first trip out in the sand box

I took the ol' girl out for the first time. I"m sure it's not the first time that she has seen the dirt, but it's the first time I've had her out.

I was really amazed at how well she did. I feel like it was a really good learning experience. didn't really break anything too bad, well I smoked the clutch a little. but it was for a good cause. I tried this hugemungous sandy hill climb and about 10 feet from the top I just lost momentum, and the sand got the better of me. but shoot I did way better than I had expected.

the real reason for this test trip was to see how bad the front end was going to be with the spider gears welded. I was suprised how not manuverable my jeep was. I'm sure that the front end was creating all kinds of traction, but for was I picked up in traction I definatley lost in the steering dept.

I think I'm going to have to swap in another set of axles next weekend. I'm going to use the other axles and the brakes off my jeep now cause I imagine that the older ones are shot.

how much top end am I going to lose going from 3.73 to 5.38?
any tips?

thanks
Rio

 

Well raw data says 1.44 times as many rpms if that helps.

 

I have the 5:38 in mine and I run 3500 rpm @ 55mph.