for sure driver style is the major factor for the most part. BUT....you will have to winch to go where i like to go with a dana 28 and aggressive 33 inch or bigger tires......if your running a 28 with 33 or larger tires and never broke it...your boring. or have not been challenged yet. its all in where you go or where you live.
i couldnt keep a 7.5 and d28 in a stock truck with a 2.9 and failomatic on 235's. jim cruised around for years with a mild v8 and got along fine.
it is clearly a me problem.
so i agree... drive it and upgrade when you have to...IF you have to. they are making some shafts for the 28 now that are better. just may be all you need..
the 4.0 is the ideal engine for a b2 for all of the bolt on reasons stated. and an 80's 150-180 hp 351 with a c6 is a hell of alot easier on the drivetrain then a fresh 4.0 and 5 speed. it is the 351 version of the 2.9. with a 4.0 most only look at the peak numbers when comparing it to the 2.9 and other rbv engines....you would have to be retarded to drive them back to back and think a 2.9 is even close. the 4.0 pulls 30 to 50 ft.lb. or more torque from 1000 rpm up. then there is heat.....v8's make lots of heat and add weight. i love v8's....but with what is available now....i would rather have a ecoboost 4 whixxer....especially in a b2. perfect balance and ridiculous low end power. but the d28 would be hating it. superduty axles are cheap now.
good times to build these rigs.
my 4.0 b2 ate up several clutch rings (exploded hub bodies).... 9 inch rear axles and differentials....and a few 146 transmissions...rear springs...and cleared out my known supply of eb d44 stock shafts. i have to upgrade front shafts now. cant find any more 260 shafts used.
even my 110 hp ranger breaks dana 60 stuff....and its slower then smoke off a fresh pile o sheeit. so have fun.