Notices
Modified JK Tech Tech related bulletin board forum regarding subjects such as suspension, tires & wheels, steering, bumpers, skid plates, drive train, cages, on-board air and other useful modifications that will help improve the performance and protection of your Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) on the trail.

PLEASE DO NOT START SHOW & TELL TYPE THREADS IN THIS FORUM

Here's the PLAN!!

Thread Tools
 
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 08:50 AM
  #1  
Breaktrack's Avatar
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Cool Here's the PLAN!!

Alright, after researching through the forum, and chatting with a few of you, I've come up with a plan to modify my 2008 4 Door, automatic transmission JK.

4.0 long arm lift, swaybar disconnects, adjustable track bars and steering stabilizer.

35" tires on 17" inch wheels, heavy duty spare tire carrier.

ARB front winch bumber with Warn Powerplant winch.

4.88 gearing.

Rock Rails.

Aftermarket front driveshaft.

Evap, SS, and Muffler relocate kits.

Now, where do you see problems, what should I look out for, and have I missed anything?

Looking for any and all advice.

Thanks,

Mac

Last edited by Breaktrack; Nov 20, 2008 at 07:23 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 09:18 AM
  #2  
Breaktrack's Avatar
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Default

Originally Posted by N2rock
that much lift on an automatic- when you flex off road the front driveshaft boot will hit the transmission pan and/or skid, and will tear the boot off. You'll ultimately have to replace the front driveshaft for one of the smaller diameter aftermarket ones.
Ah, right off the bat...lol.

So, would you recommend a lower lift? Maybe a 2.5 instead? Would I then need to go to say, 33" tires? Or will 35's still fit?

Thanks,

Mac
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 09:31 AM
  #3  
Breaktrack's Avatar
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Default

Originally Posted by N2rock
that much lift on an automatic- when you flex off road the front driveshaft boot will hit the transmission pan and/or skid, and will tear the boot off. You'll ultimately have to replace the front driveshaft for one of the smaller diameter aftermarket ones.
Also, since you're here in the area, any good shops around you'd recommend? I have been talking to the guys at 4WheelParts, both the one on 1960 north, and the one on Westheimer. Any pros or cons there?

Mac
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 10:10 AM
  #4  
tgrt's Avatar
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,621
Likes: 1
From: nowhere
Default

Originally Posted by Breaktrack
Also, since you're here in the area, any good shops around you'd recommend? I have been talking to the guys at 4WheelParts, both the one on 1960 north, and the one on Westheimer. Any pros or cons there?
cons = 4 Wheel Parts

Find a real shop.

Originally Posted by Breaktrack
Ah, right off the bat...lol.

So, would you recommend a lower lift? Maybe a 2.5 instead? Would I then need to go to say, 33" tires? Or will 35's still fit?
I'd recommend getting the drive shafts. You very well may regret the smaller lift, but you won't great the drive shafts.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 10:18 AM
  #5  
jeepsanddrums's Avatar
JK Freak
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, CA
Default

Originally Posted by Breaktrack
Ah, right off the bat...lol.

So, would you recommend a lower lift? Maybe a 2.5 instead? Would I then need to go to say, 33" tires? Or will 35's still fit?

Thanks,

Mac
I wouldn't go with a smaller lift. Especially on a 4 door. I would plan on replacing the front driveshaft.
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 11:06 AM
  #6  
Breaktrack's Avatar
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Default

Originally Posted by tgrt
cons = 4 Wheel Parts

Find a real shop.



I'd recommend getting the drive shafts. You very well may regret the smaller lift, but you won't great the drive shafts.
Ah, I see. So 4 Wheel Parts is not recommended? Didn't know that. I'll look for someone in the area who can recommend a good shop, thanks. I'm not sure whether to do the drive shaft, or to do the additional body lift as some others have said, I'll have to think on that and see what other advice I get.

Thanks,

Mac
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 11:11 AM
  #7  
Breaktrack's Avatar
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Default

Originally Posted by jeepsanddrums
I wouldn't go with a smaller lift. Especially on a 4 door. I would plan on replacing the front driveshaft.
Is that due to the longer wheelbase? It would appear it would take more to clear obstacles with the longer vehicle, much like my old cherokee's I had in the past.

Do you think the combination of the lower lift and then an additional body lift would be enough to do the same thing, but without the drive shaft issue?

Thanks,

Mac
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 11:13 AM
  #8  
Breaktrack's Avatar
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Default

Originally Posted by jeepginn
My brother has a auto with a 2.5inch lift, 1 inch body, JKS trackbars and 35's. It wheels like a beast. He also has 4.88 gears and is happy with them. Good luck on your project...
That sounds VERY promising...

So the 4.88's provide enough power without any problems? I'd heard the 5.13's were better if running 35 inch tires, but if not needed, then 4.88's would be fine with me.

Interesting.

Thanks,

Mac
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 11:15 AM
  #9  
Breaktrack's Avatar
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Default

Originally Posted by toad
Contrary to what some have said..you having a 4-door doesn't mean you have to replace your driveshafts if you get a lift. I've heard that you have to do that only in a 2-door since there is a sharper angle on the driveshafts when you lift it. Since you have a longer wheel base, I doubt you will have to replace the driveshafts.
Hmmm, well, the first comment on the thread about the drive shaft angle did say "with that much lift" so I wasn't sure if it was simply due to doing a 3 - 3.5 inch lift that would cause it, and if less of a lift would mean it wasn't necessary. If not needed then it would seem the cleaner way to go would be to get the originally planned lift.

Lot's to think about, and only about a month before I plan to get started...lol.

Thanks,

Mac
Reply
Old Oct 10, 2008 | 11:31 AM
  #10  
jeepsanddrums's Avatar
JK Freak
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, CA
Default

Originally Posted by Breaktrack
Is that due to the longer wheelbase? It would appear it would take more to clear obstacles with the longer vehicle, much like my old cherokee's I had in the past.

Do you think the combination of the lower lift and then an additional body lift would be enough to do the same thing, but without the drive shaft issue?

Thanks,

Mac
Yes....I would definately lift a 4 door 3.5" or more. Not only does it look better, but when your going through boulder fields it's nice having a little bit of ground clearance underneath the jeep. A body lift works well for tire clearance but does not lift your transfer case, gas tank, etc...

Also.......after adding bumpers, winch, camping gear, airing down, etc...., your jeep will be sitting slightly lower.
Reply



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:36 AM.