got the shackle hanger deal tacked all together. just needs some more gusseting here and there and it will be ready. the spring hangers are gonna end up right in front of the tranny crossmember and the axle should only go forward 3 or 4 inches. steering shouldn't be much of a problem after all <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

as far as the 3.4 is concerned, I've driven it around town and on the highway (mind you its pretty flat around here). I can leave it in 5th and push the gas and it will actually ACCELERATE! this is running 35's on the 4.56's. around town it scoots, and with 5.38's I'm confident I will be able to do all the stupid stuff I can think of with it.

I doubt I will go to a much more powerful engine in a trail rig anytime soon. if/when I do, I will definately not limit my choices to what will bolt to the mua5. I think too much power on the trail makes things break that much easier, but v8's are cool and going fast is fun and hard to resist. we'll see what happens <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />