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YJ mods

Not sure if what I just typed got posted (I'm somewhat challenged when it comes to computer skills!), so I'm starting over. We (my wife and I) have a '92 YJ that we flat tow behind our motorhome during summer travel. It has a 4" Skyjacker plus a 1" +/- shackle lift. Tires are

32 x 11.5's. Will jump up to 35's when they are worn. We have tagged along with a local Jeep club on a couple of local outings -- who, by the way have an interesting definition of "beginner" runs, i.e., lockers recommended; body damage possible. We have considered purchasing an '06 Rubicon, but have decided to keep and put a few bucks into our YJ (really hate to dent/scratch/roll up a new, expensive, vehicle!!). Right or wrong, we have comimtted to/ordered the following modifications: replace the D35 with a ARB equiped (verses a Detroit locker) D44 plus a SYE kit with a true neutral mod to the 231 xsfr case (thus allowing, so I'm told, elimination of the existing 1" xsfr case drop spacers and future installation of a D30 Super35 kit -- that includes/requires getting rid of the vaccumm disconnect passenger side 2 pc inner axle. Question(s): Since I'm on a budget of sorts, what should I do next. Install a Super30 kit with ARB or a 4:1 kit in the xsfer case? Also, does anyone have any experience with/recommendations for skid plates? Being somewhat new at this off-road/wheeling game, we have already "mangled" the rear shock mounts. Any comments/advice concerning mods we have committed to/are considering will be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the somewhat long-winded verbage -- just wanted to post the facts/background. Thanks for reading/your response.
Reply to
johnl
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Reply to
L.W.( ßill ) Hughes III

I would say get a front gears and locker before you get t-case gears. You will be very lucky not to break a D30 front axle shaft with 35's.

What gears do you intend to run in the axles? If you get 4.88's when you do the lockers, you will be able to properly turn your 35's without the t-case gears.

Carl

Reply to
Carl

Carl, the Super30 kit has hardened/chromoly, 30 spline axles with larger u-joints. Given these specs, do you think I'll still be pushing my luck with 35's? Maybe I should limit tire size to 33's? I will be using 4.10's both front and rear. Anything lower will result in to high an rpm at 60+ mph with my existing 32's -- which still have 75 +/- pct tread left. Right now gearing is 3.55 with the 32's. 4.0 with

130K miles and auto seems to pull ok -- so, I'm thinking that 33's with the 4.10's should probably be ok. If you feel that the Super30 might still be a little week with 35's, do you think it will hold up with 33's? What do you/others think? Thanks for your thoughts/input.

Bill, I know you love D35's. I'll give you a killer deal on mine when it's swapped out for the D44. Interested??!

Reply to
johnl

Reply to
L.W.( ßill ) Hughes III

The D30 with the upgrade kit should be ok if you take it easy.

I really think you would be happier with the 4.88's over the 4.10's. I had

4.10's on my 89 4cyl YJ with 33's and it was OK, but I wouldn't have tried to turn 35's with them. 4.56 is the reccomended gear for 33's.

I would rather buy a new set of tires too early and have the better gear choice than a bad gear choice to save some money on tires. You can likely sell your old 32's on craigslist to help finance your 35's.

Something else to think about is bigger tires break more parts.

The main idea is to avoid 'incrementalism', that is, upgrading the same part twice. IE, getting 4.10's from your 3.55's, then getting 4.88's when you upgrade again. My theory is build the Jeep around the tire size. Pick your tires and decide what it's going to take to turn them, and keep turning them.

So, my final reccomendation? Install 4.88's, and the 35's early. Sell your

32's. Take it easy on your D30, but after you break it a few times, replace it with a D44. Carry spare U-joints for both drivelines and your front axles.

HTH

Carl

Reply to
Carl

Without commenting on the rest, it would be false economy to base any of your long-term plans on the amount of tread left on your existing tires.

Earle

Reply to
Earle Horton

I agree with your gearing recommendation for 35s. Go with 4.88s or 5.13s for 35s. But I think 4.88s is the lowest the front D30 will support with a new carrier.

Bill mentioned braking. Yes, 35s with the stock YJ master cylinder & booster will probably be less than desirable. The braking is one the first things I modded before going up to 35s. Steering is another consideration, turning the bigger meats with lockers can be a chore in the rocks.

Terry

Reply to
Terry Jeffrey

Reply to
Jerry Bransford

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