and the reason you wouldn't put a locker in the front is strength? what if I install high angle driveline shafts? I am sure they are strong enough. just want to cover all the bases.

The driveshaft is not the issue in front, it is the smaller ring gear (relative to the rear) and the CV joints, which do not like to be bound up. That is why the Air Locker is preferable, you only have it locked when you really need it.

I don't know if I would waste the money on a front locker in an ifs rig. The cv's are the weak point and if you have it locked and droop the tires and turn the wheels or spin it. it really binds up. and destroys cv's

you may just want to save your money on the front locker buy a set of gears for it out of the for sale sections
learn to wheel it with the rear locker and then do an sas up front to a stronger front axle set up. because with 35's and a locker you will be breaking cv's most likely.

my 2 cents I had 4:88's with 33"s and hated it. even with the 4 cylinder engine but I had gotten used to driving it around with 4:10's and 33's.I would have been much happier with 4:56's from the start. I then swapped in a buick 4.1 v6 and the gears were too much at hyway speeds I was reving 3500-4000rpm's at 65 -70mph. I dropped back to 4:56's with 35's now and it runs great. but my engine has a lot more torque than a 4cyl. and I have a dual crawl box for the trails.

Seems as though each one of the replies on gearing size didn't take your motor into account. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" />

4.88's are short for the 3.4, pushing 33" tires. You'll be needlessly running high rpm's on the freeway. 4.56 for 33" or 4.88 for 35" will keep you close to a 'stock' ratio... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

thanks for the point of view. gives more food for thoought. I doubt I will ever do an sas as I like the truck as is kinda thing. I would probably buy something else to do that. gear options are still a bit of a question. I still have to get out to my dads and check what gears are in it. I know with the 3.0 it was a dog! had 31s on it then.
again all the opinions are great.