UPGRADING TO 37"s! NEED HELP!!
02-02-2019, 04:33 PM
#12
JK Enthusiast
Right? Lots of myths and fantasies about doing bigger than 35's on the cheap. It can be done, but it won't be right and will end up costing way more money in the long run do undo and redo correctly. The Just Empty Every Pocket punchline isn't wrong at all. 
03-22-2019, 07:26 AM
#13
JK Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Littleton
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The broken sector shaft happened to me recently. Wheels straight, left front hit an ice shelf pretty hard. (I'm only running 33s and I think I hit right at the half way point of the tire. So it was a full force transfer to the steering components.) Relatively new to this, so I have a question. Would a sector shaft reinforcement kit have helped there? My gut says yes, but they seem to be heavily focused on protecting bracket welds and not the sector shaft. (The JKS one does appear to offload stress from the sector shaft, so I'm pretty focused on that one.) No plans to go above 35" on this build, so I can't see going hydro. Didn't go big bore either, just had an OEM box replacement done.
Luckily, I was with a group that was phenomenal in getting my jeep back to a county road for a tow!
Luckily, I was with a group that was phenomenal in getting my jeep back to a county road for a tow!
03-22-2019, 08:12 AM
#14
JK Jedi
Would a sector shaft reinforcement kit have helped there? My gut says yes, but they seem to be heavily focused on protecting bracket welds and not the sector shaft. (The JKS one does appear to offload stress from the sector shaft, so I'm pretty focused on that one.) No plans to go above 35" on this build, so I can't see going hydro. Didn't go big bore either, just had an OEM box replacement done.
The big knock on the Synergy model was that it didn't like to play with non-synergy TBs, and also that the brace would contact most non-synergy springs on the outter side of the frame rail. This seems like a better design, although not as simple of an install and at a much higher cost. It's interesting, but I think I'd rather go a different route myself. Just my opinion. I'd probably even just say the odds of that happening again to you are extremely slim. Curious to hear some other opinions.
03-23-2019, 03:44 AM
#15
JK Enthusiast
I agree with what nthinuf already said.
What I would stress that you don’t NEED 4” to run 37s, and tbh, the higher you go the less favors you’re doing yourself. IDK why everyone tends to think higher is better. You may like the “look” of higher, but it gets less functional as your center of gravity is going up. You are actually just decreasing performance IMO.
So, with 37s, you need to think about these things:
I mean, the list goes on and on. I know there’s more stuff I'm forgetting at the moment…..this is just quick “off the top of my head” stuff. In all honestly, if you’re building a 3.5” lift with 37s, you need to be expecting to commit ~$10k or more to it. You can’t do it cheap or else you’re going to end up with a turd that is constantly frustrating you. You just really need to consider EVERYTHING that goes in to a build, otherwise stuff is going to sneak up on you and you'll feel like you're constantly bleeding money.
What I would stress that you don’t NEED 4” to run 37s, and tbh, the higher you go the less favors you’re doing yourself. IDK why everyone tends to think higher is better. You may like the “look” of higher, but it gets less functional as your center of gravity is going up. You are actually just decreasing performance IMO.
So, with 37s, you need to think about these things:
- You’ll most likely have to regear, which means adding a programmer as well if you don’t already have one
- This could lead you down the whole “do I want to add lockers or not at the same time
- Which will lead you down the rabbit hole of WHICH lockers
- Which could lead you down the path or replacing axle shafts to match new locker spline count
- Which could lead you down the path of is putting money in to a D30 worthwhile
- Which will lead you down the rabbit hole of WHICH lockers
- This could lead you down the whole “do I want to add lockers or not at the same time
- You’ll probably need new rear axle shafts as the factory flanges tend to bend easily with 37s (even if you don’t off road)
- 3.5” BS is most appropriate for 37s, and you’re not going to find many non-beadlock options with that BS
- You can indeed run spacers…..those can get to be a drag if you do much work on your jeep IMO
- If you have spacers, many tire shops won’t touch your vehicle. This depends on location usually.
- If you have beadlocks, many shops won’t touch your vehicle. This depends on location usually.
- You can indeed run spacers…..those can get to be a drag if you do much work on your jeep IMO
- You’d better factor in some expensive ball joints, Rare Parts would be your best option
- Factory BJs ain’t gonna hold up, and if you wheel, odds of TF, Synergy, Alloy….they’re all a crapshoot
- I cannot recommend DT at all. You can search up my thread on rebuilding those….not worthwhile.
- Plan on new drive shaft if lifting 3”+, or at the VERY lease rebuilding a factory shaft using the TF high angle rzeppa.
- Boot at the TC-side CV joint will rip, spew all the grease, and the joint will dry out leading to early failure
- With 37s and 3”+ lift, you really need to have a full set of control arms IMO.
- Especially in the rear, you’re gonna want the ability to move the axle back again as the tire really creeps forward in the wheel well
- Even with significant trimming of the pinch seam, which you’re gonna have to do, you’ll probably want more clearance
- Pushing the axle back will probably require you to relocate or remove your rear sway bar back an inch
- Relocating your rear sway bar will probably force you to address the factory muffler
- If you relocate the muffler to between the axles, you’ll need to address evap canister
- Relocating your rear sway bar will probably force you to address the factory muffler
- Pushing the axle back will probably require you to relocate or remove your rear sway bar back an inch
- Even with significant trimming of the pinch seam, which you’re gonna have to do, you’ll probably want more clearance
- Especially in the rear, you’re gonna want the ability to move the axle back again as the tire really creeps forward in the wheel well
- If you wheel, you’ll probably need to address your exhaust crossover up front.
- Exhaust spacers are a bandaid IMO
- You may likely want to upgrade your brakes, and will be deciding between big brake kits and big rotor kits
- You’ll address every steering and suspension component as already mentioned. TR, DL, TB, control arms, springs, shocks, bump stops, sway links, brake lines, etc.
- Probably want to add C gussets at the very least if you don’t have em already
I mean, the list goes on and on. I know there’s more stuff I'm forgetting at the moment…..this is just quick “off the top of my head” stuff. In all honestly, if you’re building a 3.5” lift with 37s, you need to be expecting to commit ~$10k or more to it. You can’t do it cheap or else you’re going to end up with a turd that is constantly frustrating you. You just really need to consider EVERYTHING that goes in to a build, otherwise stuff is going to sneak up on you and you'll feel like you're constantly bleeding money.
04-11-2019, 07:35 AM
#16
HOLY CRAP!!! Have y'all ever seen a dog tuck his tail between his legs and take off running like a bat outta hell? That's me after reading this thread.... LOL
I just got my 08 JKX and it already has new takeoff Rubicon Wheels and Tires. I'm pretty sure they're 32" tall.
It also got heavier springs and new shocks which gave it a 1.5" lift according to my buddy who sold it to me.
The wheels have spacers that give it a slightly wider stance.
I was very excited looking at the many pictures of JK's on the net with 37's and said to myself... Gotta get me some....
Now? Well.... Maybe I'll stick with my 32's and the spacers and cheapo 1.5" lift. I really DO like the way it looks and rides and handles off road although the ride is a bit stiff.
I could probably afford the $10K but I'm no mechanic so I'm not even gonna estimate what it would cost me if I had to pay someone to do it all.
I've owned 4wd trucks for over 40 years so offroading is nothing new to me but this is my first Jeep and up until now I didn't know how much fun driving could be... Yes... My name is Bob and I'm a Jeepaholic...
I just got my 08 JKX and it already has new takeoff Rubicon Wheels and Tires. I'm pretty sure they're 32" tall.
It also got heavier springs and new shocks which gave it a 1.5" lift according to my buddy who sold it to me.
The wheels have spacers that give it a slightly wider stance.
I was very excited looking at the many pictures of JK's on the net with 37's and said to myself... Gotta get me some....
Now? Well.... Maybe I'll stick with my 32's and the spacers and cheapo 1.5" lift. I really DO like the way it looks and rides and handles off road although the ride is a bit stiff.
I could probably afford the $10K but I'm no mechanic so I'm not even gonna estimate what it would cost me if I had to pay someone to do it all.
I've owned 4wd trucks for over 40 years so offroading is nothing new to me but this is my first Jeep and up until now I didn't know how much fun driving could be... Yes... My name is Bob and I'm a Jeepaholic...
04-11-2019, 08:07 AM
#17
Super Moderator
HOLY CRAP!!! Have y'all ever seen a dog tuck his tail between his legs and take off running like a bat outta hell? That's me after reading this thread.... LOL
I just got my 08 JKX and it already has new takeoff Rubicon Wheels and Tires. I'm pretty sure they're 32" tall.
It also got heavier springs and new shocks which gave it a 1.5" lift according to my buddy who sold it to me.
The wheels have spacers that give it a slightly wider stance.
I was very excited looking at the many pictures of JK's on the net with 37's and said to myself... Gotta get me some....
Now? Well.... Maybe I'll stick with my 32's and the spacers and cheapo 1.5" lift. I really DO like the way it looks and rides and handles off road although the ride is a bit stiff.
I could probably afford the $10K but I'm no mechanic so I'm not even gonna estimate what it would cost me if I had to pay someone to do it all.
I've owned 4wd trucks for over 40 years so offroading is nothing new to me but this is my first Jeep and up until now I didn't know how much fun driving could be... Yes... My name is Bob and I'm a Jeepaholic...
I just got my 08 JKX and it already has new takeoff Rubicon Wheels and Tires. I'm pretty sure they're 32" tall.
It also got heavier springs and new shocks which gave it a 1.5" lift according to my buddy who sold it to me.
The wheels have spacers that give it a slightly wider stance.
I was very excited looking at the many pictures of JK's on the net with 37's and said to myself... Gotta get me some....
Now? Well.... Maybe I'll stick with my 32's and the spacers and cheapo 1.5" lift. I really DO like the way it looks and rides and handles off road although the ride is a bit stiff.
I could probably afford the $10K but I'm no mechanic so I'm not even gonna estimate what it would cost me if I had to pay someone to do it all.
I've owned 4wd trucks for over 40 years so offroading is nothing new to me but this is my first Jeep and up until now I didn't know how much fun driving could be... Yes... My name is Bob and I'm a Jeepaholic...
04-11-2019, 08:27 AM
#18
JK Jedi
**if you do that just for looks, next thing you know you just pull up next to someone on 40's and feel just as inadequate.
04-11-2019, 09:05 AM
#19
Super Moderator
04-11-2019, 09:16 AM
#20
Super Moderator
Y, the performance difference between 35s and 37s is marginal at best. I mean, there is a difference, but 95% of what you're doing on 37s you can do just the same on 35s. Every now and then you run across something where that bit of extra size makes a difference. For people doing it purely for looks, i don't think it makes sense, but that's just me.
**if you do that just for looks, next thing you know you just pull up next to someone on 40's and feel just as inadequate.
**if you do that just for looks, next thing you know you just pull up next to someone on 40's and feel just as inadequate.
As for inadequate feelings... I'll just leave this here... bahahahahaha ...