5.38 Gears

I first want to say that I love this site!

I have a 1964 Jeep CJ5 with the stock gears ( 5.38 ). My top speed is about 30-35 MPH. I was wondering if anyone that with this setup, has changed the gears. I would like to get a better top end speed so I can at least drive 45 MPH comfortably; however I do not want to loose all power. I routinely take my jeep off road, and want to make sure that I still have sufficient power. I was thinking of 3.54; however I wanted to see if anyone had already done this.

I have a completely rebuilt engine (less than 100 miles), a Weber 2 barrel carburetor, and a flame thrower high performance coil. I just would like to drive down the street without red lining the engine.

Any help would be Great!

 

Welcome first off. 5.38's can be a pain. I run a T18 4spd with the 225 so I have a little more top end (60mph @ 4grand). There are plenty of people that have changed them. 3.54 would get you more top end for sure. You might regret it on low end if you do much offroad. Just my 2 cents though. Again, welcome.

 

Im assuming you have a F head?? If so maybe some 4.88s will get you that extra 10-15mph you need and keep your low end. If you put 3.54s in you'll never stand a chance with the 'ol Fhead trying to pull that kind of ratio..

 

i would put an overdrive in it.herm the over drive guy sells them,also you should be able to go a little bit faster than 35 mph

 

Use this to find your proper gearing.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/gearing.htm

 

I have a PTO Winch…would I have to get rid of the PTO to install an overdrive?

Thanks for everyone’s help!

 

Will I run in to problems off-road, or will it struggle all the time with 3.54's?

 

He makes an adapter to add an OD behind a PTO, or vice versa cant remember... What engine do you have?

 

134 F Head

 

Im gonna say its going to struggle alot with the 3.54s... You could get the CJs with a 4.27 ratio with the Fhead.. That would be a better comprimise to get your road speed up.

 

Thanks!

 

I love my 5:38's You can't really go to slow in a jeep 5:38's with an overdrive is the slick ticket, and you'll probably pay about the same for new gear sets seals bearings etc. or close anyway.

 

pto hooks up behind the overdrive

 

What overdrive do you have? What is your top speed?

 

Do you have this setup? Did you install it yourself?

Thanks!

 

Nick: Hey, another Raleigh Jeeper...great! Listen, introduce yourself in the Intro section so we can hear more about your Jeep and its history. Love the avatar picture, got more pictures? I am strongly considering white with black windshield myself since that was the original paint.

On the gearing...yes, the OD is the best bet!