Next up... re-gear.
This morning I talked with two local shops about re-gearing my axles. Keep in mind my regular use, we might call this my daily driver (after the motorcycles); 70% highway (60-70 mph), 25% in-town (0-50 mph), 5% or less off pavement (sandy forest roads with a few washouts), no mudding or hill climbing. Currently running 31" tires on 2" Pro Comp springs; 4.0L, 32RH 3 spd auto and 3.07 gearing in Dana 30 & 35. Not really planning on going larger, only a slim chance of going to 32" or 33" tires with a body lift once the current 31s get worn out. I am thinking 3.73 because of mostly highway driving and only light off-roading... maybe 3.55 but there is only about 125 rpm difference on the highway.
First shop asked a bunch of questions to determine my intended use and possible future build plans. They brought up the debate about 3.55 because of the highway use and light off-roading. Either way it involved new ring and pinion plus carriers and estimated $2,200.
Second shop does a lot of big builds for more extreme off-roaders. He only asked "which rear axle do you have" before recommending a trussed and, rebuilt Ford 8.8 with new disc brakes and emergency brake plus the gears and carrier for the Dana 30. If I understood correctly, the estimated cost was around $4000-4500 (but that may have only been the rear axle). We did eventually get around to the other information about my build and use but he kept to the Ford 8.8 because it is "bullet-proof." His next suggestions would be rebuilding a Dana 44... if he could find one.
Your thoughts on the shops or their recommendations are much appreciated.
Thank you!