[UncleWally]

I've been doing alot of research on this. My plans are to install a NP435/D300 in my CJ. I've spoke with the guys at Novak at length to come up with this combo. I want the low first gear from the trans and the short length. In the 300 I plan on using 4:1 gears. Was thinking of going with the Tera's because of the service I've gotten out of Novak. Just read up on some of the JB Conversions stuff. I'm not sure which way to go with at this point.

This may be the deciding factor. JB makes heavy duty output shafts for front and rear outputs on the 300. I've heard that the output shaft is the week link once you get 4:1 gears in it. Any feedback on these upgrades? It looks to use the mechanical speedo drive. Is that going to be an issue with use of a 258 w/ 4.0 head and fuel injection, or do i just need the speedo drive off the one specific year wrangler? If this is a worthwhile upgrade, I'll just order the whole kit and kaboodle for the 300 from JB (rebuild kit also). Maybe even get a deal because some parts will overlap when doing new output shaft kits front and rear, the lomax kit and master rebuild.

Thanks in advance,
Waldo

[foggybottombob]

There are two versions of D300. In 1980 they made the so called short version with a short rear output shaft and tailcone. The bolt pattern for the tailcone on this version is not the same as it is for the long shaft Dana 300. The long shaft was in the 81-86 CJ's. Oddly enough, all I can find around here are the short versions. You would think there were way more of the long versions around.

I just put the LowMax 4:1 in my D300. I got the t-case stabbed back on last night. I added a clocking ring which added a bit more complexity and twin sticks too. I'm still days away from driving it but I think I got it all back together correctly. If you decide to tear your D300 apart I have some tips for you if you want them. I looked at the lowmax vs the terra gears and it was a no brainer to me. The lowmax kit comes with a lot of bearings and seals. If you are not careful you will miss changing a seal or two. There are no instructions with the seal kit. The guy at JB answered all my questions. There is info lacking in the instruction sheet but I was able to figure out everything that was missing.

[gmakra]

I too have this setup and it is great. I got the NP 435 from Novak and I also got the TeraLow kit and the heavy duty Teara rear output from them also.

And I ran into the big tooth versus small tooth argument and in the end I think its all a wash. They are both quality kits.

I went with the Tera since they have been doing it longer and Novak has been extremely helpful. I had to replace my front output shaft and stayed with the stock setup since I dont plan on bouncing the Jeep (shock loading and thats were you break things) I couldnt justify spending the extra on the front for a marginally better output shaft and trying to find a machine shop that would enlarge the bearing bore. By the way Staks also make a heavy duty front output kit that works with the 300.

In the end I would think its a comfort level and a financial decision.

By the way the NP 435 shifts like a UPS truck its got a very long throw on the shifter but wow what a nice trans. And in 4 wheel low your crawl ratio (depending on axle ratio) should be around 115-1

The only thing I wish the NP 435 had was an overdrive for the freeways.

[gmakra]

I forgot I think you can use a VSS for your 4.0 from any GM product look at the Howell website.

[UncleWally]

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[dhubing]

I installed the JB 4:1 in mine this weekend. I have 37s with stock 2.72 gears (T176), and need not apply throttle to release the clutch in 1st 4low now. Very satisfied with the instructions and install.

FYI-I opted for the 4:1 and not to regear as I don't know how long these axles will be under my CJ, and did not want to dump money into something that probably will be trashed/sold later...

[gmakra]

Well good for you.

It nice having that crisp feel in the shifter isnt it?