Build list for 2018 – Feedback request

[PapaWhiskey33]

Hi everyone. After doing as much research as possible, I’ve put together my build list for 2018. Would love to get some feedback (I’m SURE there are things I’ve missed, or forgotten to consider, being a NOOB when it comes to mods). This list fits my budget, and while I’m not concrete on anything (accept for the Dirtworx bumpers, already purchased), any changes would have to be in similar price ranges.

Photos of my TJ here in new member intro: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/hello-from-northern-california.8443/

My TJs vitals as of now: 2006 Silver Sport, 4.0L; currently 52K miles; Dana 30/Dana 44 w/3.73; BFG A/T KOs 31x10.50r15; Ravine wheels (15x8, 5.5 BS); stock suspension.

Goal: A modest but capable build. My TJ is my DD, so she’ll spend most of her time on road. Off road will be mostly easy to moderate trails, nothing extreme or hardcore.

My plan in chrono order:
1. Paint and install Dirtworx bumpers
2. Install suspension and BL (unless too much lift for current 31s, see #4? Save BL for new tires?)
3. Install rocker guards and winch when they’re acquired (probably not at the same time)
4. 32s most likely not in 2018, plenty of tread left on 31s. Exogate will probably wait till the set of 32s.

Aaaaaand the parts list:

Suspension
DPG Offroad OME Ultimate TJ Kit:

• 4 x OME Sport Shocks
• 4 x OME Coil Springs (choice of coil rate - I’m thinking HD)
• JKS Quicker Disconnects
• JKS 1.25" BL
• JKS 1" MM Spacer (or upgrade to Brown Dog MM +$79)
• JKS Front Adjustable Trackbar
• JKS Rear Adjustable Trackbar
• DPG 2" Extended Bump stops (front & rear)
• JKS Adjustable Rear Swaybar End Links

Bumpers/Rocker Guards
DirtWorx Front Bumper
DirtWorx Rear Bumper
Rear Bumper Frame Tie-In
AtoZ Fabrication Rocker Guards with Step

Winch/Recovery
Winch (haven't decided which one, up to $500)
Winch plate

Tires/Spare tire/tailgate
BFG T/A KO2 32x11.50r15
Gr8Tops Exogate

Thanks for taking a peak!

 

[Rob5589]

That is a solid list. Personally, I would get a Savvy body lift. Roughly the same price but the spacers are alloy and cupped to use factory body mounts. Sticking with a 32" tire shouldn't kill your gearing too bad. What trans do you have, didn't see that listed.

 

[CodaMan]

Well thought out. A couple of comments...

1- The BL and MML are really not needed with the 31's, so you can wait on that until you actually need it. I think a better investment would be a cable shifter.

2 - I would not install adjustable track bars for a 2” lift. The axle shift is usually not even noticeable with that small of a lift, but every Jeep can be different. I installed a 2" in one of my Jeeps and a 2.5" in the other and neither needed adjustable track bars.

 

[CodaMan]

OME makes great products, but for most people's actual use you can save hundreds of $$$ by piecing together one your self that would be just as good. Then you'd have extra money for say ... That winch.

Click the link in my signature to see the 2.5" lift I put together for around $500

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

That is a solid list. Personally, I would get a Savvy body lift. Roughly the same price but the spacers are alloy and cupped to use factory body mounts. Sticking with a 32" tire shouldn't kill your gearing too bad. What trans do you have, didn't see that listed.

Thanks! Yeah, I was just gonna go with the JKS BL because it comes with the kit. But since it probably won't go on til I get the 32s anyway, I could probably have them remove that and get the BL later. Trans is 6-Speed Manual NSG370

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

Well thought out. A couple of comments...

1- The BL and MML are really not needed with the 31's, so you can wait on that until you actually need it. I think a better investment would be a cable shifter.

2 - I would not install adjustable track bars for a 2” lift. The axle shift is usually not even noticeable with that small of a lift, but every Jeep can be different. I installed a 2" in one of my Jeeps and a 2.5" in the other and neither needed adjustable track bars.

That's what I was thinking, about waiting on installing the BL. And you answered one of the other questions I had...basically the MML would be installed in conjunction with the BL, correct? I haven't looked at cable shifters, but I'll start looking into them.
I see what you're saying the the adjustable track bars. I kinda figured they weren't entirely necessary, but wouldn't hurt. But that totally makes sense.

OME makes great products, but for most people's actual use you can save hundreds of $$$ by piecing together one your self that would be just as good. Then you'd have extra money for say ... That winch.

Click the link in my signature to see the 2.5" lift I put together for around $500

Yeah, my mind's pretty much set on OME, and you make a great point...the DPG kit is probably overkill for my TJ. Especially if the TBs aren't entirely necessary. Thanks! I will check out your link.

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

@CodaMan - Haha, ok, after re-reading your comment and checking out your link, I understand better what you're saying. Basically forget "kits" completely. I got it now...I appreciate the advice. I'll definitely consider that route. I have a spreadsheet with parts and prices already, so just a matter of swapping out parts.

 

[Mike_H]

Just fyi, the JKS body lift, though plastic, is machined to fit over the factory body mounts. I have one, and I'm impressed.

 

[CodaMan]

@CodaMan - Haha, ok, after re-reading your comment and checking out your link, I understand better what you're saying. Basically forget "kits" completely. I got it now...I appreciate the advice. I'll definitely consider that route. I have a spreadsheet with parts and prices already, so just a matter of swapping out parts.

I'm really not saying forget about kits, but sometimes kits have parts that really aren't required or a specific part may be better from a different manufacturer.

 

[TJ2]

Hi everyone. After doing as much research as possible, I’ve put together my build list for 2018.

Thanks for taking a peak!

I am jealous, that's a serious spending my man!!!
Curious on what's your budget for your mega list?

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

Just fyi, the JKS body lift, though plastic, is machined to fit over the factory body mounts. I have one, and I'm impressed. View attachment 28901

Thanks Ranger_b0b! Good to get an opinion from someone running the JKS BL. I'll most likely wait on the BL till I'm ready for 32s, so I have some time to decide on which way to go.

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

I'm really not saying forget about kits, but sometimes kits have parts that really aren't required or a specific part may be better from a different manufacturer.

Gotcha...not so much forget kits, just don't forget to consider piece parting it. Duly noted.

 

[bobthetj03]

While I agree, the OME lift is top shelf stuff, @CodaMan has a point if you want to save some coin for other mods(Warn M8000 winch, wink, wink). I seemed to have recalled that Jerry has spoke highly of the quality of the Procomp springs, and the Rancho RS5000X shocks continue to impress me. I ran my OME lift for 5 years before adding an adjustable front track bar, and only because my stock track bar wore out. My front axle was off center about 5/8". You do want to add the relocation bracket to the rear TB though. Little less room back there for a shifted axle. The other thing you might encounter after lifting it is rear drive line vibes. Every TJ seems different here. Some get vibes, some don't. I had to lower my transfer case 3/4" to minimize the vibes. Some don't have to lower it at all, and some add a MML to reduce the angles and not get vibes.

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

I am jealous, that's a serious spending my man!!!
Curious on what's your budget for your mega list?

If I added everything up right, the list is roughly $4200. But it'll be spread out over this year and most likely beyond. Hopefully by the time spring is here, bumpers and lift will be done. Rocker guards and winch before the year is out. Tires won't be for a while, when my current 31s are worn and need replacing. The Exogate probably waits on the tires and the larger spare. So the spending will be spread out. If I tried to spend it all at once, I'd better like my TJ, because I'd probably be living in it!

 

[CodaMan]

While I agree, the OME lift is top shelf stuff, @CodaMan has a point if you want to save some coin for other mods(Warn M8000 winch, wink, wink). I seemed to have recalled that Jerry has spoke highly of the quality of the Procomp springs, and the Rancho RS5000X shocks continue to impress me. I ran my OME lift for 5 years before adding an adjustable front track bar, and only because my stock track bar wore out. My front axle was off center about 5/8". You do want to add the relocation bracket to the rear TB though. Little less room back there for a shifted axle. The other thing you might encounter after lifting it is rear drive line vibes. Every TJ seems different here. Some get vibes, some don't. I had to lower my transfer case 3/4" to minimize the vibes. Some don't have to lower it at all, and some add a MML to reduce the angles and not get vibes.

@Jerry Bransford did recommend the ProComp springs. As far as possible vibes like @bobthetj03 stated, it does vary by vehicle. I can say that neither of mine developed any vibes. So no TC drops on either.

 

[TJ2]

If I added everything up right, the list is roughly $4200. But it'll be spread out over this year and most likely beyond. Hopefully by the time spring is here, bumpers and lift will be done. Rocker guards and winch before the year is out. Tires won't be for a while, when my current 31s are worn and need replacing. The Exogate probably waits on the tires and the larger spare. So the spending will be spread out. If I tried to spend it all at once, I'd better like my TJ, because I'd probably be living in it!

Your wife know all about this racket?

 

[Rob5589]

If I added everything up right, the list is roughly $4200. But it'll be spread out over this year and most likely beyond. Hopefully by the time spring is here, bumpers and lift will be done. Rocker guards and winch before the year is out. Tires won't be for a while, when my current 31s are worn and need replacing. The Exogate probably waits on the tires and the larger spare. So the spending will be spread out. If I tried to spend it all at once, I'd better like my TJ, because I'd probably be living in it!

So, if you aren't increasing tire size for a while, I would pass on the lift for now. Two reasons; one, it isn't necessary with 31's; two, even 2" can induce driveline vibrations that could possibly be tricky and expensive to eliminate. If holding off on tires; JKS discos, rocker guards, winch, and bumpers (you already have them on the way) would be the way I'd go.

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

While I agree, the OME lift is top shelf stuff, @CodaMan has a point if you want to save some coin for other mods(Warn M8000 winch, wink, wink). I seemed to have recalled that Jerry has spoke highly of the quality of the Procomp springs, and the Rancho RS5000X shocks continue to impress me. I ran my OME lift for 5 years before adding an adjustable front track bar, and only because my stock track bar wore out. My front axle was off center about 5/8". You do want to add the relocation bracket to the rear TB though. Little less room back there for a shifted axle. The other thing you might encounter after lifting it is rear drive line vibes. Every TJ seems different here. Some get vibes, some don't. I had to lower my transfer case 3/4" to minimize the vibes. Some don't have to lower it at all, and some add a MML to reduce the angles and not get vibes.

Ahhh, that's what I love about this crew. Lots of advice to save some coin...followed by the advice on where to spend the saved coin!:risas3: But it's all about the most bang for the buck! I'm gonna start pricing out piecing it out as well...especially if the TBs aren't needed. I'll make sure to add a rear TB relocation bracket to my list, if I do forgo the adj TBs. And yes, so many opinions on transfer case drops and since each TJ is unique in whether they get vibes or not, I figured I'd play the wait and see game with that.

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

@Jerry Bransford did recommend the ProComp springs. As far as possible vibes like @bobthetj03 stated, it does vary by vehicle. I can say that neither of mine developed any vibes. So no TC drops on either.

Based on all the advice, I will be re-thinking the lift. I think the DPG kit is overkill. That's been my impression re: vibes...wait and see and then cross that road if and when I get to it.

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

Your wife know all about this racket?

LOL...she knows what my plans are, but she hasn't seen the spreadsheet with prices listed. I'm aiming to keep it that way!
NO, but seriously, she knows how obsessed I am. She also knows that I didn't get the chance to play much with my previous wranglers, so she's pretty understanding.