I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on my first Jeep, a new Rubicon JKU. I've spent a few hours reading up on lift/tire/gearing/etc opinions, and am trying to put together my build details. I would greatly appreciate feedback on things i may have missed so that i can put together a setup that will last.

I live in AZ, and the Jeep will be my daily (mostly freeways) however i'd like to be able to hit up the local trails on the weekends. The wheeling i'll be doing won't be hardcore. Since i'll be spending 90% of the time on road, it's important to me that the ride remains comfortable.

I've got about $10k budgeted for the lift/wheels/tires/gears/install, and here's what i've come up with.

TeraFlex 4" Long Arm
Fox Shocks with Resi's
Fuel Wheels 20x10 or 20x12?
37" or 38" x 13.50 Toyo Open Country M/T
Gears (5.13 or 5.38) & Sleeve/Gusset

Given the tire size i want to go with, how often should i expect to go through ball joints and other wear items? Is there anything else i should do to proactively address weak points while staying within my budget?

Thanks!

 

For the amount and type of wheeling you do you already have the best set up for your needs.... If you want a plush ride 90% of the time and a capable off road rig for light use you're in good shape and have 10k left over!!!

 

There are two threads stuck to the top of this Modified Tech area.

What is the backspacing/Offset on the rims you want?
A new rubi? With a 3.6? You are looking at gears for a 3.8.
Many people prefer a truss instead of sleeves, worth looking into.
Price out a new front driveshaft for if/when.
Price out rear alloy axle shafts for if/when.

Balljoints, it depends. Some people lose them as soon as 15k miles or so, others never have problems.

 

Welcome to the forum!

You'll put a lot of extra stress on the ball joints with 37's and 38's depending how hard "light trail use" is, you might break some axle shafts. I've heard of guys burning through aftermarket BJ's in under 10K miles with 37s. Unfortunately, I can't offer any first hand experience with them and 37's, I've only gone up to 35's so far. Teraflex includes a drag link flip and adjustable track bars it looks like though so that covers that I guess.

That lift is roughly $3-4.5K, depending what you add onto it. Add in $3.5k for tires and wheels, about $600-800 for gears and install kits, then $1000 for shocks, and roughly $200-300 for sleeve and gussets. That totals you up to $8.5-10K just in parts. The labor is most likely going to put you well above that. The shop near me charges $80 (fairly cheap) multiplied by 12 hours for lift, another 8 for gears, maybe 2 for sleeves and gussets means $1760. Just in the work you suggested you floating right about where the budget is with some generous labor and part prices.

If you've got that covered, more power to you, my friend

I will say that this is my OPINION (for those of you that disagree ), but 5.38 is steep for a d44 housing. You risk breaking the ring and pinion with gearing that low (numerically high)

And also 20" fuel wheels don't help the budget out for wheels and tires.

 

Agreed^ Light trail rides and a nice riding jeep can be accomplished with much less money. 33's and properly back spaced wheels. Maybe would run 1/4 of everything you have planned.

^THIS I forgot to mention drive shafts, I got so distracted with everything else.

 

I have a jk, and do not live far from you. I really like my Toyo RT's, because they are quiet. I have the Teraflex 3.5" on my jeep, with 35's. I do wish I would have gotten Fox shocks, instead of the Teraflex shocks. I think my ride would be even better. You are welcome to look at it and see if you want a lift that high. As for Driveshafts, Arizona Drive Shaft at Mesa dr and Southern builds really good stuff, and is as good or better than anyone. I did not replace mine and have had zero problems, even at full flex.
Arizona Differential has a current gear change special of $900 for both front and back. Lockers are extra. They do a lot of Jeeps.

 

I figure I'll bring up the first thing I thought of..you may have to find a tire carrier of some sort for 37s, my 35 seems to be maxing the tailgate out and will soon be looking for another option

 

90% on road? Im thinking that setup you mention will be high maintenance and uncomfortable and to do it right... I dont think $10k is enough. I say 2.5"-3" lift with 35's and some under armor and call it a day....

 

For the JKU, 35's really do well. I played with that set up for 8 years with no issues. Now that I upgraded, my set up is less road comfy and more off road capable. But, its still a hell of a lot more comfy then my YJs.

 

Give the JKUR a chance, hit the trails you want to hit and see what you need from there. Might I suggest skid plates?