Build list for 2018 – Feedback request

[Mike_H]

I was going to go with the DPG kit too, but it had a lot of stuff I decided I didn't need. I managed to get a 10% discount at Morris 4x4 and got the OME springs, A JKS front track bar, the body lift, M.O.R.E. motor mount lift and a new transmission mount (mine was shot) for right around 800 bucks. I paid 200 for some lightly used 0-2" bilstein 5100's and a buddy of mine gave me a rear track bar relocation bracket. Going to have to fab some bumpstop extensions and maybe buy some extended rear sway bar links, but overall, I'm pretty happy with my list. I already had some discos (rubicon express) so add a couple hundred for those, but still 1000 bucks vs 1600 for the ultimate kit from DPG...I like my math better.

 

[bobthetj03]

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.

My wife (knowing how much I wanted a TJ, but waited till the kids were out of the house), encouraged me to buy one, then probably bought me over half the mods I have via birthdays, Xmas, Fathers Day, etc. She goes on wheeling trips with me too. Guess she's a keeper!

 

[bobthetj03]

I was going to go with the DPG kit too, but it had a lot of stuff I decided I didn't need. I managed to get a 10% discount at Morris 4x4 and got the OME springs, A JKS front track bar, the body lift, M.O.R.E. motor mount lift and a new transmission mount (mine was shot) for right around 800 bucks. I paid 200 for some lightly used 0-2" bilstein 5100's and a buddy of mine gave me a rear track bar relocation bracket. Going to have to fab some bumpstop extensions and maybe buy some extended rear sway bar links, but overall, I'm pretty happy with my list. I already had some discos (rubicon express) so add a couple hundred for those, but still 1000 bucks vs 1600 for the ultimate kit from DPG...I like my math better.

Trying to remember who it was that found a great deal on rear sway bar end links the perfect length for a 2.5" lift. @JMT ? James? Hockey pucks make for a cheap bump stop. If you can drill a hole and source out some fasteners, you'd be into it for cheap.

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

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.

My main reason for wanting to do the lift now even though the tires will be later is spreading out the cost. When I eventually upgrade to 32s, I want to install the Exogate as well. Right around $1400 together. I'm kinda doing a larger chunk (bumpers/lift) at the beginning, smaller chunks (rockers, winch) and then by the time my wallet recovers, another larger chunk with the tires and exogate. Does that make sense? Or am I just talking myself in circles?

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

I was going to go with the DPG kit too, but it had a lot of stuff I decided I didn't need. I managed to get a 10% discount at Morris 4x4 and got the OME springs, A JKS front track bar, the body lift, M.O.R.E. motor mount lift and a new transmission mount (mine was shot) for right around 800 bucks. I paid 200 for some lightly used 0-2" bilstein 5100's and a buddy of mine gave me a rear track bar relocation bracket. Going to have to fab some bumpstop extensions and maybe buy some extended rear sway bar links, but overall, I'm pretty happy with my list. I already had some discos (rubicon express) so add a couple hundred for those, but still 1000 bucks vs 1600 for the ultimate kit from DPG...I like my math better.

Your math looks way better to me, too. Being a noob, I think I was trying to take the easy way out with the kit. Easier on the brain, but harder on the wallet.

 

[bobthetj03]

Ok, here's a curve ball. Since you're sticking with your 31's for a while, install a BL, Savvy cable shifter, then save the lift for when you're ready for the 32's.

 

[Mike_H]

Ok, here's a curve ball. Since you're sticking with your 31's for a while, install a BL, Savvy cable shifter, then save the lift for when you're ready for the 32's.

Id suggest that too.

 

[FireJeep]

FYI, I did the DPG set up in 2005/2006 when my 05 LJ was pretty ,much new. The JKS front tack bar froze up at the frame end and elongated the hole in the frame mount, even though it was routinely greased. I would not buy another JKS Track bar or any other JKS product unless endorsed by others who have used them. The Metal cloak mount is 5/8" at the frame end as opposed to the JKS 9/16" mount. This allowed me to ream out the frame mount to 5/8" eliminating the elongation. The Metalcloak track bar is as heavy duty or more so than the JKS...... just my 2 cents......

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

My wife (knowing how much I wanted a TJ, but waited till the kids were out of the house), encouraged me to buy one, then probably bought me over half the mods I have via birthdays, Xmas, Fathers Day, etc. She goes on wheeling trips with me too. Guess she's a keeper!

Sounds like she is! My wife was similar in encouraging me to get my TJ. She was always asking, "when are you gonna buy your jeep already?" Our daughter is out of the house as well, graduated from Florida State Univ. a month ago!:thumbup: She hasn't gotten me any mods yet, but I KNOW she's going to be my copilot on trips.

 

[CodaMan]

Ok, here's a curve ball. Since you're sticking with your 31's for a while, install a BL, Savvy cable shifter, then save the lift for when you're ready for the 32's.

another great option, and one that's really easy on the pocket book. The ultimate goal should be to not have to repeat any work or replace any new parts later on.

 

[JMT]

First, solid plan and parts list. Congrats on thinking it out so well. I would stay with all of it. I’m pro doing the MML and BL together. I’m pro adjustable trackbars. I’m pro extended sway bar links front and rear (RE1155 just $30).

Second, you could save some coin piecing stuff out.

Third, you could switch out the JKS BL for a Savvy. Note that I said could. You should trade out the JKS trackbar for a MC ($179).

Fourth, now you can work with the order. @bobthetj03 has an interesting sequence. Since tires are coming later you can start with simpler mods like BL and MML and then do the OME later.

My build is very similar to yours, so if you want to follow, see https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/05-flame-red-tj-build.3998/

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

Ok, here's a curve ball. Since you're sticking with your 31's for a while, install a BL, Savvy cable shifter, then save the lift for when you're ready for the 32's.

Hmmm...never even considered the BL before the lift. As I said in my reply to Rob5589 above, my main reason for the chrono order was spreading out the costs. But there's also the "it looks better lifted" reasoning. The BL would still give her some of that "look". And I guess if I'm cutting costs at the front end by waiting on the lift, I should be able to spend more at the back end.

If I go this route, should I install a MML at the same time as the BL? I'm thinking yes. Then I can keep my fingers crossed that when I do the suspension lift, I won't have any vibes.

 

[JMT]

Hmmm...never even considered the BL before the lift. As I said in my reply to Rob5589 above, my main reason for the chrono order was spreading out the costs. But there's also the "it looks better lifted" reasoning. The BL would still give her some of that "look". And I guess if I'm cutting costs at the front end by waiting on the lift, I should be able to spend more at the back end.

If I go this route, should I install a MML at the same time as the BL? I'm thinking yes. Then I can keep my fingers crossed that when I do the suspension lift, I won't have any vibes.

Again, good plan! Yes, BL and MML at same time. My .02c

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

FYI, I did the DPG set up in 2005/2006 when my 05 LJ was pretty ,much new. The JKS front tack bar froze up at the frame end and elongated the hole in the frame mount, even though it was routinely greased. I would not buy another JKS Track bar or any other JKS product unless endorsed by others who have used them. The Metal cloak mount is 5/8" at the frame end as opposed to the JKS 9/16" mount. This allowed me to ream out the frame mount to 5/8" eliminating the elongation. The Metalcloak track bar is as heavy duty or more so than the JKS...... just my 2 cents......

Thanks @FireJeep. I'll take all the .02's I can get...they add up!

 

[CodaMan]

X3 to an MML at the same time as a BL

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

First, solid plan and parts list. Congrats on thinking it out so well. I would stay with all of it. I’m pro doing the MML and BL together. I’m pro adjustable trackbars. I’m pro extended sway bar links front and rear (RE1155 just $30).

Second, you could save some coin piecing stuff out.

Third, you could switch out the JKS BL for a Savvy. Note that I said could. You should trade out the JKS trackbar for a MC ($179).

Fourth, now you can work with the order. @bobthetj03 has an interesting sequence. Since tires are coming later you can start with simpler mods like BL and MML and then do the OME later.

My build is very similar to yours, so if you want to follow, see https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/05-flame-red-tj-build.3998/

Thanks JMT! I appreciate that. It's amazing how much planning goes into all this. But I've read enough comments of "doing it right the first time" and taken that to heart. I think I'm already convinced by this thread to piece out the lift, rather than going with the DPG kit. I'll be re-working my plan, but I'm happy I had SOME things right. Oh and I've previously looked at your build...sweet rig!

 

[JMT]

Thanks JMT! I appreciate that. It's amazing how much planning goes into all this. But I've read enough comments of "doing it right the first time" and taken that to heart. I think I'm already convinced by this thread to piece out the lift, rather than going with the DPG kit. I'll be re-working my plan, but I'm happy I had SOME things right. Oh and I've previously looked at your build...sweet rig!

More mods coming soon to a build thread near you!

I’ll be anxiously watching yours

 

[PapaWhiskey33]

Again, good plan! Yes, BL and MML at same time. My .02c

X3 to an MML at the same time as a BL

Thanks for the confirmation on the BL and MML