I would go with option 2. The ProRock 60s are eating up so much money in option 1. You have alot more upgrades in 2 like a hemi, tires & wheels, a hemi, front and rear bumpers, a hemi, etc. I think the rubi 44s will hold up if you are careful when wheeling. Replace them when they break. You are still cheaper than your budget with option 2 so maybe add gussets and sleeves if you are really concerned about the axels.

I think option 2 is the way to go.

Oh, also you could do the 4" long arm with option 2 also since you are a few thousand under budget. 35s with a 4" is not bad. Or you could get the long arm upgrade kit later.

 

As far as highyway miles I drive about 7 miles to work and 7 miles home every day. As for wheeling, I go just about every weekend in the summer months and since this JK is going to have to replace my TJ (the wheeling toy) and be my daily driver I has to be very capable.

I am leaning towards option 1 as well...I like the idea of a bompproof drivedrain.

Another poster asked about why not 40's or 42's...I have a few reasons, just because you can doesn't mean you should. I wouldn't fit in my garage for starters, secondly, with the 3.8L 40" tires going up I70 over the rocky mountains would suck butt!!! The JK in stock form with 4.10s and 32" tires sucks up I70, especially Eisenhower tunnel (for those familar with colorado). I imagine the 37's are going to piss me off up the passes, I could only imagine trying it on 40's!!

My plans if I went option 1 would defintly be to save for the Hemi, and once I have that i would step into 40's as i could take the pases with ease at that point.

 

Honestly, if it were my money, I would want to get that 3.8 out of there any way I could. I don't like it, I don't trust it. Although mine is running great now.....after being REPLACED, I think a HEMI would be much more reliable. Certainly more powerful by light years. I'd rather have the HEMI and put other mods on hold for a while.

 

Or go towards the LOD front/rear bumpers he had in Option #2

 

Agreed, I would likely not put any money into the anemic 3.8. i would be inclided to get some real bumpers on there.

 

absolutely, if i still lived in alabama i would go straught to 40's... Once i do get a real motor 40's would be in my future. thank you for suggestions though!

 

What good is it to have a bomb proof driveline, if you can't push it to the limit? It's like having a F1 car with a Go Cart engine.

Put logic aside for a second, JK's are about fun. Which option will put a smile on your face more frequently?

You dilemma is a great one to have!

 

Also a very good point...Ironoically the wife and I were discussing this over dinner tonight and belive it or not I think I have been prusuaded to do the hemi route. Its my daily driver and $12K for axles is quite expensive given I would not be running larger than 37's anyway!

I already hate I70 because of lack of power, and every time I hit the skinny pedel I would get wood....so why not do that first LOL!!!! Plus I can get some extra goodies like bumpers.

Guys i really appreciate everyones input...As soon as my TJ sells I am going to start this buildup :-)

P.S. Here is my add with the TJ for sale :-)

http://www.colorado4x4.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=157915

 

I would get the Hemi,

 

very nice tj!!!!