Hey Guys,

I have a stock JK X Unlimited 4dr with 33" Pro Comp Xtreme AT's and 1 1/2" Spidertrax Spacers to prevent rubbing. I am looking to do more to my vehicle, some performance and some looks wise.

Unfortunately, I don't know a whole lot about this as this is my first Jeep and I have done a lot of research. Due to that fact, I have kind of confused myself. My confusion comes from the fact that I am working with a budget (Who has $5-$10K laying around right?)

I plan on putting the following on performance wise and would like some input as to the best way or order to do these things. Listed below are the mods that I will be doing.


1) AEV / Nth Degree 3.5" Premium Suspension System with Bilstein Shocks

2) At some point and time 35" Pro Comp Xtreme AT tires

Should I regear the front and back? If so, what gear ratio would be the best?

3) Rugged Ridge Winch Mount Modular XHD Front Bumper

4) Rancho Rear Off-Road Bumper with Tire Carrier


Here's my conundrum. I would like to tackle the lift ASAP as it is the biggest bulk cost. However, I have heard of the JK Rake and if I put a new front bumper on and a winch with it, I will more than likely have a Raking problem right (I am imagining that the new rear bumper will not offset the weight enough)? If so, should I put the bumpers on first or after the lift?

Secondly, according to this thread,
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modified-jk-tech-2/modified-tech-faq-answers-questions-every-newbie-has-18617/

I should have better gears than the stock JK gears I have now. Should I regear first, or after the lift, or after the Lift and Tires?

My biggest concern is this is my daily driver and I want the best performance and I don't want to mess up the ride of the vehicle (Other than what a lift and bigger tires would do).



Thanks for any help you guys can provide. As I said before, I have done tons of research and I think it is confusing me more than needed.

Regards,
Corey

 

My two cents would be Lift, Tires, Bumpers then gears. As far as gears if you have an auto go 5.13's, manuel go 4.88's unless you really want some torque.

Also at some point you would want rails. If you are hitting the trail that should be one of the first things.

 

If you experience rake you can add some spacers in the front to offset it. That is what most do anyways.

x2 on Kupost's suggested order of things, as well as gear ratios...

Andrew

 

I thought about 5.13's but called my local 4WD shop and they recommended going with 4.88. I think the Dana 30 will support a gear ratio of up to 5.13 so either way I would be good.

I would like to know though, will there be a really noticeable drop in performance if I run with 35'"s until I get the gears? Like I said, I don't really want to have a jeep dragging A$$ on the street so if better gears will make a huge difference would it be better to start with that?

And yes, Kupost, Rock Rails are on the list as well as fender flairs, and other protective equipment. I just want to make sure that I do this in the best possible order as it may be some time between additions. Know what I mean?


Thanks again,

Corey

 

wheels / tires will make the most visual impact initially, not to mention give u the traction u need in the bush. if you're concerned about looks, do that first. then lift it, and you'll see that it's even more visually stunning.
drive it around for a while, beat it up on the trails. then consider regearing. this is probably the most expensive option on your list, so be dang sure you want to drop the bread on it.
what do you plan on doing with your rig? u stated it's ur DD, so how much wheeling do u do? if u wheel alot, then follow the path...wheels / tires first. that will get you around most obstacles / trails. then ARMOUR UP! skids / rails etc.
anything after that is gravy, bumpers etc. believe me, it's easier to bust up a stock bumper on a trail then bust up a bumper u just dropped $800 bones on.
good luck with ur build man, and post pics!

 

Hey thanks for the help.

As for my rig, yup its my DD, but I do some occasional wheeling. Here in Raleigh NC, there aren't too many trails. I popped my cherry and hit up Uwharrie National Forest for the first time after a big rain storm and my current 33" Pro Comps did well on the stock X.

As they are BRAND NEW tires, I'll probably just do the lift then first because it sounds like the consensus is to do the gears last. So I guess my method will be Lift, Bumpers, Rails, Skids, Fender Flairs, then gears if needed. I have a bunch of other things to do so I will make sure to post plenty of pictures.

Thanks so much for everyone's help. This is the best Forum I have seen in a while. Keep helping and keep wheeling.


Regards,
Corey

 

Right now I am running 35's on 3.73 gears. While not idea it is not too bad for a daily driver. Gas millage and power suck but they sucked before I went to the 35's.