Guys, I hope you can help me out as I'm a long time TJ owner but totally new to JKs. I want to buy it in the US (CA) and do a number of events there, particularly Easter Jeep Safari 2008. I have a number of questions;

I am looking to get a new Unlimited with Auto box and unsure whether to opt for an X, Sahara or Rubicon particularly as I am looking to add 35" or 37" tires which means that I'll have to change the axle gearing anyway. The only thing I like about the Sahara/Rubicon is the "Power Convenience Group" option. Prices are $24.7K, $29K and $32.2K respectively. I figured that $7,500 goes some way towards the upgrades anyway. What do you think?

Besides 5.13 gearing, ARB lockers, 37" wheels/tires package, Warn frnt & rear bumbers with tire carrier, Warn Winch and RE 4.5" LA lift are there other items I need to make this set-up work? Possibly like a SYE, non stock drive shafts etc? What about under body protection?

In what State should I consider buying with regards to tax implications? Or is there little difference?

Ideally, I'd like to buy near Los Angeles as it is an easy place to get to from the UK. Do you have good experience with a certain Jeep builder who can put it all together for me?

Thanks for your help.

 

am i dumb or wouldn't east coast work better?

 

I think he is meaning that he is coming to Cali to do the events, and such needs to buy the Jeep in the area. LAX is the easiest and cheapest place to get into.

If you're really going to go that big, and put 37's with a 4.5 lift on, I'd be planning to upgrade that front axle. Either by shelling out the money for a Rubi, or swapping the front later.

I dont' have any advice on doing that kind of build, other than the front axle, not really my thing. Some of the other guys may know of a good shop in the area. For a dealer to get it from, why not give a shout to Don-A-Vee, he's a sponsoring dealer on the forum, and has been quite a help to lots of the guys on here so why not give something back.

 

CSO Rensen, yes, you're right. Will be doing a number of trails on the West side of the US. Hadn't considered the front axle.. you're quite right!

 

Suggestion, do not try to buy a Rubicon 4 door in LA area. The mark up is about $5,000 over sticker. I have been looking quite a bit in the LA area, Burbank, Glendale, Simi Valley, Valencia, etc.. Even that much of a markup on a new 08 Rubicon on order. X's and Sahara are ok. I will be ordering mine in Oregon.

 

We are currenty building a jk like you are asking about for a customer in South America .It depends on how strong you want to go, but I would start with a 2wd and buy a front dyna trac 60 and atlas we can build the rear non rubi 44 to a 35 spline with an arb locker.
Give me a call
We have a couple at the shop right now!

 

Those are very interesting thoughts. I'll give you a call. Thanx!

 

ahhh it all makes sense now haha

 

did J33per ever get his build built?