So I have been reading the forums and trying to sort through all of the great info that it contains. I am starting to draw up a "plan of attack" to start the modification of my JK. My first thought (ok...more my little voice that keeps saying "that would be cool looking") was to do a lift and 35" tires but then I started looking at what needs to be mod'ed to be able to run 35" tires (fenders and my stock bumper, regearing, etc all of which add up to some serious $$$). So now I am thinking that it would be better to do this in some stages that I can keep the $$$ down to a managable expense for each stage. I fifured the first logical ste[ would be to start with changing out my bumper and fenders and adding a winch.

So step 1 would be new bumper with winch, fenders, and add the rest of the skid plates that didn't come with the stock JK

The step 2 would be to start calling around to some of the local/regional jeep shops and talking to some of the pro's to get advice and cost estimates on parts and labor to do the lift and regearing (by the way, I didn't see anything to indicate that it would be harmful to regear to 5.13 and still run stock until I can get the new tires but I would appreciate if someone could confirm this for me)

Step 3 would be to add the lift (thinking 2.5" BB and 1" body) and if money allowed also add new 35" tires. If money is tight then tires would be step 4 and then start looking at all of the other things that will need to be upgraded/added.

Any thoughts/Ideals/suggestions?

 

Oh the wonderful world of the Jeep build...

While there's no right or wrong way to go about it, I would definitely not re-gear before the tires. The rpm's will kill you with 5.13s and the street tires.

The rest is a matter of opinion, and I'm sure everyone will have a different one. I'd suggest lift first, then do the tires and re-gear. After that, start adding your bumpers, winch and cosmetic stuff. You could always do a stubby stock bumper chop to hold you over.

Just my 2 pennies. Good luck dude!