I have an 82' cj5 258, t-176, dana300 all stock. tranny was grinding like *** so I drained it and took it apart. looked inside and found tons of metal shavings and I guess peices of teeth from the gears. Iv only had it for a year and just now started messing with it. I hear the t-176 four-speed is a good tranny, so should I buy a master rebuild kit or just get something different? Im planning on running 35's and swapping the D20 axle for a 8.8 but I think over all that combination should work,right? any Idea's   thanks everybody  

Hows it going? I have a similar issue with my 82 Jeep Cherokee.  I have a 258, with the t-176 trans, as well as a 208 Transfer case.  JP Magazine doesn't seem to like the T-176 very much though, at least what I've been getting from their articles.  But I don't know why they don't like it.  I have a problem with mine, I think it's the synchronizers, but I haven't torn into it yet.  I have heard good things about the NV-3550 Trans, it comes in the 2000 and up Wranglers, has a 4.0 :1 1st gear, and also has an overdrive.  
Don't know if that helps, but good luck,
FSJEEPER