To Drop or not to drop

[CherokeeJim]

So, the time has come. I’m picking on my vehicles again. From the last time I posted any pics of my 77 Cherokee, my J10, or my J4000, In my 77 Cherokee, I ditched the factory AMC360 for a build AMC377 stroker. Pulled that out for my built AMC408. Now I’m pulling the 408/475/QT and putting in my 6.2/6L80/Atlas 3.8 Driver Drop and put in my driver drop D44F already stuffed with a locker and 4.56s, or do I keep my passenger drop D44F and go with my D300 and twin stick it?

If anyone has an Atlas 3.8 or 4.3 passenger drop they would like to trade for my driver drop 3.8. I would do that trade immediately.

I never liked the look of any driver drop axles. They appear strange to me. Why the designers went that route I’ll never know. Seems like every truck after 1980 all went driver drop everything.

I do have an extra NP205 laying around but I’d rather not use that.


My other project right now is my 1982 J10 which I took apart a third time as well. It had a 5.3L LS with a 4L65/Atlas 3.8 driver drop, D44F driver drop with Ox Locker and 14B with a Detroit, gears are 4.56s. My J10 now has a D60F with 4.56s and an ARB locker.

My J4000 which has its 12valve Cummins, NV4500/203/205, D80F and D80R. Yes you read that correctly. The D80F is a one off custom build with Reid Racing Super King Pins and inner Cs. 1/2” thick 4340 4” axle tubes, utilizes a Ford center section for bigger bearings, 40 spline 4340 chromo shafts, 1550 joints, 5.13s and an ARB locker. Rear D80 has 5.13s and a spool.

My 79 Cherokee 4dr is still all stock with the exception of the 401.

[rocklaurence]

New Process/NV builds most of the US transfer cases and they requested that the manufacturers Standardize on the bolt pattern and which side they wanted the cases on. PS Truthfully, I got tired of people referring to it as Chevy vs Ford side Drops and requested that they standardize it. Hehe.

[CherokeeJim]

I just like the look of a pass drop better than a driver drop.
Just torn which direction to go. I’d rather stay pass drop. However I already have the ingredients to run my Atlas.
I called Atlas about flipping it but they recommended not doing that although a few guys have.
I inquired about a pass drop case for my Atlas they said I would only be saving $200. I would be better off selling it.