ColoJeeper previously posted:
"I would have to ask about what your plans are for wheeling the jeep and how difficult of trails you are planning to run? For probably 80% of the wheeling I do in Colorado and Moab, I am in either 2nd or 3rd gear in low range, and often didn't bother using low range, but ran 4hi in first gear.
For another comparison, my 2011 Rubicon has a crawl ratio of 73.1 (4.46 x 4 x 4.10) and again I seldom find myself using 1st gear. For either jeep about the only time I use first gear is in big rocks or for engine braking going downhill on a steep rough trail.
About the only time I have wished I had a lower crawl ratio was a few trails in Moab, and down at Penrose or Montrose."
Agreed - just for some fun I crunched a few numbers. From your numbers, sounds like the D300 is a reduction of 2.6 or so. So, if your in your second gear low (guess a bit on numbers here but maybe 3x2.6x4.27) you are crawling at 33 - not much different than my 1st low at 37 - and thus it does 80% of whats needed - but that remaining 20% is the crux part of some fun trails. Also, keep in mind with your 6.69 1st, that even in hi range, with 4.27 axles, you are crawling at 28.5 - which isn't much different than your 2nd low. That is better than mine in 2nd gear low range (1.61x2.46x4.88 = 19), which is my second lowest gearing. I only have one lower geared option than your 1st gear high! Granny gears go along ways when needed, and still give you the standard 3 speeds for highway driving (especially with the Warn OD set-up on my D18).
I do get what your saying - that is part of the reason I am interested in Louis experience as we have run some trails together and I feel I can relate to his experience - especially when he gets back from Moab. If the BJ struggles or cruises on Fins or Hells or whatever then that would be good feedback. I'd like to be comfortable on some of the bigger rocks - say Moab stuff like Hells R and the like or even just some of the stuff like the big rock on Longwater or Hackett - seems like I could use some help there although a good traction device in the rear would also help. Kinda thinking more along the lines of gearing before going the traction device route. The engine braking is also really helpful when you are running 10in drums with no power assist. It gets tiring to keep a load of pressure on the brake pedal - thinking of upgrading to 11in drums on the front which would help - brake booster would require hanging pedal and MC relocation. Fuel Injection (TBI) would help with the steep rocks slabs and flooding or starving carburetors. Maybe I just need a new Jeep! At least I finally upgraded from ignition contact points and got some new more aggressive MT tires this offseason in quest for traction and . Its all good...especially your CJ - like it a lot.
....sorry Louis for sidetracking your thread...