what would you suggest to get the most out of the 4 banger

Re-gear your diffs.

Any engine mods will only be a waste of money. Just my 2ó

where would be the best places to look for gears, what name brand and what do you think about putting a locker in it

You can contact Superior , or Alloy USA , or Yukon Gear .

There are many locker suppliers as well.

HTH. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

when you change the rear end gears do you have to change the front

I agree with Brown, However Ive never seen a bad set of gears..others may differ. So any brand would be good for me.
As for what to do with the 4 banger. You could spend a grand or two and hop it up with head work, camshaft and rockers and a complete exhaust system to the back of the vehicle.. It should run like a bat flying out of hell.. BUT It won't run worth a crap unless you are on the track! Driving like most here do and I suspect you do, the thing won't have enough power to pull a sick whore off of a potty!
Your engine is designed to do what we do with them. Use it like it is and it will serve you well.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

YES! You musr change them both!! The only way to NOT do that is to take the front driveshaft out and put it away until the front gears can be installed..
The rear going 10 miles an hour and the front going 12 miles an hour will get you in BIG TROUBLE in the first 3 feet after engaging the 4X4!
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />