I've been thinking about putting in low range gears in my tcase since my tranny is coming out for the Transgo Shift kit. I know I want the lower gears in the 80. I know first hand benefits of lower range gears because my Rock Crawler has the ultimate crawler dual marlin cases. Makes wheeling and crawling easier to not bounce. less skinny peddle = better control = less chance for breakage something mechanically and exterior body panels.
The thing Im struggling with is if should also to upgrade at the same time and go part time 4wd spool since I'm already in there doing low range gears.
Pros: less wear on front end, 2wd = turbo burn outs (even when I know I shouldn't because on thinner 4.88 spider gears), wheel out 2wd if front birf/gear damage, slightly better mpg (not counting on this).
Cons: $$$$, need to go double snap ring birf (either machine oem long birf, find 91-92 short birf or go Chromo). If I go the machine route I will need to do 4 birfs (I have a trail set I keep in my drawer as well), carry a spare aisin manual hub $, loose ABS (I hate abs but its good when the wife drives my rig cause she cant handle manually pumping the break in an emergency), 2wd (less traction and I'm already use to how the 80 handles).
Can I deal with it yeah, but 4wd all time makes it pretty predictable to drive. I enjoy driving the 80 long distances because it's plush and easy to drive. My rock crawler I love driving it when it's a short drive, anything longer that 1.5 hours I dread driving it. The crawler has hydro steer and 5.29s it sucks steering 37s.
I'm really leaning on just getting low range gear for the 80 and leaving it 4wd. I'll not have the ability to do 2wd turbo burn outs but I think my pocket book will thank me not replacing tires and 4.88 rear diff gears when I blow them up repeatedly.