mis-matched gearing

[awr94903]

Would it work to temporarily run 3.07's in the front and 3.55's in the rear? It would only be in 2wd. I have the np231 with a nondisco d30. If it didn't work as is, couldn't I take out the front driveshaft? TIA

[96Classic]

Take out the front driveshaft and you should be ok.

Justin

[Eagle]

As long as you are in 2WD you're fine. You don't even need to remove the front drive shaft, but I would do it just to be sure I wouldn't forget and pop it into 4WD without remembering the mis-match.

[awr94903]

when the t-case is in 2wd, the front driveshaft is turned by the front wheels right?

[ChiXJeff]

Originally posted by awr94903
when the t-case is in 2wd, the front driveshaft is turned by the front wheels right?

That kind of depends...... if you've got an open diff, there's not much beyond light friction turning the d/s. If you've got a limited slip, locker, spool, etc. then there is probably a fair amount of torque coming back to the d/s.

With a 231, it really doesn't matter, though. Yes, the chain will spin, but as long as you don't engage 4wd in any way, shape or form, the top sprocket should just spin on the shaft without engaging the spines.

Justin and Eagle (as usual) have the best words.

[awr94903]

Ok, thanks guys. It's an open diff in the front, so it sounds like I should be in the clear in 2wd.