My 3.5" Game Changer ARB arrived. I'm doing as much research in the last couple days as I can before I start unbolting stuff and installing. I hear a lot about spring sag/overlift depending on which kit u choose. I plan to be about 4-4.5" after install. Still need to add a winch and skid plates, but it got me thinking... how much weight is TOO much for the 3.6? Should I just factor in right now a bunch of breakage/failure in other parts? I have a 2013 rubicon w/ d44s. Can the 3.6 handle all that extra weight effectively in moderate/severe rock crawling situations? What differences can I expect from stock vs full weight... all other things aside? Will I be looking at premature engine failure, or are the worst of my headaches going to be limited to driveshafts, axle shafts, etc?
failure?

 

Guess I should add... I already have most of the extra weight that most people think of like bumpers, sliders, tire carrier, etc.... just no winch or engine/tranny skid yet.

 

PS... the wife doesn't know it yet, but I'm already planning to go 37s, as well as a MC high steer kit and a new front driveshaft. I already ordered an exhaust spacer kit... and a 1/2" of spring spacers in case I need to level out any front rake (I hate front rake!!!). Id rather it be prerunner style... with more rear rake than anything else!!!

 

I draw the line at about 130lbs

 

Ha. Too bad these things are drone app capable!!!

 

I have just as much fun watching as I do driving. Plus, I'd stay alive in a catastrophic failure scenario!!!

 

All kidding aside, I guess my main question is... Has anyone weighted it down too much and felt like their only other option to regain power was to replace the engine?

 

How much weight are you looking to add? No, you cannot run your landscaping company out of the rear of the jeep, it won't support that much weight.


Seriously though- you'd have to load it down to an uncomfortable level before the weight will be an issue for breaking parts **unless** you drive with wild abandon. The overland/ expedition crowd loads the rear with camping gear and they go on long distance trips without breaking parts at every stoplight.

It appears as though you've read too much into the horror stories of breaking parts. Go out and use it, then you'll have the answers you're seeking.

 

In heavy rock crawling you need low range gearing not more engine power. Proper gearing will give you way more torque than engine mods.

You have a decent start towards proper gearing with a Rubicon transfer case at 4.1, now get your diffs regeared to 5.13 and you'll be fine on 37's and whatever weight you carry. If you need more torque than that for rock crawling, which you won't, get an atlas with an even lower low range.

Now you will need more engine for a heavy JK doing mud and sand dunes, and of course cruising through the mountains on paved roads lol

 

I have used it in the rocks, and my first impressions as I hit harder and harder trails is that it feels... fragile. When I need to get a tire up a rock and and a hard spot, it doesn't feel 100% confident... if that makes sense. When I turn on my lockers, my mind goes crazy!!!! My cj was far inferior, but my buddy's tj feels more "sturdy".