strong>The CV driveshaft provides more angularity, right?
The rule for conventional driveshafts is equal but opposite angles at the ends. In other words, a CV shaft should be set up with the axle pinion 1-2 degrees down from parallel to the driveshaft. New hybrid CVs can typically handle more angularity than a regular shaft, but it doesn't mean you'd be able to use it if you can't rotate the axle up to match. Short answer, no.
Was there a "shorty" Dana 300 transfer case used in the CJ-5?
Yes, for a couple of years. It's about 2 inches shorter than the conventional 300's. It's rare to find. The tail unit of the shorty is tapered and cast-iron, and the front bearing on the output shaft has an ID of 1 1/8 inch, while the longer shaft's is a beefier 1 7/16 inch.
Desert-racing parts aren't meant for rockcrawling Jeeps, true?
True, just like drag-racing parts aren't either. Inspiration can come from not only the automotive world, but also the likes of marine, racing, low riders, DUBs, and even those USOs. Hey, if it's a good idea, the ways to adapt it for Jeeps are endless (and if you pull it off, it could make you rich, famous, or a future urban legend). While you may opt to modify yours to be a dedicated rockcrawler without a need for speed, we're talking about parts in general that can be borrowed from that venue and work.
Is the Dana 44 in the Wrangler Rubicon stronger than the Dana 30 in other TJs?
The Rubi does have a true Dana 44 ring-and-pinion inside, but the front housing uses the same 2 1/2-inch x 0.25-inch wall tubing, knuckles, outer shaft, and U-joints as the Dana 30.
Will fuel economy get better with a low-temperature thermostat, especially with fuel injection?
No. The various temperature sensors will keep the engine in cold calibration (running richer) and might not let the closed-loop function enable.
Are 4.56, 4.88, 5.13, and 5.38 gear ratios too low for street driving?
Most 4x4s made since the early 1990s are equipped with an automatic or manual Overdrive transmission, and the majority will create a 20- to 25-percent Overdrive that will make any vehicle with 35-inch or taller tires a good candidate for any of those gears.
Are kingpin knuckles really stronger than ball-joint knuckles?
When the open-knuckle kingpin and ball-joint axles arrived with bell-bottoms in the early 1970s, many hung onto the old closed-knuckle style, but ball-joint knuckles are found everywhere and are just as strong.
To have a spring-over suspension, can't you simply weld new perches on top of the axles?
Sure, and with this type of modification, the magic fairies sprinkle dust that makes it unnecessary to worry about axlewrap, brake lines, steering, and driveline angle, among other things.
Swapping out a Model 20 rear axle for a Dana 44 is a good upgrade, right?
Yes. But they are similar in strength. In fact, the ring-and-pinion in the 20 is actually larger than the 44's. As for spline count, the 20's is at 29, while the 44's is at 30. You can eliminate the 20's major flaw (two-piece axles) with a one-piece replacement kit. However, the 20 hosing is generally weaker than that found on late model Dana 44s.
Is it true that it's not actually a Cadillac at the bottom of Cadillac Hill on the famed Rubicon Trail?
The vehicle pushed off the cliff was, indeed, a Cadillac LaSalle.