Yes a TH400 would be the last resort...I know it could take the power, as I seen a Dodge Viper with one in it and the owner said he would never take the 6-speed back! Would REALLY HATE to loose that 4th gear tho

Damn, maybe this is the way to go...alot of interesting stuff on that Novak site...I got some reading to do!

That's the way I would go.

thats actually not bad money

you'll have $10,000 in this jeep fast you start talking ls swaps and built th400s and atlas cases and what not and of coarse you gotta go with tons at that point

You could go with a 700R4, that is a 4 speed with just as many aftermarket parts. I guess it all depends on what you plan on doing when it comes to the engine. Some people out there have put the newer 5.3 with the 4L60E in them, I guess it depends on whether or not you want everything run by electronics.

if he were to go that route the transcase will drop on the correct side...the assembly gets very long...havent measured but i know the 4l60 with t-case is a big unit

I have seen it done but then again never seen it in person. I would definitely do a lot research before doing anything. According to Novak: The AW4 as found in Jeep vehicles has a length of 25-3/8" and the 4L60E is 21.9".

True...and this isnt an unlimited budget build...

The LS is nice but it seems that the 4.9 would cost 1/2 as much...prob fit better...less customizing/fab work, and has a warranty (not saying the LS wouldnt but havent seen it mentioned) Decisions decisions....

I just dont wanna have to go with a stick shift...I got a bad knee already :/ but at the same time I wouldnt want to give up any gears...

Where do you plan on getting the Stroker from if you go that route. The Stroker would bolt right in and would require no fab work just a better radiator more than likely.

I know this is kind of off the subject, but do all the stroker kits for Jeeps just come with old remachined 4.2 crankshafts?

look on page 1 its a good deal

I must have missed that post. Did you ask them their opinion on what to do about a trans?

I think the life of the trans will depend on the kind of wheeling your gonna do. If you gonna be climbing rocks and bouncing around, loading and unloading the trans its gonna take more of a beating the spinning tires on wet muddy terrain.

I've been lookin at this company's stroker kits.
http://www.shop.505performance.com/c...?categoryId=34

And if you have questions about the tranny. Give this fella a call at 4Wheel Drive Specialists in Martinez, California. He's a older groucher kinda guy. But he's been building top notice rigs for a long long time! 925 687 9387.
Don't confuse with 4 wheel parts. He's just a indie shop. His wife usually answers the phones.

And for gearing. If your rollin on 33"s 4.10's will give ya best fuel economy and you'll have good freeway speeds. I think 4.56's are the way to go. A touch less fuel economy, but far better crawling/wheeling ratio and still great for towing. Going up hills no problem.
No point in 31's. But if you do go with 31's. 4.10's are good. But the 4.56's will give you that wiggle room in case you want to feed your curiousity with 35's.

Also. There are quite a few fella's swappin in the Vortec 4.3L. That's a kick butt motor and a relatively inexpensive swap compared to that LS1. LS1 great performing motor. But really? Not neccessary. I've seen em in CJ5's and CJ7's. But again, it all depends on the application. I still think the 4.0L stroked is the way to go. Way more economical and it's a proven reliable motor. And when stroked. They lay down power. I'm kinda the voice of reason. Since my wallet is not so flexable. I try to do the best with what I have. We're pretty fortunate to have a pretty kick butt 4.0L to begin with.

Wow that stage 4 is SICK! costs about the same as the engine in my 1st post...also I noticed TItan engines has a version with more forged internals for roughly $500 more...I just like the 3 yr/36000 mile warranty aspect. Gonna do some more readin on that 505 site...thaks for the tip man!