What gears for my build?

[70']

I am I'm neck deep in a frame off to my 70 SWB 4X4, and am weeks away from going through both my differentials. Here is my planned configuration for the rebuild: stock drive train including the Muncie wide ratio 4 speed and stock t-case. Plan to run a 383 stroker. Truck will have a 6" suspension lift and will run 35" mudders. The question is, what gear ratio do I need to run to ensure its not a dog on the bottom end, yet not red lining the tac to go 50 either. Diffs currently have 3:73 gears in them.

[Mike C]

The 3.73 will probably be pretty good with the torque of the 383. I have a 331 in my Jimmy (.030 large journal 4 bolt 327) and it does well with 4.10.

I'd put it together first and try it out. Don't spend a bunch of money on the 1/2 ton axles they just aren't worth it. If you are not happy with the gear ratio, get a set of 3/4 ton axles with 4.10 for a little more gear or 4.56 for a lot more gear.

Don't run 15" wheels as the tire size selection is WAY better with other sizes. 17's probably the best, but 16's would still allow you to re-use the tires when you change to 3/4 ton axles.

I broke more 12 bolts than I can count, almost all of them on the street not offroading. I wish I had upgraded to 8 lug axles after the first one broke (circa 1985) rather than the last one in 1998.