Jordan7118,
Wow, I didn't even know about the W-56. I'm glad you mentioned it. I'll see if I can locate one. About the 456:1, I had hoped that I did the math right. On the first one I used 3.9 x 4.7 x 4.1 = 75 (roughly). On the second (with dual transfer case arrangement, assuming that means 2 of them end to end) I did 3.9 x 4.7 x 4.7 x 5.29 = 456 (again, roughly) but I don't know if that is how they are set up. Either way, I'm probably going to go with the W-56 to start (first gear is 3.954).
I believe the tires on it now are around 30 (maybe 29.5?) and that's okay for a start. I'll take it out a bunch and the see what I want to do next. It will probably be to go with the 5.29 diff equipped with ARB lockers. Those will cost a bit so I will probably start with the rear and then eventually get to the front. Having no experience with the ARB lockers in a truck, I really like what they do for our snowcats. I got the thing stuck once (if you can believe that!) and it started to throw a track (darned rubber-tracked piece of
). I would have been thoroughly screwed if I didn't have those ARB's. I'm sure they are every bit as great a benefit in any vehicle.
Steve_925,
Dual stock cases seems like a good idea. It's probably inexpensive too. Do you, in fact, hook them up end to end? Would that mean that you'd have a 5.2:1 possibility with dual 2.28's. Shoot . . . I may as well do that since I already have one of the cases, but that also sounds like I may need to change the length of my drive shafts. See, I really am a noob. Is it starting to show yet, or has it been like a big neon sign all along!!!
Anyways, I can't thank you guys enough for all the help. For the last 2-3 weeks, I had no idea what to do or where to start, but now at least I have a direction to follow.
Update: I found someone who wants to sell a W-56 along with a chain-driven topshift case for $250 or $150 each if sold separately. Would it be worth it to get the case too? It's from a 4Runner he is parting out.
