I was running 1982 f150 rear axle width. I felt like I was going over several times, I was younger and had the nerve to throttle through... I broke lots of stuff....
I did/do a hybrid. I drive easy at varied RPM (not speed that is not engine dependent) for the first 500 miles. Change the oil and then over the next 500 miles progressively bring up RPM and harder shifts. Change that oil at 1500 miles. You are ready to roll!!
Get a real tune (I'm saying this and have the Ford Performance tuner) if what you are looking for is power. (I know Sierra had great results with goose tuned). If power is truly the goal you are wasting money on this.
I actually think the after build is the better way. It is low priority on the list, but if it goes out you lose a lot of functionality. I see the BCM as the biggest problem on my Bronco.
I used to do this, I have learned on the downhills with rock steps to engage it, so it acts more like a live axle and doesn't want to roll as bad. Save me more than once. I had a scare last trip on a downhill stepping off a boulder into an unseen dip.
Hi, I've owned 4 CJs I built my wife's JK.
Go drive one. I think you will love the power and the smooth ride. The stick is a noisier transmission so everyone said. I wanted more power to turn tires. Mine is a 2.7 with the 10 speed.