Build Plans

sonoran_Tj · 06-03-2009, 09:05 PM

This is my long term plan for my 2001 TJ.
Background: I Bought this jeep in March of 2008 with 33x12.5 BFG A/Ts and a mild spacer lift. It has a 4.0l NV3550 and 30/44 combo with 3.73 gearing. I have since put on 33x12.5 BFG KMs and a Rock Hard 4x4 rear bumper/tire carrier. I have been wheeling it hard for the last year, and I have decided how I want to go forward with the build. For Now.

Stage 1:
-Currie 1" BL
-Currie 1" MML
-Rock Hard bolt on cage (exluding the rear angle bars)

I could really use that extra inch of wheel well clearance for flex in the short term and a BL is planning for an eventual TT. I am a little worried about the strength of the stock cage. Due to money and skill restraints I have decided a bolt on cage is good enough. My first question is how important are the floor mount and frame mount for the cage?

Stage 2:
-Fabtech Steering box skid
-Savvy Gas tank Skid
-AtoZ sliders

I need armor. I have almost worn holes in my stock gas tank skid. I think my steering box mount might be bent from an impact. My nerf bars are not going to last forever, they are already bent pretty good. Please give me your opinions on this armor, or tell me which you would go with. I am also considering making my own sliders.

Stage 3:
-SYE
-Rear DS

This would be the next step to a larger lift and a TT. Which brands are good? I have been looking at Currie and Rough Country. Also, Will I need a new front DS to go along with the eventual 4" lift?

Stage 4:
-Rubicon Express 3.5" SA Superflex+shocks
or
-Rough Country 4" x-flex

Help me decide which lift to go with. I am set on a SA lift, dont try to convince me otherwise. I want to net about 4" of lift at the suspension, and I will already have a 1" BL for a total of 5". I need good articulation for the terrain I frequent. This is a DD so ride quality is a bonus, but Im young and dont care too much.

All of this will lead to 35s and more later, but this is the plan for the next year or two. Any comments you have as to this would be appreciated.

As for gears, I have yet to have a problem with my 3.73 so those will come far down the road along with lockers. I havent had any traction issues that werent resolved with a little parking brake action so lockers are not a necessity as of yet.

After all of this is completed I will do a TT. I have a 2001 w/ a manual and the np231. who makes a TT for me?

mxracer513 · 06-03-2009, 09:18 PM

Go rubicon express not roughcountry . . . believe me i've had them both!!!

Here's mine on 35's with the rubicon 4.5" SF lift and a 1"BL

mxracer513 · 06-03-2009, 09:19 PM

I also made my own trail cage and rockers

sonoran_Tj · 06-04-2009, 12:18 AM

How did you like 4.5" on short arms? Im kinda worried the geometry is weird when flexing. As in the second picture, I can see the coil bent back slightly. Is this detrimental at all?

sonoran_Tj · 06-05-2009, 12:40 AM

bump......

**lumpster** · 06-05-2009, 12:59 AM

look into the MORE motor mounts, http://www.mountainoffroad.com/Catalog/BombProof%20MM/TJmounts.html the torsion rubber ones. they will keep the motor vibrations at bay.

**Disco69** · 06-05-2009, 02:14 AM

Sorry to Hijack, but those DC-1s look sick! Nice TJ.

**TJftw** · 06-05-2009, 02:21 AM

i would suggest the RE 4.5 superflex with 3.5 springs. later if you want you could go to the 4.5 springs too. keep in mind the 3.5 is actually about 4.25" so i would do that before anything else if i were you...just forget about the body lift. you wont even need a SYE with it but maybe get one in the future, just for the minor vibes

sonoran_Tj · 06-05-2009, 06:40 PM

What are the advantages of using the 4.5" system with 3.5" springs? The reason for the body lift is to allow for the SYE and a TT. Im pretty sure Ill need an SYE too.

**TJftw** · 06-06-2009, 03:36 AM

the 4.5 RE kit is more complete. using the 3.5 springs allows for all the clearance you should need while still keepin your center of gravity as low as possible. to be honest the short wheelbase jeep doesnt need any more lift then that to clear almost anything unless you want larger tires.

**TJftw** · 06-06-2009, 03:39 AM

if you want 35's i would add the 1" BL along with the RE 3.5

**TJamz** · 06-06-2009, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco69

Sorry to Hijack, but those DC-1s look sick! Nice TJ.

They do look great but I see them on every other tj or pickup. I'm glad I never picked up a set.

sonoran_Tj · 06-07-2009, 09:39 PM

bump for more input