mph it will cruise at 63 mph.
But I agree 3.73 is a better FDR for the Dauntless power band unless most time is spent on the hiway.

 

My opinion is that it isn't worth the effort to swap them for the minimal gain you would get out of it. My Commando has 3.37's in it and I wish it had the 4.27 gears.

 

I have to wonder if my 68 has the 3.37's or the 3.54's in it. I can hit 80MPH on the highway and the Dauntless just hums along. Love to put a tach on it someday so I can see the RPM'S. My speedometer starts at 30 degrees below 0 MPH, so at 80 MPH, I'm just touching the 5 on 50. Odometer seems darn close, I get 9.7 tenths between two highway milepost markers, probably due to the 30.5 inch tires I gather.....