Alright, I have myself a brand new 2010 4dr Sahara with Auto trans in Silver. I have been lurking here, reading, and preparing a list of mods for some time now. I'd like to post this list and see you guys tear it apart before I pull the trigger on any of this.

If you see something that is incompatible, lacking, or all-around stupid, please let me know. If you feel like suggesting alternatives, please do so.

The areas where I'm weakest are in my knowledge of the driveshaft and gearing overhauls. Please let me know if my choices are good ones, or if I need to be looking at different parts altogether.

I have no idea what labor is going to run me -- I don't have the mechanical know-how or the time; nor do I have access to a garage and tools, so most of the work will need to be out-sourced to a local shop somewhere in/around Northern Virginia.

Have at it, and thanks ahead of time!

---------- My Build Wishlist, as of 11/30/09 -----------

LIFT AND DRIVESHAFT
TeraFlex JK Wrangler 3in Suspension System w/FlexArms & Shocks: $1583.00
http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...rod=TF-1256200

Coast Jeep JK 1310 Front Drive Shaft: $450.00
http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...-1310-JK-FRONT

GEARING
JK Front and Rear Gears (5.13 ratio): $400.00
http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...INSTALL&cat=36

REPROGRAMMING
Superchips Flashpaq for Jeep JK: $308.00
http://www.northridge4x4.com/products.php?cat=269

TIRES AND WHEELS
BFG M/T KM2, 35x12.50R17/D (x5): $1426.00 shipped
http://www.discounttires.com/product...ntainOptions=1

Black Rock Series 909 Type D Alloy Wheel in Tungsten Color with Matte Black, 17x8, 4.0 Backspacing (x5): $655.00 shipped
http://www.quadratec.com/products/92613_15XX_A_PG.htm

LIGHTING
IPF 968 Driving Lights (Pair): $143.00
http://www.quadratec.com/products/97017_502.htm

BODY AND BUMPER(S)
LoD Jeep JK Wrangler Signature Series Mid-Width Front Bumper w/winch guard and skidplate: $837.00
http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...od=LOD-SSS1008

LoD 2007-2009 Jeep JK Signature Series with Tire Carrier, Halogens, and 3rd Brakelight kit: $1025.00
http://www.4x4groupbuy.com/store/pro...4{49}94{47}147

MOPAR Mirror Relocation Brackets (Pair): $70.00
http://www.quadratec.com/products/13125_5000.htm

WINCH
Warn 9.5ti Thermometric Self-recovery Winch: $1190.00
http://www.northridge4x4.com/proddet...rod=WARN-67550

AUDIO/VIDEO
RER MyGig IPod Integration Kit: $79.00
www.justforjeeps.com/ipodwiring.html

Coastal E Tech MYGIG LOCKPICK v.2 - Jeep Navigation Unlocking Device: $209.00
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp...ource=googleps

MISCELLANEOUS
MOPAR Slush Mats (3 Piece, JK Unlimited): $75.00
http://www.shoplive.rompalicious.com...ase#googlebase

Grab Handles (x2), Gnarly Grips, Medium 2" to 3" diameter: $46.00
http://www.offroadtrailtools.com/sho...t_detail&p=115

SUBTOTAL: $8500.00 + Labor

OPTIONAL
ELocker by Eaton (EAT19819-010) for Dana 30 front axle and gears 3.73 and Up (Numerically): $745.00
http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.as...1&partID=41652

ELocker by Eaton (EAT19818-010) for Dana 44 rear axle and gears 3.73 and Up (Numerically): $745.00
http://www.4wd.com/productdetails.as...1&partID=43535


TOTAL WITH OPTIONAL PARTS: $9090.00 + Labor

 

It looks like you did your homework.

I'd suggest one more pair of extended brake lines, but you could also get by with some extended brake line mounts.

If you think that you're going to use your winch a lot, synthetic line is a VERY nice upgrade to make...but you can easily add that later.

If you've got the budget for it, you may want to consider lockers at the same time that your re-gear. It will save you money in the long run...but only if you think that you're going to end up with lockers later.

If you're not at all sure that you'll buy lockers later, then just re-gear and enjoy your Jeep!

 

Should have just bought this, but a great list.
aev-conversions.com/vehicles/j8_milspec.php

 

*rear bumper and tire carrier.
u need some place for that spare.
if you choose to keep stock bumper and aftermarket tire carrier on the gate, be very carefull, some advertise it fits up to a 37, which it will, but some will not work with the stock bumper. just make sure you get measurements.

*adjustable rear trackbar
i have jks and very happy

 

You have Northridge 4x4 listed as a source for a few items but you can get most of that stuff from them and at really good prices too. I just ordered a Teraflex lift from Northridge at a great price, way below what other places advertise.

 

wow.. thanks so much for the quick responses and great info!

To clarify a few things (Just so I don't look like such a newbie/chump)...

I'm a military guy who is frequently deploying/going on TDY, so that's why my time is limited for the install -- I may still decide to do it myself if I can find someone to spend the hours with me guiding my wrench-hand at one of the Army base garages.

This also isn't my first jeep -- I had a '90 YJ all hooked up that I did mostly myself (I really miss that 4.2L! ) However, I also had a lot of problems with it due to my many screw ups from various installs, so I need to avoid that somehow this time around. I'm not a dumb guy, but I also don't know anyone who has worked a JK, so finding a friend to waste a few hours of his life to help will be a touch challenge.

The links/prices I posted were merely for my budgeting benefit using the lowest for each part I could find on the net. I really do hope that I can get with a rep from somewhere like Northridge and land some package deals, but that will come later when I pull the trigger on the parts and/or find a decent shop in Northern VA to help me do the work.

I also WILL be wheelin' often, so this is more than just a driveway trophy (I don't even have a driveway! lol) I plan to build it out so that it's capable of some very technical trails, and then I'll start out slow in the Spring and work my way up to those trails by late summer 2010. If all goes well, I plan to wheel this thing at least two weekends every month -- I plan to make it a family affair and teach my little one to camp/fish at the same time -- which is actually the main reason I chose the 4dr jeep!

Now, to the comments...

1. As for the rear bumper, I know that it's missing. The reason is that I haven't yet found one that I really like. I actually like the look of the stock bumper, so I also wouldn't mind keeping it and finding a decent solution to make the 35" spare fit. If not, any cost effective suggestions would be great.

2. As far as I can tell, my gearing HAS to be changed. This Sahara came with the lame 3.21 stock gears, so even 33's would be pushing the limits. Since I want to use 35's, it seems like a no-brainer. While I do plan to travel a lot on the highways as well, I usually don't cruise over 70 mph; and, from what I've read, the 5.13's will still do a decent job at 65-70. If that info is incorrect, please tell me!

3. I wish I had known about AEV's milspec builds before today... DOH!

4. Adjustable rear trackbar -- it's my understanding that simple brackets would work on the JK, and that an adjustable rear trackbar is not necessary. While I'm sure that an adjustable trackbar is much more flexible and durable, is it really necessary?

5. What types of situations will require lockers? If I need to add those during the initial build, I will; but, from what I've seen, most people get by without them. So, my being somewhat of an idiot when it comes to really advanced wheelin', can someone please explain when/where/why I'd need/want them?

6. Why would I need an extra pair of brake-line extensions or extended brake-line mounts? Will the build not work without them?

Once again, wow, thank you guys so much for your suggestions and fast responses! I will continue to bounce my ideas off you and read your suggestions until I feel confident that every base is covered -- and only then will I break out the credit card. If any of you are near Northern VA and feel like spending a few hours next Spring helping me build this out, please let me know. The more money I can save on labor, the better -- plus, I'd REALLY like to learn how it's all done and put together. After all, this is supposed to be a hobby, right? I hate doing things I don't understand, so the more I learn during the build, the better I'll be later at fixing it and enjoying the experience!

Stay safe,
-ph-

 

I switched out the AEV front bumper with a complete front/rear set from LoD. The cost difference is only $100 above what it was before with just the front bumper from AEV! (The top post was changed to reflect the new selections).

next...

 

list looks good to me....


time to get ordering.

 

Your jeep looks great man! If mine looks like that, I'll be quite stoked! I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems though -- it's not often that I see/hear anyone around here talking about intentionally going shorter and smaller... but you're a SEAL, and I've learned never to doubt or question you crazy bastards!

As a typical Army guy, I'll have to learn those lessons the hard way when I go for 35's and a 3" lift right out of the gate. Wish me luck!

A few questions:
1. Have you ever had a good use for the halogens in your rear bumper?
2. Is that a shorty rear, or the standard (full-sized?) signature series?
3. With your shorty front bumper, how did you install the lights where they are under the bar, and the winch tucked away somewhere?! Every photo I've seen of the LoD front bumpers has the winch where your lights are, and the lights are installed on top of the bar...!?

 

I have the Tera 3". It is a great kit. When I ordered mine I got the kit with 4 flex arms (front lower and rear upper) I did that so I could adjust my caster and pinion angle. Have you looked at this deal from Northridge4x4 for $1583.99?


it also has front lower and rear upper adjustable control arms (not shown)

That would take care of a few things on your list:
the 3" tera lift w/shocks
Front Trackbar (not JKS but Teraflex ones are better)
Front adjustable lower control arms
Terafex swaybar disconnects (I love the way mine pin the bar up)

It will also give you rear uppers so you can adjust your pinion angle. I don't think it will cost you any more to go that route really and it will give you rear uppers and a better front track bar. The total for the kit, track bar, control arms, and disconnects as you listed is $1537. That Tera kit I posted is $1583.99. so $46.99 Gets you teraflex's monster front track bar, and their rear upper control arms.

I started with that, but got the other 4 control arms a month or two later. Their arms are really nice. I dunno if you have dealt with northridge4x4 yet, but their customer service is awesome and he has free shipping on orders over $200. I used quadratec for years, but now I am only dealing with david @ NR.