Here's what my goal is- yes, I'm a total noob, but I have always dreamed of tackling the Rubicon. In order to do that, I know I've gotta ditch the craptacular d30/35c combo I've got in the Jeep right now.
I'm trying to get my ducks in a row to do a Cummins 4BT/ NV4500 swap into my '97 TJ, a'la navymark08's thread (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=535370), but I may be looking at doing a couple of things differently.
First of all, I really don't think I'm as detail-oriented as he is (no way I'm masking engine bolts to paint them a different color :D)
I'm thinking about the ubiquitous 60front/14b rear, and shaving the ever-lovin' shit outta that 14b. But since I really don't think I'll be going much bigger that 37" tires, maybe I should look at 9" (or maybe upgraded 8.8?) so I don't cut trenches in the trail...
Wow, this is starting to get all over the place, so I'll try and just ask a couple of questions. First, what's the smallest tires I can reasonably use with the 60/14 combo, and second, would anything smaller (8.8, 9", beefed 44) handle the weight and torque of the diesel/ 4500 ?

Once I've gleaned some info, aquired some parts, and start this build, maybe I'll start a build thread...

Thanks,
Los

Stick with the 14B/D60
Use bigger tires. 40's would be good.
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AmelieLove (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/cam/AmelieLove/)

The weight of the 4bt is about the same as a big block (around 750#) and the torque can be higher. For rubicon type of wheeling I would go 1 ton drivetrain and 37" or bigger tires.

First, what's the smallest tires I can reasonably use with the 60/14 combo

Hyundai Pony tires... 165/75 14s as I recall.

and second, would anything smaller (8.8, 9", beefed 44) handle the weight and torque of the diesel/ 4500 ?

NO!

To do the rubicon, slap an 8.8 in the rear, at least one locker and 35s, done. There ya go, I saved you a metric ton of money.
Travis..

I'm doing a 4bt, 700R4, NP241C, DANA 44 AND FORD 9 INCH. The dana and the 9 inch are off a 79 Bronco and are geared at 4.10. Front bumper is 29 inch off the ground and the rear is 34, 9 inch is SOA. I kept the bronco front suspension and added 4" lift srpings. This is running 33s for now. I got a ton of ground clearance. If the Cummins manages to break one of the diffs I'm going with 60's front and back. id that don't work then ??????