[jocko]

TwoFiftyShifter, thanks for that website - I did mis-speak, I meant to say 65mph and I also didn't mention that I have 29.2 in tall tires (measured). I do have a 3.73. I'll chalk the rest up to wobble in my cheesy factory tach... Having said that - no doubt my speedo is off since my tires are a good bit taller than the stockers - so all that probably explains the difference. But as you picked up on, the 5 speed will solve any of those final drive ratio issues, my main question is about the 1st gear issue - and thanks for your thoughts on that - yours line up with everyone else's pretty much in that you don't really think 3.73:1 and 3.27 1st is too much of a problem.

Heater63 - THANKS - that is the calc I was looking for exactly - 3.73 rear/3.27 1st gear with 28-29" tire in 1st. (I was kinda exaggerating with the 3mph comment, I just wanted to be clear what I was trying to avoid) I agree, 23mph is just fine with me - thank you - that is exactly what I was lookin for! I do realize I'd need to swap the carrier if I changed to much lower of a ring & pinion, that's the main reason I don't want to bother with it and prefer to keep my 3.73. Glad you brought that up, I forgot to mention.

Dark1, sounds like you have approx the situation I am trying to avoid since I don't really plan on roasting my hides much - I want a first gear ratio that will act pretty much like a new stock vehicle. Your gear/tire combo is much more suited to smokin the tires than mine (26" tire with 4.11's -vs- 29" tire with 3.73's), so that really helps me get an idea of how mine will behave (i.e. a little more conservatively). Thanks very much - good comparison info!

Thanks gents, I really appreciate the help.
jocko