Well i decided to pull the trigger on a purchase for a Wrangler minivan (AKA 2wd 4d JK).
After purchasing a new Rubicon LJ in 06' and the firing 20k into it, I figured I'd re-think things a bit. So, thats what I came up with after some research regarding the conversion. I am going to go with a rubi D44 front, Atlas 2sd 5:4:1 Trans case, 37's (what else is there?), and all the fun stuff that is needed to complete the conversion. I got a price quote from the local jeep stealership for the Factory parts needed to be able to accept a transfer case. $287.00 total. Pretty cheap! Here is what it includes:
Adapter / Bellhousing: #52852986AB
Seal: #4269958AB
Seal: #52852998AA
Oil Tube: #52854177AA
Shaft: # 4800385AA
Bolts: #650811AA & 4800385AA

I think that is all you need to convert a 42RLE to accept a Transfer case. If I'm missing something please chime in.

My underlying question is:
I'm having trouble deciding on the lift.
I like the 4" Currie SA and 4" Tera Elite LCG kit as well. however, they all seem to be lacking something.
Then i was directed twords that Stonhenge Series lift by Finishline West. Pricey for a short arm but looks like all high end components. Anybody have any experience with them? I spoke with the owner today and was impressed. He offered to have me come up and take his rig for a drive to experience it for myself. Cant wait to do so!

Other suggestions are appreciated. Not that into FT, Skyjacker, Fabtech, or Re's kits just to clarify.
I would like to know a bit more about the Clayton kit though.

Oh BTW, here is how the jeep/ minivan sits now:

 

I gotta ask, if your willing to dump all this money into the 2wd, why did you not just buy a 4wd in the first place? I don't wanna judge without knowing reasons but that seems... un-economical...?

Feel free to correct me

 

...and if your looking for info on lifts, PM the manufacturers, I'm sure they would love to load you with info, what you need and what you don't, etc.

 

If you have any questions about TeraFlex LCG kits, give me a call! I have about 38,000 miles on mine.

 

Honestly, if you are going to do this then don't waste time with the Rubicon axle, go big and stick something exotic in both front and rear...

If not something exotic then at least get the weld on bracket kit and throw in some junkyard Dana 60's perhaps...

I mean you already want to run 37's which is pretty stressful on the 44's regardless if they are Rubicon or not plus once you go up to the 8 lug axles you can find used wheels and tire for pennies on the dollar...

 

Good luck!

 

You hit the nail on the head. The stock 4x components are of no use to me.

 

I've been running 37's on stock rubi 44's with stock shafts for 3yrs with no problems. Wheeled the hammers a few times, coral canyon, truckhaven, rubicon, extra. My point is, I've seen guys shatter brand new 60's on easy trails and others take on the hammers with stock D35's with no issues. It's all how you drive.

 

If you're going with a 44 up front, why not go with a Dynatrac 44? Since you are starting from scratch, it would be a heck of a lot stronger and still reasonable.

 

I couldn't have said it better myself.