Hey all,

So I am beginning to succumb to the disease around here and I am getting ready for what I consider major mods/additions to my 2010 Rubi.

The one thing I cannot get over is that the addition of bumpers and winches and larger tires adds quite a lot of weight overall. This need to remain my daily driver.

I guess the key is I want to find a happy balance between capability and weight gain.

I plan for a modest 2.5-3" lift so I can easily run 35's. I will re-gear (most likely 4.88 for the 6spd), and strengthen the axles for the larger set-up.

As far as lifts go I am really leaning toward the Rock Crawler 2.5' Max. This is offered in a Pro version with 7075 alu parts. I am wondering if there is any appreciable weight savings here for the cost difference (about $400 difference), and will it sacrifice any strength? The guarantee is the same on the alu or steel parts.

Now to wheels and tires: I plan for now to use alloy wheels with a "lightweight" 35" tire.

And on the the real rocks. Bumpers. I will want a rear with a tire carrier for the heavier wheel/tire. Any recommendations for a fairly lightweight way to go about this?

I do not NEED a winch on the front, but I want one. I am looking at the WARN or SUPERWINCH rock crawler models. At less than 60lbs each, they seem the way to go. I can cary a synthetic extension line if I need more cable. I will want a stubby front with a basic hoop. I am looking at the LOD or the OR FAB models. Leaning toward the LOD since it has fog light holes.

So if you stuck with me through all of that, what are you all doing (if anything) to control the weight gain when modifying your JK?

 

Rancho. It is about the most bare bones rear setup you'll find. And also by far the cheapest.

Best way to control the weight gain is to just bolt on any and everything you want, then drop in a hemi...

 

I had a feeling modding or replacing the engine was going to come up. Other than a tune I do not plan on that anytime soon. Maybe a supercharger way on down the line.

I have seen the Ranch rear setup and it is on my radar.

 

Take off your spare from the rear gate. Buy a basic bumper. Save the weight of the carrier and a big latch system by not having one.

Look into the PureJeep Bare Bonez combo for the front bumper.

I dont see how lift components being aluminum will save you much weight, especially when your talking hundreds of pounds of bumpers and winch.

Gotta say, im not sure where you will find a lightweight 35" MT. Dont sweat a few hundred pounds. There are guys on here with over a thousand pounds extra on their rigs regularly

 

Got to keep the spare on. I have a 2 door so no just tossing it in the back.

I see what you are saying about the suspension compared to the bumpers. But ounces add up to pounds, etc...

I put the quote marks around lightweight, since with a tire it will be just relative from tire to tire.

Like I said, it is my daily driver so I do not want to a 1000lbs for sure. A couple or three hundred I can live with.

 

I think most of us on here have daily drivers. The jeep can handle the weight. re-gear seems to be a great option.

 

If you're worried about adding lbs w/bumper set-ups Aberle Off-Road is the only company I know of using Aluminum construction. It will save quite a few lbs over steel, they look pretty trick too.

 

You could take the doors off as well as the hardtop to save weight for the MT's. But I would go for a basic bumper like PureJeep as someone above me said. Regearing is a must sounds like you are concerned about gas. Rancho would be a great tire mount option. I must ask why are you so concerned about weight? 2 Doors are a lot of pounds lighter than the 4 door.

 

I agree that weight is an issue that affects mileage as well as every component of driving dynamics. However, with a Jeep or other stock+ trail rig, capable components usually equal added weight. I was also concerned with weight, and the pounds do add up. However, I feel it's better to get the components that you want and that work best for you rather than worry about an extra 100-200 lbs in the long-run.

As far as the lift kit goes, aluminum is going to be far more expensive, and the arms are really the only components that will be able to be aluminum. Besides that weight down there is good as it lowers your center of gravity. Most of your mods are going to be lift, wheels and tires, and bumpers. These all add weight at or below frame height, so they all serve to lower COG, keeping you more stable on and off the trail.

The biggest difference a single component can make in terms of weight is the wheel and tire combo. More specifically, the wheels. Yes, tires vary in weight but usually the heavier ones have stronger carcasses and harder tread for durability. The strongest yet lightest wheels you can get (mass produced) are going to be forged aluminum, but they're pricey.

When I had my GTI, the stock wheels were 25 lbs each and I got wheels that were 15 lbs each. It made a huge difference. However, that was a small front driver and the Jeep already weights over 4000 lbs stock. The Jeep is never going to be light. So again, get the parts that you want. You can be weight conscious, but don't bang your head against the wall over it.

 

take a look at my sig, with that set up i havent noticed any negative effects with all the weight. before i had the sliders and rear bumper on the only noticeable change i had was after i put the 35s on.

running it with 4.10s is ok for now. its not horrible, but ill definitely be going to 5.13 (auto here) soon.