Ancient Machine

Good day! Currently I'm set up with 35s and a 2" RE BB (just shocks and pucks). I have an Unlimited X with 4.10s. I'm going to put in an order for a snorkel, drop-in air filter and a Flashpaq, but I'm wondering what the next phase of my build should be.

My vision for my Jeep is to turn it into an expeditionary vehicle - a vehicle that can go most places in comfort with lots of equipment and last a long long time. Camping, some wheeling most definitely, mostly daily driving, dirt, mud hills, all that.

I'm decently happy with my power, and the Flashpaq and snorkel will improve that - but will gears be a world of difference? I've heard so, and if they'll also improve reliability and longevity, well I'm sold.

I've also considered replacing my BB for a more comprehensive lift. Would this improve my ride quality much over the RE BB? Also, if I added a 1" body lift to the BB or to the new lift if I got one, would I need to extend my brake lines, or does a body lift not affect the distance the lines have to run? If a new lift is recommended, what's the most affordable highest quality 2-3" lift in your opinion?

I've heard that a custom set of headers and cat back can also greatly improve performance and is fairly affordable (price is an object in all of this), recommended?

Along the cargo-carrying lines, how do you guys like your cargo racks with the top off? Is it basically something you don't ever bother with?

I'm in AK, so shipping is a concern. Since I'm moving to Cali soon I may just wait to purchase the heavy stuff, but I was just looking for build advice based on my needs and budget. Thanks!

USCG-JK

Well I would get rid of the idea of custom headers costly and a good amount of work to do. "Performance" wise start with the flash paq and work your way from that and see what works for you. Where in AK are you please say Kodiak

Ancient Machine

Thanks man. Haha I'm in Anchorage actually. I have friends from Kodiak though if that makes you feel better. A couple buddies in the Coast Guard too, one of which may have been stationed in Kodiak...

2climbbig

Have to agree... headers won't really get you anything. Your jeep already comes with cast steel headers. As far as lift goes, I would get at least 3 inches. 3 to 4 inches are best. I have a Rusty's lift at 3.25 inches and am very happy with it. Teraflex makes a real nice lift as well.

If you are going expedition, don't forget the snorkel. It will also help with performance. I got 2 mpg from mine and after talking to others, they also saw better mpg.

Also, make sure you get a set of chromoly shafts and keep your current ones as spares.

Do you have a winch? That is critical. You should get one after your lift.

do you have limited slip in the back... If so, I would had a locker in the front. You can go cheap (250) and get a quality Aussie auto locker or go more expensive and get a selectable locker.

Remember, its all about spending your money.

Fermin

I'd suggest gears to get some performance back, (5.13 or the 5.38 if you have a Rubi). Let me know if you find someone in Anchorage that can do it for around $1000. I haven't found a good shop yet.

Ancient Machine

I've already busted a set of front shafts, tore the heck out of my C... yeah the gussets and then the shafts will come in time, but those Chromoly shafts are so expensive. I'll be more tender until I can afford them. I'd also like to put a sleeve on that axle, or just replace the thing in time. The snork will be on order soon, too! Really excited about that and the Flashpaq - great shipping offer from Northridge4x4 on those to AK!

So an auto locker just locks like a limited slip? Or are they two different beasts altogether? Yeah I do have a limited slip in the back I'd love something better in the front too.

I'll definitely look into those lifts, thanks for the recommendations. I want the best quality 3" lift in about the $500-$800 range, something that will perform and last and drive well and comfortably. Only 3" because my dealer said that's as high as I can go (maybe it was 2" without getting hassled for warranty). Would a good quality 2" lift and a 1" body lift be ok, or am I going the wrong direction for my needs?

The gears I'd love, though I'm worried about the additional torque a set of 5.38s would put on the axles - is that an unnecessary worry? My buddy has a Ram, and the dealer put his gears in for 9 hours of labor at the shop rate, so that'd probably be under $1000 Fermin. But he bought his gears online and said they were fairly expensive, I'm not sure off hand what the best set of Jeep gears runs. I think he said it was about $1800 total...

I'd love to get a winch, especially as I've needed recovery several times when I wasn't wheeling with a buddy and had to wait for reinforcements. But again, price is an object, as well as aesthetics. I'd want a badass bumper with a winch, but shipping to AK and the cost of a good bumper might preclude that option for some time. What I'd really like is a Fab Fours front and an Olympic Smuggler rear, but each of those is $1500+ !! So maybe I'll start out simpler...

Great responses everyone, much appreciated!

USCG-JK

Just do the rough county 2.5 lift with the 1.25 body lift.

JayhawkJeep

My advice is go gears and through a locker in the front and rear at the same time. Gears you will notice a huge difference. Since you don't already have a locker I would assume you have an X thus the max gears you could go would be 5.13. If you are moving to Cali I would look at having Off Road Evolution do you gears. They are true specialists and it is only $1000.

Ancient Machine

Right, just an X. As I was reading up more after Fermin mentioned the Rubi-exclusive 5.38s I found out why. I'd still be happy with 5.13s even though I'd love to go to 37s some day. And if Offroad Evolution is that awesome then I can wait till I get there. I'm moving to the Redlands area, so it's only an hour away w00t!

I was also reading up a bit more on the Aussie Locker, can someone explain how this locker works as opposed to the selectable locker? I've also read it's pretty easy to install and fairly inexpensive, I may do that until I can hit phase 3 of my build...

JayhawkJeep

This is hands down the best video I have seen. A locker locks both sides together. The biggest question you have to ask your self is do you it to always be locked or do you want it selectable. The reason I said to add it at the same time as the gears is because everything is already open.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4JhruinbWc