How big is not too big?

[Comrade Andy]

Alrighty, 4 pooper has better weight distribution and can make a killer trail/general purpose rig. Run it with a 4" Rubicon short arm kit with good shocks (like the Bilstein 5150's) then you've goata couple of choices, high skid and 33's or bigger axles and 35 plus tires, i've seen some good prices on rubicon TJ 44's and they're airlocked and 4:10 geared already. . don't get fooled into thinking that a 4:1 kit will help you. standard low range is perfect for sand and mud, but a 4:1 is too low (you're not going to use Hi much offroad) but you still need deeper on the rocks maybe look at a klune V underdrive or that 3 speed transfer case thingy, personally I like to run around 100:1 plus in the big stuff.

I'm dreaming about a pair of 44's with 5.89's detriot front ,spool rear full discs, trusses, howe steering kit and a real purrdy set of 39.5 swampers on trailready beadlocks..... just need the wife to finish her CPA or to win the lottery....

[skates04]

While you've got the axles all opened up you might as well install lockers, which should be sized for 30 spline axle shafts, which means you will need the super 35 kit....:yay:

I agree, Otherwise your going to pay to have the same work done twice, and not to mention you'll kick your self in the arse when you snap an axle, The lower gears are going to make snapping axles that much easier!

[aston]

--
Sounds like you can speak from experience! Will definity keep your input in mind when upgrading. I think I need to do gears first. Anyone see anything wrong with this first?

:thumbs_up :thumbs_do

While you've got the axles all opened up you might as well install lockers, which should be sized for 30 spline axle shafts, which means you will need the super 35 kit....:yay:

[skates04]

You should be OK regearing first if your running a 31 inch tire, if your running a 30 inch tire it would put your RPMS at 65mph at about 3500 this is a bit high since 3000 is probably where you will want to be your gas mileage will suck, But you definately would fly up the hills!

[codybttu]

How about some tips from some one running exactly what you want
I have a 98 fourbanger, on 33s
I have a RE Superflex 3.5 inch lift, It works out perfect for 33s, it does'nt rub but its very close (Perfect) In addition to the 3.5 superflex lift the only adjustable control arms I got are for the back, to bring up my pinion angle for my SYE. You may or may not want/need them for the front, I ran with out re-gearing for about a year, Its ok, well more like you get used to it and you think its ok, But I have 4.88s now and its alot better, 75mph cruising is usually no problem, even with the A/C on. Definatley will want to do somthing about the rear end, Seen way to many dana 35s break including mine, I choose the Super 35 kit with the detroit locker, I felt this was the easiest route to take, and it would be free to install with gears Since they would just replace the parts the take out anyways. And I then put a quik Loc in the front, and then put a tera 2 lo kit in to make tight up hill turns easier, since we dont have much torque in the four banger in 2 hi you would stall. Another thing you would probably want to add to your lift is an adjustable front Track bar. The directions for the lift will tell you to drill a whole in the bracket to re-locate the stock one but what happens is that circle whole you drill becomes an oval, and then your track bar bolt wont stay tight, and then you get death wobble all the time. If you play in the rocks, I would recommend steel wheels you can hammer out dents you put in them, I had aluminum wheel at first but destroyed them, much happy with my steelies, and my hammer Tires are up to you and what where you wheelie, I had Pro Comp Mud terrians, they were ok, Tore a sidewall and they seemed to where fast, Im happier with my Goodyear Wrangler MTR's they seem to ride better, and hold up much better, the Pro Comps Chunked really easy.
I think that covers most everything! Im pretty happy personally with my setup, I had winch but had to sell it to pay for some bills But the only thing Really left on my want list is the Currie Anti Rock.

--
Sounds like you can speak from experience! Will definity keep your input in mind when upgrading. I think I need to do gears first. Anyone see anything wrong with this first?

:thumbs_up :thumbs_do

[skates04]

How about some tips from some one running exactly what you want
I have a 98 fourbanger, on 33s
I have a RE Superflex 3.5 inch lift, It works out perfect for 33s, it does'nt rub but its very close (Perfect) In addition to the 3.5 superflex lift the only adjustable control arms I got are for the back, to bring up my pinion angle for my SYE. You may or may not want/need them for the front, I ran with out re-gearing for about a year, Its ok, well more like you get used to it and you think its ok, But I have 4.88s now and its alot better, 75mph cruising is usually no problem, even with the A/C on. Definatley will want to do somthing about the rear end, Seen way to many dana 35s break including mine, I choose the Super 35 kit with the detroit locker, I felt this was the easiest route to take, and it would be free to install with gears Since they would just replace the parts the take out anyways. And I then put a quik Loc in the front, and then put a tera 2 lo kit in to make tight up hill turns easier, since we dont have much torque in the four banger in 2 hi you would stall. Another thing you would probably want to add to your lift is an adjustable front Track bar. The directions for the lift will tell you to drill a whole in the bracket to re-locate the stock one but what happens is that circle whole you drill becomes an oval, and then your track bar bolt wont stay tight, and then you get death wobble all the time. If you play in the rocks, I would recommend steel wheels you can hammer out dents you put in them, I had aluminum wheel at first but destroyed them, much happy with my steelies, and my hammer Tires are up to you and what where you wheelie, I had Pro Comp Mud terrians, they were ok, Tore a sidewall and they seemed to where fast, Im happier with my Goodyear Wrangler MTR's they seem to ride better, and hold up much better, the Pro Comps Chunked really easy.
I think that covers most everything! Im pretty happy personally with my setup, I had winch but had to sell it to pay for some bills But the only thing Really left on my want list is the Currie Anti Rock.

[aston]

wonder if I should pipe in, I know a small amount about 4 banger jeeps

That's OK, I think Eric and I have it covered

[blackZZR]

wonder if I should pipe in, I know a small amount about 4 banger jeeps

[NAILER341]

i do find it interesting how the two people telling cody how to build his tj dont even have one.
square headlights rule

[aston]

Out!

it looks like CodyB had to go....but we can carry on the discussion :beer: :wrench: :beer: :wrench: :pizza: :tp: :yay:

[NAILER341]

THE NANA!

Thanks, I will definitly be looking into your suggestion. Sound very valid and do-able.

Rock On!

it wont work for your TJ though... soa is for yj's

[codybttu]

Out!

[aston]

Oh yeah....he had the Dana 35 and 30 with chromoly bits.

I prefer the 6 cyl ('cos I got one) but I have to say he built a great rig for the lowest $

[codybttu]

THE NANA!

Thanks, I will definitly be looking into your suggestion. Sound very valid and do-able.

Rock On!

[codybttu]

Erik, thanks a Million. This is what I needed. R and D down to a short List and very much appreciated. If I can ever return favor let me know!

codyb