Arlo's WJ Buildup thread

**ArloGuthroJeep** · 02-08-2007, 03:18 PM

So I'll just put my rambling & progress in here of what I plan on doing this winter/spring.

Todo:

Swap out the bling bling D35 for a D44a. I already have the axle ordered and should be here next weekend hopefully.
Cut off the existing truss.
Toss in an Aussie lunchbox locker
Regear D30 to match D44a's 4.56 gearing (Add in cost of a new carrier)
Install Claytons LA's (Need to learn how to weld first)

Cost tally:

So the D44a is on its way down - $500
New carrier for the D30 - $150 ish
Gears + install kit for the D30 - $200 ish
Locker for the D44a - $250 ish
Called Jeff @ ROKMEN today and
He quoted me $2750 for the "kit" which also includes the JKS trackbar & quick disconnects which I wouldn't need and could resell.
He quoted me $2616 for everything above, minus the trackbar & quick disconnects. So it would be cheaper & I wouldn't have to resell...however the first kit is a better "deal"

The Claytons kit includes long arms all around, rear axle truss(welded), new subframe/Tranny crossmember (welded up). Shocks, springs, trackbar, & quick disconnects are only included in the "packaged kit" (ie the more expensive one). I added the price of the shocks & springs into the second quote I received.

ROKMEN gives about a $100 discount but having to pay tax just about offsets the benefit of that. At least I would be keeping the money in Colorado here so even though it isn't cheaper then elsewhere, at least my money kinda stays in Colorado

That puts my total cost @ ~$3,775 - That'll be pushing it so we'll see if I dip into my reserves to accomplish this

Worst yet, I'll still be running 32's after this so I'll need to drop another chunk of change for tires eventually...

To be continued...

PullMeSideways · 02-08-2007, 03:34 PM

I can't wait to see your jeep on LA's it will be sweet!

**REDLYNER** · 02-08-2007, 03:50 PM

How big will you go? 33"s? 35"s? 34" TSL's?

Looking forward to the build!

**ArloGuthroJeep** · 02-08-2007, 04:03 PM

Good question, somewhere between 33's and 35's

I'll be sticking with MT/R's again - I have been VERY happy with them...34's or bigger require some fender trimming so I'll have to have a few drinks before I start chopping away

There have only been a few places were the bigger tire would have helped me get over something and I think the locker will help in those places.

Perhaps 33's and then work on bumpers/winch after that.

For my bumper I am thinking about relocating my radiator in some fashion or another. I really don't like how far out the winches stick out on the WJ so I think I'll try and tuck away the winch and move the radiator into a multiple piece setup around the winch with the goal to keep the same amount of surface area.

**KUK9** · 02-08-2007, 04:32 PM

I seem to remember a certain individual stating that "Lockers are for pu$$ies." I won't name names, but.....

Should be a sweet rig when all that's done though. I think if you go to 33's & are locked, you'd notice a big difference as to what you can and can't do. 35's would just be awesome though.

**Shag** · 02-08-2007, 07:43 PM

You forgot to add your Christmas bling to the to do list.

**dnrisden** · 02-08-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArloGuthroJeep

For my bumper I am thinking about relocating my radiator in some fashion or another. I really don't like how far out the winches stick out on the WJ so I think I'll try and tuck away the winch and move the radiator into a multiple piece setup around the winch with the goal to keep the same amount of surface area.

I can help with this portion of the build. The bumper reinforcement can be cut and a reinforcement welded further back toward the radiator. There is a ton of room there if you modify the bumper reinforcement. I have worked on many of the Wj's after an accident and have quite a bit of knowledge on how the assembled. This would be a lot easier than moving the radiator and condensor.

Let me know.

Don

BTW: have you had a chance to do anything with the Kelly flats reconfigure?

**ArloGuthroJeep** · 02-08-2007, 09:34 PM

Kelly Flats reconfigure?

Naturalhoosier · 02-08-2007, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArloGuthroJeep

Kelly Flats reconfigure?

Rear quarterpanel....the other half that you left on that rockface?!

**ArloGuthroJeep** · 02-08-2007, 11:25 PM

Nope, I'll probably claim it this weekend...I need to get Terry to give me a quote...

**jeepster93** · 02-09-2007, 09:07 AM

What kind of D30 carrier are you looking for?
If it is a standard 4.56 open carrier for a D30...

I have one you can HAVE. Even has 4.56 gears on it. $150... no way...its yours.

Let me know...

**ArloGuthroJeep** · 02-09-2007, 09:12 AM

Yep, thats exactly what I am loooooking for! Awesome

Thanks!

Edit: Just read your sig...I know that sound too

**jeepster93** · 02-09-2007, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArloGuthroJeep

Yep, thats exactly what I am loooooking for! Awesome

Thanks!

Edit: Just read your sig...I know that sound too

Well, next time your in south Denver stop by and pick it up.
I do need to pull it from a housing and I asume you will want the pinion gear also, so I will pull it too.

I will pm you with my personals...

Tom

nierace · 02-09-2007, 09:22 AM

I wouldn't waste the money on 33's to go up half a inch and a inch wider, do it right 315/75R16's

Ok - Maybe I just want to see how much trimming you ahve to do

Why do you have to get rid of the truss on the 44a you got ?

**ArloGuthroJeep** · 02-09-2007, 09:31 AM

The truss is from the RK LA lift kit