I'm coming into some cash soon and want to upgrade my
2013 JKU non rubicon
3" franken lift
35" Falken
456 gears
Dirty 30

I'm torn between installing a Eaton E locker in my D44 rear, Winch and better rockers or upgrade to a aftermarket front D44. We don't run really hard trails but we'll run most trails in Big bear trails from time to time. Also Should I upgrade my rear shafts to 35 spline if I do choose to lock it? Thanks

 

What kind of budget are you looking at. To me, a winch is pretty important if you wheel. Build to be as self reliant as possible, and not HAVE to rely on someone with a winch to save you when needed. Also, if you wheel, some sort of rocker protection is pretty important cuz if you jack up that area on the jeep it's going to be difficult to fix. If it were me, those would be my top two, but the rest would all depend on budget in regards to priority. How much can you really address right now?

I'd also put importance on gearing as that will make a difference every single time you drive the jeep....not just wheel it; however, gearing would all depend on which direction you go on axles (in regards to timing, not which gears).

 

X2 on the rocker guard protection. Damage to that are can be really bad. My friend and I both have 2013 rubicons with lockers, etc etc yada yada. I use my lockers all the time, and she rarely if ever uses hers. But I'm the one with a bent axle shaft!!! Go figure.

Anyhow, my sliders have saved me tons of damage. Lockers, based on side by side comparison, clearly aren't needed as much as some people think. Their nice... don't get me wrong. I hate pounding my rig unnecessarily... so if I got 'em I mit as well use them. Given that, I vote sliders. Just my personal experience.

 

Sliders and a winch. Can't remember if the new jeeps come with evap canister protection. If not, get that too. If you haven't, C-gussets also.

 

They do indeed, but it can only be called a "skid plate" by name. It's not a whole lot better than building a skid out of old coke cans.

Funny enough, it's actually just good enough to rip the boot over the rear DS splines the first time you go wheelin'. That's about the extent of it's usefulness. LOL.

 

Thanks fellas, that's the direction I was leaning towards.