2005 Jeep Wrangler TJ Unlimited Rubicon
It is my current goal to run 37" Nitto Trail Grapplers on 17" Beadlocks from Allied Racing, however, like all Jeepers I will most likely want to go bigger eventually. Now as I say that I have no intentions of running anything larger than a 37" tire. Only problem is I said I wouldn't run larger than a 33" on my JKU and ended up getting 35" tires and saying the same thing. Few months later I was on the drawing board planning a one ton swap and 42s. After all of that I decided the JK really meant Joke Jeep and traded in for a LJ (Real Jeep).
To fully build my Dana 44s as I like them it will cost me about $5,703.74, that includes every possible strength modification available for the Dana 44 (JK gear conversion, ARB, 1350 Yokes, 35 Spline RCV, Alloy USA 30 Spline Hubs, RCV 30 Spline Outers, Alloy USA Ball Joints, Rock Slide Bomb Shell Kit, Artec Truss, and Artec Inner C Gusset). Only difference is the rear will be running Ten Factory 35 spline shafts.
Sure, that's a lot of money to put into a Dana 44 axle, hence my hesitation. I am very confident that this setup will handle 37" tires without any issues as they would be pretty well overbuilt.
My other option is having East Coast Gear Supply send over a set of their Dana 60s for $9,265. However, I could sell my Rubicon axles with Chromoly shafts for about $3,000 in my neck of the woods. This would offset the cost to only about $6,265. I would also try and wheel and deal with ECGS because I don't need the brackets as I am going full custom suspension with ORI Struts / Coilovers. That would hopefully lower the set another $400 making the actual difference only about $162 more over the Dana 44s.
Now if I opted for Dana 60s I would have room for a V8 swap in the future (already thinking about Banks Sidewinder so I don't think a V8 will take long...). Due to the larger pumpkin size of the Dana 60 I don't believe 37s would be a viable option anymore, forcing the move up to 40s. Now if I am correct with my redneck math a Dana 44 on 37s would have equal ground clearance to a Dana 60 on 40s? Keep in mind we are talking Junk Yard Dana 60s and not $10,000 Fancy axles.
Either option I go with the Jeep will be outfitted with custom suspension, hydro assisted steering, and high line fenders (either Metalcloak or TNT).
I am currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan and this build will not take place until I come home on vacation in March 2016. At that date I am looking to spend around $15,000 with a total build budget of $35,000 over the next three years.
Now that you have read my book what do you think?
It is my current goal to run 37" Nitto Trail Grapplers on 17" Beadlocks from Allied Racing, however, like all Jeepers I will most likely want to go bigger eventually. Now as I say that I have no intentions of running anything larger than a 37" tire. Only problem is I said I wouldn't run larger than a 33" on my JKU and ended up getting 35" tires and saying the same thing. Few months later I was on the drawing board planning a one ton swap and 42s. After all of that I decided the JK really meant Joke Jeep and traded in for a LJ (Real Jeep).
To fully build my Dana 44s as I like them it will cost me about $5,703.74, that includes every possible strength modification available for the Dana 44 (JK gear conversion, ARB, 1350 Yokes, 35 Spline RCV, Alloy USA 30 Spline Hubs, RCV 30 Spline Outers, Alloy USA Ball Joints, Rock Slide Bomb Shell Kit, Artec Truss, and Artec Inner C Gusset). Only difference is the rear will be running Ten Factory 35 spline shafts.
Sure, that's a lot of money to put into a Dana 44 axle, hence my hesitation. I am very confident that this setup will handle 37" tires without any issues as they would be pretty well overbuilt.
My other option is having East Coast Gear Supply send over a set of their Dana 60s for $9,265. However, I could sell my Rubicon axles with Chromoly shafts for about $3,000 in my neck of the woods. This would offset the cost to only about $6,265. I would also try and wheel and deal with ECGS because I don't need the brackets as I am going full custom suspension with ORI Struts / Coilovers. That would hopefully lower the set another $400 making the actual difference only about $162 more over the Dana 44s.
Now if I opted for Dana 60s I would have room for a V8 swap in the future (already thinking about Banks Sidewinder so I don't think a V8 will take long...). Due to the larger pumpkin size of the Dana 60 I don't believe 37s would be a viable option anymore, forcing the move up to 40s. Now if I am correct with my redneck math a Dana 44 on 37s would have equal ground clearance to a Dana 60 on 40s? Keep in mind we are talking Junk Yard Dana 60s and not $10,000 Fancy axles.
Either option I go with the Jeep will be outfitted with custom suspension, hydro assisted steering, and high line fenders (either Metalcloak or TNT).
I am currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan and this build will not take place until I come home on vacation in March 2016. At that date I am looking to spend around $15,000 with a total build budget of $35,000 over the next three years.
Now that you have read my book what do you think?