Theoretical Cj6 Build Ideas

So, after making the dash outside in the snow in my boxers and sandals to get the trash out (You can guess Jen is out of town)....sitting here with my coffee contemplating my ideal cj6 build. So let's say one had a v6 era cj6...how would one build it to take advantage of the longer wheelbase with more options for transmissions etc? ....so some of the standard stuff we like that I think would apply:
1) ideally keep the 225v6, although willing to consider 4.3v6, especially if the 225 was in need of rebuild
2) all the standard disc brake and steering upgrades (yes - power)
3) D30 (or roxor 44) up front, 30spline centered D44 rear NT
4) Build would be minimum 33s, but I'd love to figure out 35s to help compensate for the lwb.....and would consider SOA with flat springs. Given my driving temperament, I think I can get a 30/44 combo to last with 35s.
5) Boxed frame (or TDK type replacement), with SR and later, wider leafs, taller shock towers, etc

My initial thoughts would be basically around what would the best transmission/TC combo be in this set-up? Would be a manual transmission, and looking to move past the D18/OD combo, to either a D20 or D300, or is there something else I am missing. As Kyle has done with his build, you can run higher axle gears (3.31), no OD and get good CR using low gears in the TC and a granny low. And while this gives you quite the total span of low to high gearing, I would miss the additional gear selection that comes with the OD gear splitting or traditional 5 speed.

Seems like the primary 5 speed transmission options are the Ax15, and the NV3550/4500. What ones might I be missing? Additionally, when looking at transmission/TC compatibility, D20s are relatively abundant and cheap In general, the NV4500 is stupid expensive. Using Novak as primary source of info, looks like the ax15 can be adapted to the D300 reasonably cheap, as can the NV4500. Is the Ax15 a reasonable option in this case, both function and strength?

CR calcs assuming 4.88 gears:
Trying to run an ax15 with D20 will not provide enough CR:
Ax/D20: 37
With D20 3.15 low gear: 59....a bit on the low side

Ax15/D300: 49
put 4:1 low gears in the D300 and CR becomes 75 - I think that could work....

NV4500/D300 CR: 81
that NV4500/D300 combo seems pretty good. albeit pricey I am guessing, but potentially no need for expensive D300 low gears.

As much as I was thinking AX15/3.15 D20 combo, it might be better suited for the 58 than a CJ with intended hard use off-road. So what other options am I missing....sometimes AA has info on more diverse options that I haven't delved into.

 

I figured as much....I was figuring limiting the engine and axles up front would help limit the possibilities. This wouldn't be a super tight budget, at least in the way I think of the cj5 and 58 builds. But everyone's budget is different, so lets push it a bit and say $20k for the whole enchilada - that would the purchase price, and typical other upgrades. So sticking to the engine through TC discussion and not getting sidetracked with big axles etc, maybe that allocates around $10k (probably less, but I'll give you a little play money) specific for the engine, trans, TC, adapters. If you rebuild a 225, that's around $3k for machine work (or buy from S&J) - not sure what a good, not sketchy used JY 4.3 is going for, but $3k seems ballpark. This build would take me awhile, so trying to save every penny scrounging for unusual parts would add too much time and kill my motivation to finish (remember I like to work all winter and wheel all summer - I don't like effing with tedious stuff that many of you can easily overcome with some fabrication skill). Within reason, for this build, that absolute budget mentality may be replaced by buying some stuff that make everything easier to do (like adapters and things that make it work together well).

 

that one was listed in Park City, UT (at least the one I think you are talking about)....not that I know anything about it....
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/157416587437197/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp:2ebedd5e-3109-4098-8c06-cfada94ee191
not sure about the 72 commando frame....the 66-71 are the 101" wb, which matches the early cj6.....not sure if those frames got longer with the 72 and later to match the long nose cj fenders. $1500.....

 

I'd hate to give up a running 225, but I think the extra power of the later EFI 4.3 would be nice for the slightly bigger rig....if it was an F134, then no question, go 4.3.

that long nose fiberglass body posted above would work with a 4.0.....and possible its bolt in to the frame, or amcv8 would be the other option I guess for that commando. In either case combined with ax15/D20 or D300 could be good, but would have to run low gears to get the crawl.

 

Novak has them