I have read almost everything you guys have posted up about lifts. from what I read, it seems that you guys are the experts. Lets see if i got this right. Now if I want to put 38x12.5x16 tires on my jeep I would have to put a 4 in suspension lift, change my drive shaft and put new pinions, 5.10 to be exact. now what else do I need beside this. If i put a body lift would I have to do anything else. I just need information because I really don't trust the people that will sell me the parts and they might want to sell me other things that I don't need. I am not an expert at all. please can you guys help me thank you so much

 

Well lets see what kind of wheeling are you going to do? are you building a mall rated or trail rated rig. unless you have the rubicon you are going to have to update the front axle. the dana 30 will be no match for 38's. since you are going to be replacing the ring and pinion i would look into lockers, again thats if you don't have the rubicon. be prepared to do some trimming. the tires will rub. i would recomend a long arm suspension for that size lift. anyone else want to chime in?

 

It would be tough to run 38's on a 4" lift with rubbing and your axles definately owuld need changing.

 

I was just watching the extreme 4x4 episode on spike, sounds like if you change the dana 30 for a dana 44 you'll need to ensure that it also has the wheel sensors for the ESP. Otherwise your rig will go into failsafe.

 

Yeah, 37s would probably be more appropriate for a 4" lift

 

first, I don't have a Rubi, I have an X. Now if I do 37 instead, would it be less I would have to replace. I am not doing any hard rock crawling. mostly little off roading. I really don't want to put to much money on this, But I know I will spend some. Now, can I just change the drive shaft and the pinion. I don't want to put locker on this, since i am not going to be using it much. how about spacers. would I also need that. Now would I also need to change the front and back pinion. I had a 86CJ7 back in the days and I had it lifted. one day i was driving in the FWY and the drive shaft flew off. pretty scary times. that is why this time i want to do it right. thanks again for your responses.

 

W/ 38'S and a D30 (probably even a d44?), you'll still at least be changing balljoints once or twice a year. Not to mention the extra stress on the rest of the front axle components. I'd recommend AT LEAST a D44 to run 38's.


All this said, there have been some revisions/improvements to this Dana 30, so your experience may vary. Be a guinea pig, and let us know how it goes. That way, the next time somebody asks this question, you can answer w/ experience, instead of just speculating, like me .

 

just curious why 38's or 37's for that matter if your not going to use your rig offroad that much? save the money go with a smaller lift and tires. it will save your jeep in the long run

 

Sounds like you want a nice looking off road rig capable of some off roading but not heavy use. I am getting that the 2 primary factors are appearance and cost. If so, look at this route:

4" superlift (if you spend $1500 at Quadratech net cost or more you can get a discount program and this lift is like $498!) Being a 4 dr and light off roading I wouldn't do anything to the driveline uintil you see how it holds up. It's all speculation but you should be fine for awhile anyways. If it fails...beef it up then.

Use a wheel that is sensibly priced, 17 x 9 or 10 w/4.5-5 BS
Pro comp 37" tires (they are buy 3 get 1 free right now @ 4wp, maybe others)

That will get you into a big set-up for little money. Upgrade as needed from there

 

I like what rrussell said. Upgrade it when it breaks! I know that some will say what if it strands ya but lets face it, everything breaks. If you are only doing light off roading than chances are you wont break it, especially not the drive shaft! Maybe a universal or something. Also, if you are driving this thing as a daily driver doing any kind of mileage I wouldn't go over a 35 12.5 with it. I have the superlift 4 inch and 35" nitto mud grapplers and its plenty big enough and looks awesome! Just my opinion!