confused:THERE ARE ALOT OF CHOICES OUT THERE AND I'm BE COMMING MORE CONFUSED MY THE BOOKS AND WEB SITES! IS EVERY THING AN EXTREAM ROCK CRAWLER/MT.DEW ADD OR WHAT? I HAVE ABOUT 10K TO DO THE WORK, (MY WIFE WANTS TO SPEND 2K) I WENT TO SUMMERS TO THE JEEP RALLY AND MET ALOT OF NICE FOLKS THAT ANSWERED MY BASIC QUESTIONS,HOWEVER NOW THAT ITS TIME TO DO THE WORK ........OK HERE WE GO I WANT TO GO TO CLAYTON AND DO THE 4 LONG ARM.WITH THE SKIDS 2500 PLUS 1400 TO WELD IT ON. I'M ONLY GOING TO RUN 33'S BECAUSE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY MY WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN DRIVE IN IT. NOW IF I HAVE A 30 UP FRONT,AND A 35 OUT BACK WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? ARE THE 27 SPLINE SHAFTS GOING TO TAKE IT? WHAT ABOUT RE-GEARING TO 4-10S AND ADDING LOCKERS? UPGRADING THE SHAFTS TO 30 SPLINE? AND THEN WHAT HAVE I JUST BEEFED UP WEAK AXELS THAT WON'T STAND UP TO WHEELING? HOW ABOUT ENGINE MODS? HIGH FLOW INTAKE? EDGE TRAIL JAMMER/TBODY? HEADERS,CAT BACK X-HUST? WHAT ABOUT JUST HAVING AN X-HUST TURN OUT WITH KIDS IN THE BACK? BEAD LOCK RIMS WALKER EVANS HOW ABOUT A TIRE CARRIER? JEEPERMAN? ROCKER PROTECTION kILBEY ENT? SUPER SWAMPER TSL RADIALS 33/12.5 ? I DIDNT EVEN GET TO THE WINCH,FT BUMPER WELD IN CAGE POISON SPYDER. AS YOU CAN TELL I NEED SOME REAL HELP!!!! PLEASE WRITE BACK WITH SOME ANSWERS AS TO WHAT WORKS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. I KNOW STUFF IS GOING TO BREAK AND REQUIRE UPGRADES BUT I WANT THE MOST FOR MY MONEY.AND I WANT IT TO BE SAFE FOR MY WIFE AND KIDS TO DRIVE/RIDE .THANK YOU ZILLA67
LIFTING MY O4 TJ
- Thread starter zilla67
- Start date
MasterDrazhar
New member
1) Turn off the caps lock... 
2) Quite a few of your desicions will become clear if you answer a few questions for yourself.
WHAT exactly do you want to do with your rig after it's "done" (they're never really done) Do you want to look good at the mall, or are you into MUD. Or, maybe rock crawaling is your thing, then there's MUD and ROCKS...
Sounds like you have the lift part nailed down. So gearing and durability are your next set of details to work out, and answering those questions above will help alot. I also wouldn't worry about the engine mods just yet either untill you know what you want to do with the jeep.
As for the rest of the stuff, alot of it is personal prefference, One suggestion, DON"T go cheap on the winch, look at Superwinch or Warn, most of the other stuff is garbage. I myself like the Rock hard 4x4 cage for the TJ's or you can make your own if you have the skillz. (Shameless plug) look at Detours for your bumper/tire carrier and rocker guard needs.
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2) Quite a few of your desicions will become clear if you answer a few questions for yourself.
WHAT exactly do you want to do with your rig after it's "done" (they're never really done) Do you want to look good at the mall, or are you into MUD. Or, maybe rock crawaling is your thing, then there's MUD and ROCKS...
Sounds like you have the lift part nailed down. So gearing and durability are your next set of details to work out, and answering those questions above will help alot. I also wouldn't worry about the engine mods just yet either untill you know what you want to do with the jeep.
As for the rest of the stuff, alot of it is personal prefference, One suggestion, DON"T go cheap on the winch, look at Superwinch or Warn, most of the other stuff is garbage. I myself like the Rock hard 4x4 cage for the TJ's or you can make your own if you have the skillz. (Shameless plug) look at Detours for your bumper/tire carrier and rocker guard needs.
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F
FNJeepMan
Guest
Yes
MasterDrazhar
New member
FNJeepMan said:
:twak: :twak:
Sounds like the 30 will be ok,if I re-gear it to 4.10. but from what I understand the 35 out back is the weak link.I dont want to be a posser but Im not relly sure what kind of wheeling I'll be into.mostly mud some trail riding,I don't think Ill be hardcore rock-crawling. But to be honest I   havent been wheeling  to know the difference. I think it will mostly be a driver/weekend warrior .but its still an 04 and it cost me alot of money.So in a nut shell I'm looking to  turn my stocker into a cappable off road jeep thats not a mall crawler/bling/cheerleader jeep.but one that can do double duty.thanks again any help is appreciated.....zilla67
MasterDrazhar
New member
The 35's aren't necessarily weak, if yer only going to be doing the occasional wheeling it'll be fine.
My rig for example is all stock. 30 up front 35 in back on 31" tires no locker and I do fine, IMO.
To go with 33" tires and only occasional wheeling I'd just put in Chromoly shafts in the 35 with a locker and wheel it like that.
If you get the "bug" though, then moving up to a 44 and possibly 4.56's would be your next best bet.
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My rig for example is all stock. 30 up front 35 in back on 31" tires no locker and I do fine, IMO.
To go with 33" tires and only occasional wheeling I'd just put in Chromoly shafts in the 35 with a locker and wheel it like that.
If you get the "bug" though, then moving up to a 44 and possibly 4.56's would be your next best bet.
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F
FNJeepMan
Guest
MasterDrazhar said:
Sorry, it was alot of information and my ADHD took over :redface: :mrgreen:
Thanks, I would like to go out as a passenger,on a trail ride just to check it out.The mags have me confused and I"m trying to do a clean build the first time instead of hit and miss breakand replace .I know stuff is going to snap,twist,grind. I'm trying not to do this out of my driveway.How about JDs offroad (Brewster Ny.) any luck with them? I spent 10 years in the auto biz. parts counter etc so Im not toataly stoooopid but I dont wrench/weld and with the wife and kids in the rig..... I dont want to jam it up.
beaker
Active member
Magazine's are out to sell advertising so they always post up the newest toys and tell everyone you need them all to wheel.
A 2" budget boost and 31's gets you through a lot of places. 4" and 33's (even short arms) will do very well too. Axles, stock works fine until big tires and lockers are combined.
I'd sugest wheeling with a budget boost and 31's to start out for a year or two. It costs very little and you can take your own truck out and check out what works on other people's trucks. You'll find out how you wheel too. Once your on the trails and trying things, you'll have a better idea where you want to go.
If 2" isn't enough to start out for your tastes, try a 4" lift (short arm) 33's and find a set of axles off of a 4cylinder to get your rpm's back up. It will be very capable, inexpensive and durable. Maybe even a 1" body lift (no more than 1").
Wait on the lockers until you wheel a season or two. You may want to put in a set of bigger axles when you put in the lockers so don't put too much money into axles to start.
A 2" budget boost and 31's gets you through a lot of places. 4" and 33's (even short arms) will do very well too. Axles, stock works fine until big tires and lockers are combined.
I'd sugest wheeling with a budget boost and 31's to start out for a year or two. It costs very little and you can take your own truck out and check out what works on other people's trucks. You'll find out how you wheel too. Once your on the trails and trying things, you'll have a better idea where you want to go.
If 2" isn't enough to start out for your tastes, try a 4" lift (short arm) 33's and find a set of axles off of a 4cylinder to get your rpm's back up. It will be very capable, inexpensive and durable. Maybe even a 1" body lift (no more than 1").
Wait on the lockers until you wheel a season or two. You may want to put in a set of bigger axles when you put in the lockers so don't put too much money into axles to start.
Agree with everyone 100%
You have made the first move correctly, ask people that really use their Jeeps every day.
I personally am a big fan of small build at first, get to know your rig, then in as little as 6 months (depending on your use) you are ready for the big purchases.
My biggest thing is only spend the big money once. Even though we all want to through all the money at the rig at once, I have found the best thing is to learn from the mistakes of Jackasses like me.
My thoughts on what you asked:
Clayton, yes, but remember Clayton is built for Wheeling, not mall crawling. If your plan is mall crawling, then save the money, get a $1000 lift, like RE or FT.
33" Are you sure? I know tons of people that run 35 to work every day. What if you spend all that money to gear for 33"s and and buy those nice tires but then regret that you did not go to 35"s... money wasted unless you know...
Axles: From the wheeling you described you may do, the Dana 30 will do you fine, A correctly built Dana 30 can do up to a 35" tire. Then comes the red headed step child, Mr Dana 35. This will be a tough one for you and that is why starting with a BB would be good. My thoughts are the Dana 35 can wheel, however it will be the weak link. So do you buy a locker, do gears, spend all the money to have Clayton weld everything to a Dana 35? Money money Money... You can successfully wheel a Dana 35, hell I did for a year with 35" tires... But I was always worried about it... However if you have 10k, buy a Dana 44 or Ford 8.8 and then through your money at an axle that wont let you down. (you can build a Dana 35, but the money will cost the same as a Dana 44)
Gears: Auto or Standard? Auto will be fine with 4.10, but either way 4.56 will handle 33" and 35" Spend the money once...
Lockers: Detroit will annoy you, and your wife and kids will hate it. Go ARB.... However if you NEED a locker for the Dana 35 to get you by, just get a lunchbox.... Unless your D35 is built, a locker will kill a 35 quicker. A lunch box will be cheap, and let you learn how a locker works. But again spend the money once...
Engine Mods: If you are rich you can buy anything, but most of us will tell you it is a waist on a 4.0. It has plenty as it is, and will easily break most drive train part with ease. If you are talking highway speed, GEARS BABY>>>>
Other toys, bumpers, cages, ask people here what they have and see what they like?
Lastly, a great thing would be to come out wheeling, see what Jeeps can do. Almost all of out trail rides have Stocker runs, so any Jeep can do it...
You have made the first move correctly, ask people that really use their Jeeps every day.
I personally am a big fan of small build at first, get to know your rig, then in as little as 6 months (depending on your use) you are ready for the big purchases.
My biggest thing is only spend the big money once. Even though we all want to through all the money at the rig at once, I have found the best thing is to learn from the mistakes of Jackasses like me.
My thoughts on what you asked:
Clayton, yes, but remember Clayton is built for Wheeling, not mall crawling. If your plan is mall crawling, then save the money, get a $1000 lift, like RE or FT.
33" Are you sure? I know tons of people that run 35 to work every day. What if you spend all that money to gear for 33"s and and buy those nice tires but then regret that you did not go to 35"s... money wasted unless you know...
Axles: From the wheeling you described you may do, the Dana 30 will do you fine, A correctly built Dana 30 can do up to a 35" tire. Then comes the red headed step child, Mr Dana 35. This will be a tough one for you and that is why starting with a BB would be good. My thoughts are the Dana 35 can wheel, however it will be the weak link. So do you buy a locker, do gears, spend all the money to have Clayton weld everything to a Dana 35? Money money Money... You can successfully wheel a Dana 35, hell I did for a year with 35" tires... But I was always worried about it... However if you have 10k, buy a Dana 44 or Ford 8.8 and then through your money at an axle that wont let you down. (you can build a Dana 35, but the money will cost the same as a Dana 44)
Gears: Auto or Standard? Auto will be fine with 4.10, but either way 4.56 will handle 33" and 35" Spend the money once...
Lockers: Detroit will annoy you, and your wife and kids will hate it. Go ARB.... However if you NEED a locker for the Dana 35 to get you by, just get a lunchbox.... Unless your D35 is built, a locker will kill a 35 quicker. A lunch box will be cheap, and let you learn how a locker works. But again spend the money once...
Engine Mods: If you are rich you can buy anything, but most of us will tell you it is a waist on a 4.0. It has plenty as it is, and will easily break most drive train part with ease. If you are talking highway speed, GEARS BABY>>>>
Other toys, bumpers, cages, ask people here what they have and see what they like?
Lastly, a great thing would be to come out wheeling, see what Jeeps can do. Almost all of out trail rides have Stocker runs, so any Jeep can do it...
Thanks again!!!! I'M not to proud to ask for help. I talked with adam at clayton and I'm waiting for an estimate to swap out the dana 35 for a ford 8.8. he suggested the build up on the 35 was a waste. I would like to run 35's like you big dogs but I didn't think it could take it. I also saw a bunch of rigs running supper swamper tsl's but he said they soft spot ,and chew up fairly quickly 12-15k ??? Maybe some BFG mts or micky thompsons radial claw ? I'm not rich and 10 large comes pretty hard 1 tip at time Casino worker. how about running a 33/35 on the stock carrier??? will it do tail gate damage? sorry to sound sooo long winded but I need to benifit from others advice . From real owners not shop guys bolting on what they think I want...... I will read all posts .thank you zilla67
Thank you- is this the dude from the tire carrier/side kick detours ?^ Are you located in a metal shop in Branford CT.? If so I think I spoke to you about fabing up some side kicks with the Clayton skids? rember skateboard grip tape? anyway thanks for the heads up on the Maxxis Bighorns. I'll check them out. I also saw your tire carrier at the jeep rally raffle .very nice. and yes I understand the need for patience,but I've been thinking about doing this build up since I drove it off the lot. I'ts a one shot deal on the money. like many kids/house have to come first so this jeep thing has been on hold . By the way in the pic post there is a pic of a hillbilly weimeriner with the jacked up grill.... we have one and were always joking how much of a hilljack he is. Funny thanks again to anyone who can offer some real world advice on what works and what does not. zilla67
Thanks again for taking time out to help me out....What about a full traction 4'' ultimate lift. how about Walker Evans Bead locks? I think I spoke to DAN? yellow tj at the jeep rally. He has the clayton / walker evens set up. Is this a daily driver? If I have the clayton setup done why does it become a e-bay ride?' cause you cant register it? zilla67
FT Ultimate is nice.
Walker Evans are nice. Would get them if I had the $$$
Dan, yes yellow Jeep.
Ebay because lifted Jeeps are usually harder to sell then stock. Dealers dont want them, and normal people that buy lifted Jeeps are a hit or a miss. Some times you can time it just right, and make good money, but usually you loose money. If you have a lift in it that you can not go back to stock makes it even worse. Clayton removes all the factory mounts. Does not mean anything wrong with it, just to keep it in mind.
Best example, Zach on this board, has a 04 TJ Rubicon, and for him to be able to get rid of it quickly people want him to take all his toys and lift off it.
If you can wait, get to know your Jeep. If you have the money now, and have to spend it now (I understand this being I am married, and she allows me to spend once and while and when she does, I have to do it quick, before another bill come in.) Then get a Clayton.
When I sell my YJ, here is my Jeep list for the Rubicon:
Clayton Lift
Walker Rims
Jeeperman Rear bumper
Detour Drop Kicks,
Detour Front Bumper, or Hanson
For you:
8.8 or 44 rear
Gears, 4.56
ARB
Tires, all of them...
If you could wait 6 months:
Budget Boost,
LT shocks
Lunchbox Locker
Bumpers the same.
Walker Evans are nice. Would get them if I had the $$$
Dan, yes yellow Jeep.
Ebay because lifted Jeeps are usually harder to sell then stock. Dealers dont want them, and normal people that buy lifted Jeeps are a hit or a miss. Some times you can time it just right, and make good money, but usually you loose money. If you have a lift in it that you can not go back to stock makes it even worse. Clayton removes all the factory mounts. Does not mean anything wrong with it, just to keep it in mind.
Best example, Zach on this board, has a 04 TJ Rubicon, and for him to be able to get rid of it quickly people want him to take all his toys and lift off it.
If you can wait, get to know your Jeep. If you have the money now, and have to spend it now (I understand this being I am married, and she allows me to spend once and while and when she does, I have to do it quick, before another bill come in.) Then get a Clayton.
When I sell my YJ, here is my Jeep list for the Rubicon:
Clayton Lift
Walker Rims
Jeeperman Rear bumper
Detour Drop Kicks,
Detour Front Bumper, or Hanson
For you:
8.8 or 44 rear
Gears, 4.56
ARB
Tires, all of them...
If you could wait 6 months:
Budget Boost,
LT shocks
Lunchbox Locker
Bumpers the same.
JeepinMaxx
Active member
zilla67 said:
I know you have been swamped with opinions, but here are my :2cents:
Dan's Clayton set-up flexes great.
However - all long arm suspensions (Claytons, Full Traction, Rubicon Express, etc...) are great for rocks and flex on the trail - and some can be good for on-road. But - all the long arm kits require cutting the factory suspension mounts off the frame - so once you do it - there's no turning back. Thats why it's considered an E-Bay re-sell (sorry to re-quote Nomad). You can't convert it back to stock - so you can't trade it in at a dealership and will have trouble selling it to the average buyer.
There are many folks here wheeling TJ's with 33"s on adjustable short arm (no cutting required) suspension lifts (Rubicon Express, TeraFlex, Rusty's, etc...) that flex great and ride nice. And keep up on all the trails.
1st suggestion - definately ride shotgun along on one of our outings (and check out the rigs/set-ups)
2nd - take your Jeep on a stocker run and see if you like it? Then you can get an appreciation for your rig and it's capabilities
hello,thanks for responding. Yeh heard that, the thing I like about clayton is the dude (adam ) took the time to talk to me .Not up sell me .I learned a long time ago that two of S*it is still s*it. I want to do the right thing Once. it also has to be off the road for a few days soo while its in the shop I want to have the work done at once .If I swap in the ford rear end and the do the welding,why not have them gear it and run 35s? I know there comes a point but quality lasts and if I keep this veh like my other cars 94 and 99 hondas I'll drive this tell the wheels blow off..... If I can offer any help I work at foxwoods dealing for 13 years let me know. Â Â zilla67
