which trannie to choose?

[88k5blazer]

Hey guys first post. I need some advice on which transmission to pick. I have an 88 blazer with an old 700r4. I am wanting to do a manual swap. My truck sits on 33" with 4.56 gears. I want a 5 speed overdrive because i do a lot of highway driving and cruising around town with it and occasionally dip her in the mud. I think i have it narrowed down to two options unless you guys have a better suggestion. The close ratio nv3500 or the nv4500. I dont like having a granny low first gear so are there any options to re gear the 4500? I have one key concern about the 3500 though and thats its strength. I have a mildly built 350 that i occasionly buy more and more parts for to bump up my power and i dont know how well these trannies will hold

[Captkaos]

It is going to come down to personal preference but of the 2 I would choose the NV4500.  With a mild 350 the NV3500 should be ok, you will just need to get a way to put the correct transfer case on it.

[88k5blazer]

Alright ill try the 3500 and see what happens. Ill start a new thread with pics whenever i get everything together and start the swap.