3:1 isn't that low compared to what else is available in the market for other makes. For example, Toyota and Jeep guys low gears start at 4:1. That said, you'll definitely notice the difference. For rock crawling type of off-roading, it is one of the best mods I've done. When I had my Amigo with an automatic and the stock transfer case 2:1, even in L, and 4-Low, if I took my foot off the brake on a steep descent, it felt like it'd get up to 10-15 mph before any engine compression slowed the vehicle down. With the 3:1 in my Trooper with a manual, you take your foot off the brake in first while in Low, and you aren't going over maybe 3mph. Having the low gears is much easier on your clutch and you'll be able to tackle obstacles slower, and with more control, which means you aren't dropping your clutch and bashing into things desperately trying to keep up momentum.
On the other hand, if you're just cruising around in 4-low, where you might cruise in 2nd gear with the factory transfer case, you'll probably have to be in 4th gear with the 3:1 gears.
If you aren't really doing steep ascents/descents, then you could probably do without the gears. If you can find someone around who has low gears and have them let you drive it a bit, that would go a long way toward helping you figure it out.
