Help with build
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: michigan
Help with build
Hey guys, I'm trying to do some research on building up my JK, well soon to be JK.
I had a 2010 auto unlimited Sahara that I got rear ended in a week ago and it is going to be totaled. I am going to be buying another JK as soon as the insurance and everything is worked out.
I've done a bunch of research and read through the FAQs but I would just like to double check in case I am missing something and to clear up a few questions I have.
I want to lift my JK and run 35's.
From what I understand it is best to re gear for 35s due to the fact I will only have the 3.73 gears. I am either getting an X model or another Sahara and which ever I go with it will be an automatic and have the Dana 30 front and 44 back. Should I re gear to 4.88 or 5.13? How much do you think this will cost me? Do I purchase just the gears by myself and go to shop to have them installed or is there other hardware I will need to purchase first?
After the gears I plan on buying the 2.5" teraflex coil lift with shocks. Since my JK is going to be an auto and unlimited will I need a new drive shaft? I wasnt clear on whether it was only for 3" plus lifts or for every auto unlimited. Also do I only purchase the driveshaft or what other components will I need? I saw a couple driveshafts for lower price but it was just that. The more expensive ones came with yolks? I am not sure what they are and if someone could give me a brief explanation I would very much appreciate it.
Also after I figure out my gears and such I plan on getting a front adj. track bar and running five 35" x 12.50" x 16 nitto terra grappler tires with 16" x 8" pro comp rims. A new front bumper(XHD) and winch and also Smittybilt XRC rear bumper. Also a superchips flaspaq or aev procal to reflash.
If you have any suggestions or information I would appreciate it very much. I am trying to keep somewhat of a low budget(impossible), but I really don't want to spend a ton. If there is anything I am missing or something else I need to run 35's and/or the lift please let me know. Thank you in advance.
I had a 2010 auto unlimited Sahara that I got rear ended in a week ago and it is going to be totaled. I am going to be buying another JK as soon as the insurance and everything is worked out.
I've done a bunch of research and read through the FAQs but I would just like to double check in case I am missing something and to clear up a few questions I have.
I want to lift my JK and run 35's.
From what I understand it is best to re gear for 35s due to the fact I will only have the 3.73 gears. I am either getting an X model or another Sahara and which ever I go with it will be an automatic and have the Dana 30 front and 44 back. Should I re gear to 4.88 or 5.13? How much do you think this will cost me? Do I purchase just the gears by myself and go to shop to have them installed or is there other hardware I will need to purchase first?
After the gears I plan on buying the 2.5" teraflex coil lift with shocks. Since my JK is going to be an auto and unlimited will I need a new drive shaft? I wasnt clear on whether it was only for 3" plus lifts or for every auto unlimited. Also do I only purchase the driveshaft or what other components will I need? I saw a couple driveshafts for lower price but it was just that. The more expensive ones came with yolks? I am not sure what they are and if someone could give me a brief explanation I would very much appreciate it.
Also after I figure out my gears and such I plan on getting a front adj. track bar and running five 35" x 12.50" x 16 nitto terra grappler tires with 16" x 8" pro comp rims. A new front bumper(XHD) and winch and also Smittybilt XRC rear bumper. Also a superchips flaspaq or aev procal to reflash.
If you have any suggestions or information I would appreciate it very much. I am trying to keep somewhat of a low budget(impossible), but I really don't want to spend a ton. If there is anything I am missing or something else I need to run 35's and/or the lift please let me know. Thank you in advance.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
With an auto, 4.88's will work, but 5.13's would be a better choice. (lift it and see how you think the power is. Turning O/D off may make it somewhat acceptable for a while until you do the gears)
Talk to the shop to get their opinion on you buying the gears. Some will not install provided gears, some will install but will not warranty, and some are cool with it.
If you buy, you will want gears and overhaul kits for both ends. (you can get away with Install kits if it is low miles, but new bearings are a good thing...) A new carrier for the front will not be needed unless you end up with 3.21's stock.
Install costs vary, plan on $1000 - $1500 parts + labor.
The TF 2.5" coil lifts are known to give over 3 inches. Flex it and check the driveshaft clearance. If it is anywhere even close to contacting the tranny pan/skid, you'll want to start putting money aside for the driveshaft. There are many good shafts out there, but I would suggest starting on Tom Woods website. Click the Jeep JK and read everything you can. He has all kinds of great info there, as well as his recommendations.
-If it is close but you want to wait a bit, see post 6 here:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...vs.-Skid-plate
In addition to the track bar, I would suggest a set of front adjustable control arms as well.
Talk to the shop to get their opinion on you buying the gears. Some will not install provided gears, some will install but will not warranty, and some are cool with it.
If you buy, you will want gears and overhaul kits for both ends. (you can get away with Install kits if it is low miles, but new bearings are a good thing...) A new carrier for the front will not be needed unless you end up with 3.21's stock.
Install costs vary, plan on $1000 - $1500 parts + labor.
The TF 2.5" coil lifts are known to give over 3 inches. Flex it and check the driveshaft clearance. If it is anywhere even close to contacting the tranny pan/skid, you'll want to start putting money aside for the driveshaft. There are many good shafts out there, but I would suggest starting on Tom Woods website. Click the Jeep JK and read everything you can. He has all kinds of great info there, as well as his recommendations.
-If it is close but you want to wait a bit, see post 6 here:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...vs.-Skid-plate
In addition to the track bar, I would suggest a set of front adjustable control arms as well.
Last edited by nthinuf; Jul 23, 2010 at 03:00 PM.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: michigan
With an auto, 4.88's will work, but 5.13's would be a better choice. (lift it and see how you think the power is. Turning O/D off may make it somewhat acceptable for a while until you do the gears)
Talk to the shop to get their opinion on you buying the gears. Some will not install provided gears, some will install but will not warranty, and some are cool with it.
If you buy, you will want gears and overhaul kits for both ends. (you can get away with Install kits if it is low miles, but new bearings are a good thing...) A new carrier for the front will not be needed unless you end up with 3.21's stock.
Install costs vary, plan on $1000 - $1500 parts + labor.
The TF 2.5" coil lifts are known to give over 3 inches. Flex it and check the driveshaft clearance. If it is anywhere even close to contacting the tranny pan/skid, you'll want to start putting money aside for the driveshaft. There are many good shafts out there, but I would suggest starting on Tom Woods website. Click the Jeep JK and read everything you can. He has all kinds of great info there, as well as his recommendations.
-If it is close but you want to wait a bit, see post 6 here:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...vs.-Skid-plate
In addition to the track bar, I would suggest a set of front adjustable control arms as well.
Talk to the shop to get their opinion on you buying the gears. Some will not install provided gears, some will install but will not warranty, and some are cool with it.
If you buy, you will want gears and overhaul kits for both ends. (you can get away with Install kits if it is low miles, but new bearings are a good thing...) A new carrier for the front will not be needed unless you end up with 3.21's stock.
Install costs vary, plan on $1000 - $1500 parts + labor.
The TF 2.5" coil lifts are known to give over 3 inches. Flex it and check the driveshaft clearance. If it is anywhere even close to contacting the tranny pan/skid, you'll want to start putting money aside for the driveshaft. There are many good shafts out there, but I would suggest starting on Tom Woods website. Click the Jeep JK and read everything you can. He has all kinds of great info there, as well as his recommendations.
-If it is close but you want to wait a bit, see post 6 here:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...vs.-Skid-plate
In addition to the track bar, I would suggest a set of front adjustable control arms as well.
Thank you for your input really helped me out. Do I need only front adjustable control arms not any rear and if so both upper and lower or just one set?
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
See this one in the suspension faq's:
" Q: What is Caster? How much do I need? "
You would want rear uppers if/when you replace the rear driveshaft. The other two sets would be used for fine tuning and for positioning the axles front to back in the wheel wells. No real need for them on lifts of this size.
If money is tight, you can get by with the flighty handling for a while and add these later.