'71 Build Plan Thoughts

[strider]

After having to sell my 74, I have chosen a 71 to replace it. The 71 isn't mine yet, but a buddy owns it and is holding it for me for a few months (yeah, I owe him!). I'm on the road 75% of the time with most of my off road coming via sand dunes. I drive to and from each rec area, no trailer for me. I like to run around 70 on the highway which, as you'll see below, should net me around 2275 RPMs.

It has a blown 302 (runs but knocks hard in the lower), 3 speed, d20 with stock axles (drums on both d30 and 9") with 3.50 gears.

To replace the factoryoptions I have a 95 351w (5.8) from an f150, a 4r70w 4x4 tranny, and a disk brake d44 front axle. I just grabbed the engine and tranny over the weekend.

My driveline thought is to run the 351w, 4r70w, np205, d44 & 9" with 4.56 gears, and 33" tires. Thoughts? What shifter options are the best for the 4r70w (floor shift, didn't fall in love with the ratchet shifter I used in a TJ build but didn't hate it either).

351w plan: rebuild .030 over with gt40 heads, headers , efi (still reviewing intake options), serp setup, and true duals with X-over pipe.

4r70w plan: have rebuilt to stock, run the USQ1 controller and HPF1 wiring harness.

NP 205 plan: replace seals and run it, twin-stick it.

This thread is my way of planning so please share thoughts or just read along. This build will take a long time as I'm planning to build a house and a 68 Bel Air (daughter just has to have it).

 

[Bferrari]

Sounds like a solid foundation. I live 20 minutes from Pismo Beach, CA sand dunes and have spent quite a bit of time out there. I would definately look into doing EFI on the motor build. Is there a specific reason you are looking to go NP205 over the D20?

 

[strider]

The 4r70w is not a direct bolt-up to the D20 so I'm looking at the NP205 as a lest costly option than an adapter. I can sell the D20 for at least as much as I will spend on the NP205. I don't rock crawl so the lack of super low range won't impact me with the axle gears changing from 3.50s (at least I don't see it impacting me).

I don't like the bigger case and shorter drive shaft, but I'm only going to run a 3" or 3.5" lift so I should be able to bypass driveline vibes without any heroics. If I remember right, I can run the combination u-joints so even that won't be a big deal.

The biggest hassle I'm envisioning is the addition of another t-case crossmember. I have access to a full machine shop so fabricating something won't be too bad.

If I'm overlooking anything, please chime in. I won't want to do this twice because I didn't see a problem before I created it.

Thanks!