New direction>SM465 is out-NV4500 is in

[SunSoaked]

I just realized that my plan to install the ranger splitter and all the associated "snowball" effects could be replaced with an easier, simpler and cheaper alternative.

Most of the stuff I have to purchase, change or modify anyway include: the ranger ($1400), hydraulic clutch, bellhousing, rebuild kit for the SM465, input shaft, adapter and rebuild kit for the NP205, modifing both driveshafts, moving the engine fwd, etc.

A little research revealed I can buy new/used NV4500s all day long between $1000-1500. I'll worry about a late model (32 spline) T-case afterwards.

For a "mostly" daily driver, the first gear ratios (6.54 vs 5.61) is insignificant, but the 27% overdrive that 5th gear provides is what I really need. With the 4.56 gears, I end up with the same ratio in the end either way with a much cleaner package.