What is needed, and what is sugested??
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
From: Alden,NY
What is needed, and what is sugested??
Hello to everyone. Let me start by saying I am new to the Jeep world. I own a 2010 JK Unlimited Mountain Edition and I love it... I am going to be installing a lift with new wheels and 35" tires. I have decided on the Rock Krawler 3.5" mid arm x-factor lift kit. I already have a superchips flashpaq, and know I will need to re-gear in the near future... My question is, what else do I HAVE to do when I install the lift, and what else should be done, but doesn't need to be done imediately?? I also plan on isnstalling arb lockers when i re-gear (that is why I will have to wait a little while $$), along with the cv style front axles, high mount knuckles, and who knows what else.... also, currently i would say this is on the road probably 90% of the time, and is my daily driver. hopefully will be used off road more, once all the mods are complete, or at least I wont have to worry when I do go off road.... Thanks in advance for all of your help.....
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Overseas
Hey bud, congrats on the lift and meats. Check out the FAQ's to see what else you'll need. You'll probably need to look at getting new driveshaft (s) along with other things to make your jeep bulletproof. Make sure to post pics when you do the install 
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 119
Likes: 3
From: Alden,NY
Another question is, would it be cheaper to swap out the front D-30 axle before doing all the mods to upgrade it?? which is cheaper, cost of the mods, or replacing with something stronger?? I also didnt mention in the first post that I plan to weld in some c-gussets also... where can I get these from??
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 165
From: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
My opinion?
You have a D30 front. Going to higher (numeric) gears makes the already small r&p a lot smaller and weaker. Then you add alloys and a full locker. And you end up with something a little like this:
Add up all the costs involved in building your current axle, take into account how you plan to use it, and then decide if you are better off throwing the money away or upgrading to a PR... 
To be fair, a lot of people are running locked 30's and having no issues at all. But a lot of other guys are bending and shattering their axles with on-road driving. Roll the dice...
You have a D30 front. Going to higher (numeric) gears makes the already small r&p a lot smaller and weaker. Then you add alloys and a full locker. And you end up with something a little like this:
Another question is, would it be cheaper to swap out the front D-30 axle before doing all the mods to upgrade it?? which is cheaper, cost of the mods, or replacing with something stronger??
To be fair, a lot of people are running locked 30's and having no issues at all. But a lot of other guys are bending and shattering their axles with on-road driving. Roll the dice...