5.38's and V6

Just sitting here thinking and was wondering if anyone runs 5.38's with a V6. I more that likely have a set of D44 5.38's already and I have an OD that rarely gets engaged because of the 3.73's and 33's.

I don't do much highway driving and replacing the gears would most likely be cheaper than putting in an SM420 to get a lower crawl. At 65 MPH with 33's, 5.38's, and OD engaged (.75:1 ?) my RPM's would be 2670. Is this too high?

 

Gonna have to do better than that

I've seen how 4.88's and the V6 do on the trail and think that 5.38's might suit me better than the 420 right now.

 

I'll keep my mouth shut next time

 

Nope, the fact your the one with the *ban* button

 

That was so long ago Sparky I can't remember the guys user name anymore, but wasn't he miffed about the wayt the board was moderated or something and threw a fit to you about it.

 

I think his screen name was Explortainment or something like that...

Now - to steer Joe's post back onto topic - Joe, I think you'd be fine with the 5.38's, OD, and 33's. 2700 RPM's isn't that high. And if worse came to worse, you could just slow down a bit. And you're right, swapping gears would be much cheaper than swapping in the 420. Most will say that a junkyard 420 would only be $100, then $500 for the adaptors. But, by the time you add up all the little things, I think the gear swap would be cheaper (and MUCH more straight-forward).

Just my .02...

 

Warloch how big a tire you running?
If anyone needs an overdrive I have an extra. It's 6 spline 29 tooth.

 

I run 3400 at 65mph with 31's and 5:38s (and in overdrive)
unscientific here-this is what the tach shows and don't know if the tires are true 31's fwiw

 

My 5:38's with 34's and overdrive @ 70 is about 3000

 

Thanks guys!!

I'm going to go down the shop this weekend and see what the rear has in it. I'm just hoping its a D44 because the Jeep is a CJ2a or 3a. When did the D41 get phased out?

Crossing my fingers in hopes that it has a Powerloc

 

The 41 should be in all 2A's and 3A's (should). Maybe the 3B shared the axle late with the CJ5. Idunno.

I vote 5:38 with the V6. You don't need to go 70 in these antiques!

Chant with me *schoolbus schoolbus schoolbus schoolbus*

 

Do the math re crawl ratio. I'd be more inclined to sell the overdrive and 5.38s and install an SM465 or SM420. Top speed will be fine with the 3.73s.

 

Actually just thought about it and even if it had a Powerloc, I would not be able to use it because I have 30 spline axles.

I just hope that the rear is a 44 and not a 41.....that is unless the gears can swap over??..