Just a note on front lockers, instead of installing a electric, air or cable locker in the front of my TJ, I installed an Aussy lunchbox locker. Does not engage when the jeep is not in 4WD and engages when it is. Works great! I put an OX cable locker in the rear, the Aussy works so well I usually don't engage the rear.


Just bought an 08 Rubicon JK

 

I'm new to the Jeep world again, the last Jeep I had was a 1984 CJ7 and that was nearly 25 years ago. All this information has helped me make the decision to go with the Teraflex 2.5" lift kit and run nothing larger than 35's but I might even settle for simple 33's to keep my gas mileage tolerable. Does anyone recommend a good quality affordable set of Wheels in the 17x9 size with a 4.5" backspace? Any information is helpful as I have a lot to learn with these new Jeep suspensions. Thanks again Gentlemen!

 

I don't have any experience with the Mopar skid plates, but full covers usually protect better than skids and are not that much more expensive. Since I usually drive in the forest rather than the rocks, I am more worried about something sharp or pointy (like a downed tree limb) poking the cover. Skids don't usually do much to prevent that.

About the cold air intake and water ingestion, the simple answer is yes, your risk goes up. The real question is how much? I feel that the increased risk is minimal if you are only going to be dunking your vehicle to reasonable limits (water below the level of the intake). If water just gets splashed on the intake, it should be able to handle that. If you put it under water...well...I think you could expect some hefty engine repair bills.

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Paul

 

Thank you Paul,
Mike

 

Outstanding and informative post! Wish I had it before the trials I made with my mods before. Thanks for the education.

 

Thanks guys for both of your informative and thoughtful insights. If I'd had that type of big-scope advice when I started, I would definately had a more cohesive plan for the mods. I've been winging it a bit. Thanks again!

 

Thanks for the two long posts. Both were informative and helpful.

 

Thanks for the write up Paul, I've been looking at things I want to do and constantly back up each one because of how another mod may change things, gets a little frustrating but thinking ahead is always a better(cheaper) idea. Thanks for the info.

 

Great post, I can honestly say I learned from it, and I'm glad people are willing to share their unbiased opinions.