A lesson learned—keep it light and nimble!

Irun said:
A little thinking out loud here, so indulge me. I've come to realize over the last few years, heresy I know, that the TJ is just a better wheeling vehicle for what I do. That said, I've been considering selling the LJ and focusing on the TJ. If I did, it would mean the TJ would get the following:

  • 5" stretch
  • mid-arm
  • out-boarded shocks
  • 35" tires
  • PSC Steering with cylinder assist
  • HP30
  • 5.13 gears
  • Rubicrawler
The struggle I'm having is even thou I have the latter two, with a hunt on for a suitable HP30 housing, I'm still looking at close to $10K. Being completely honest, the current TJ build is really a lot of fun, even for wheeling, but I have to pass some obstacles, due to clearance at the differentials. Obviously, there is the option to simply go with larger tires, but the fundamental issue of improving the TJ's ability to climb is one that can't be overcome without more work. I guess the question I'm getting at is am I over thinking this? :unsure:
Click to expand...

I’m curious why you built this rig to begin with. Thinking about the answer to that may help you with your current conundrum.
 
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You seem to be searching for something, but not I'm sure you are clear what that is. It's not that long ago that it was the TJ that was being sold as ghe LJ was the answer, and that after having sold your previous LJ. I do wonder whether you get at least as much pleasure from the journey as you get from the destination; there is nothing wrong with that, but maybe it would be helpful to understand it if it is the case.

From a purely selfish perspective I would love to follow you on that build journey!
 
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Mike_H said:
I’m curious why you built this rig to begin with. Thinking about the answer to that may help you with your current conundrum.
Click to expand...

The primary motivation behind this build was that a big percentage of the trails I wheel on are loaded with either tight woods or obstacles where a longer departure angle becomes a problem. I wheeled my LJ on them for years and while it shined on the steep hill climbs, the tight woods and obstacles were often frustrating. Plus, almost everyone I wheel with runs a shorter 92" to 93" wheelbase. Both do extremely well under the mentioned circumstances

My original thought was I'd just wheel the TJ and then use an LJ as my driver. The reality is driving the TJ is just a much better experience for me, which is partly what stopped me from selling it.
 
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UKTJ said:
You seem to be searching for something, but not I'm sure you are clear what that is. It's not that long ago that it was the TJ that was being sold as ghe LJ was the answer, and that after having sold your previous LJ. I do wonder whether you get at least as much pleasure from the journey as you get from the destination; there is nothing wrong with that, but maybe it would be helpful to understand it if it is the case.

From a purely selfish perspective I would love to follow you on that build journey!
Click to expand...
There is some truth here. I have a personal circumstance that has fundamentally altered my life. One that I originally thought of as a lifelong burden, but have come to realize it's actually a lifelong blessing and joy. The reality is, financially, I could keep and build both the way I want them. However, time-wise, this isn't practical and is selfish of me.

I've also come to realize, even mentioning this before, that I do need to strike a balance. You only get one chance to live, so we should make the most of it. This includes being there for others, but also taking care of yourself in the process. Since my human, the struggle is how to best balance things. It's no secret I love to build a Jeep, but that isn't what really gives me joy. Driving and wheeling one does. Building them is just a means to the end, but not the end. I build mine, as Blaine says, largely because I don't want to pay other people to "F" up my stuff! ;)
 
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Rich, stop trying to copy my rig, get your own ideas 😂😂. I kid of course. I think it’s a great plan. As you know, the build itself is so much fun. The payoff is the performance. Even my wife thinks my Jeep drives smooth, she just hates getting in and out of it because she is vertically challenged 🤪. Just let me know when you need a hand since I just went through it this year. I’m excited for you dude!!

Sarkis
 
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Yes if you need a hand with anything just let me know too. You have always been a help with my questions and a resource I appreciate. Selfishly I want to see the lj and the tj built but I completely understand the need to focus as time is precious.
 
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I think a lot of it depends on who you normally wheel with. I ran 33s, out boarded shocks and hydro assist with a Currie short arm for a while and it did pretty well at RC and AOAA.
 
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Would building to 35’s reduce your enjoyment of driving the TJ on the road?

I think your build plan and expertise to do it right would mitigate most of the problems with larger tires, but I know my (poorly built jeep on 35s) TJ was more fun to drive around town when on 31s….Zippy, handled tighter, etc.
 
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Irun said:
A little thinking out loud here, so indulge me. I've come to realize over the last few years, heresy I know, that the TJ is just a better wheeling vehicle for what I do. That said, I've been considering selling the LJ and focusing on the TJ. If I did, it would mean the TJ would get the following:

  • 5" stretch
  • mid-arm
  • out-boarded shocks
  • 35" tires
  • PSC Steering with cylinder assist
  • HP30
  • 5.13 gears
  • Rubicrawler
The struggle I'm having is even thou I have the latter two, with a hunt on for a suitable HP30 housing, I'm still looking at close to $10K. Being completely honest, the current TJ build is really a lot of fun, even for wheeling, but I have to pass some obstacles, due to clearance at the differentials. Obviously, there is the option to simply go with larger tires, but the fundamental issue of improving the TJ's ability to climb is one that can't be overcome without more work. I guess the question I'm getting at is am I over thinking this? :unsure:
Click to expand...

I call the Savvy rub rails if you ever remove them.

That said that build sounds awesome. Have you looked into the cost difference of a HP 44 vs the 30? Not sure if you could just buy a bare housing and swap parts but if you could that be nice. That way you could have the 5.38 gears also.
 
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zebra12 said:
New wheels look great.
Click to expand...

Hey thanks. It was hard for my head to adjust to them at first. Actually took a couple months. It’s so much more tame. I think it looks classy and definitely a sleeper, but one day I will go with a more aggressive wheel.
 
Irun said:
A little thinking out loud here, so indulge me. I've come to realize over the last few years, heresy I know, that the TJ is just a better wheeling vehicle for what I do. That said, I've been considering selling the LJ and focusing on the TJ. If I did, it would mean the TJ would get the following:

  • 5" stretch
  • mid-arm
  • out-boarded shocks
  • 35" tires
  • PSC Steering with cylinder assist
  • HP30
  • 5.13 gears
  • Rubicrawler
The struggle I'm having is even thou I have the latter two, with a hunt on for a suitable HP30 housing, I'm still looking at close to $10K. Being completely honest, the current TJ build is really a lot of fun, even for wheeling, but I have to pass some obstacles, due to clearance at the differentials. Obviously, there is the option to simply go with larger tires, but the fundamental issue of improving the TJ's ability to climb is one that can't be overcome without more work. I guess the question I'm getting at is am I over thinking this? :unsure:
Click to expand...

I went to 35’s mainly because I was tired of scraping my rear CA frame mounts and more importantly banging my rear bumper. I solved the bumper, mostly. Point I’m making is it was similar to your diff clearance issue.

I don’t really need to do anything else to my Jeep. I don’t experience bad behaviors, but I will probably do things anyway bc I need a project, something to keep my hands busy and mind engaged in something other than work. That is 95% of my quest. For me it is purely a hobby. I don’t know if that helps you figure anything out for yourself.

You sound like wheelin is the end game for you and that is what is most important. If your rig is telling you it needs something then make a change. Follow an incremental approach? Otherwise stay put, wheel, and have fun. My .02c.

P.s. you have a great rig , and you know that, but also we’d all love to see the suggested build you described. I might even tag along on the parts my rig can take.
 
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Alex01 said:
I call the Savvy rub rails if you ever remove them.

That said that build sounds awesome. Have you looked into the cost difference of a HP 44 vs the 30? Not sure if you could just buy a bare housing and swap parts but if you could that be nice. That way you could have the 5.38 gears also.
Click to expand...

I did consider a HP44 originally, specifically a Currie. However, the larger size and heavier weight wasn't appealing, given a Dana 30 will hold up fine to 35" tires and a light right foot. I did buy a set of 30 spline axles for the HP30 and ordered an Eaton 30 spline E Locker, but the locker has been on order for a year now, with no delivery in sight. It's highly probable I'm going to cancel that order and just go with an ARB locker. That will suck, because I bought bearings specifically for the Eaton already. :(
 
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IPerkWVU said:
Would building to 35’s reduce your enjoyment of driving the TJ on the road?

I think your build plan and expertise to do it right would mitigate most of the problems with larger tires, but I know my (poorly built jeep on 35s) TJ was more fun to drive around town when on 31s….Zippy, handled tighter, etc.
Click to expand...

This is my single biggest concern. I only wheel 3 - 4 times a year now, but drive the TJ on a routine basis. A narrower tire would help, but tire choices for 35x11.50R17 are very limited.
 
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Irun said:
This is my single biggest concern. I only wheel 3 - 4 times a year now, but drive the TJ on a routine basis. A narrower tire would help, but tire choices for 35x11.50R17 are very limited.
Click to expand...

I have maxxis razr at on my tundra in that size and like it a lot. I may try that next time I need tires for the jeep.
 
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Irun said:
I did consider a HP44 originally, specifically a Currie. However, the larger size and heavier weight wasn't appealing, given a Dana 30 will hold up fine to 35" tires and a light right foot. I did buy a set of 30 spline axles for the HP30 and ordered an Eaton 30 spline E Locker, but the locker has been on order for a year now, with no delivery in sight. It's highly probable I'm going to cancel that order and just go with an ARB locker. That will suck, because I bought bearings specifically for the Eaton already. :(
Click to expand...

I was flipping through the latest Quadratec catalog last night and saw 30 spline Dana 30 e-lockers. I don't if they actually have them (especially for the HP version, which I assume is different) but maybe worth a call?
 
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Woodrow said:
I was flipping through the latest Quadratec catalog last night and saw 30 spline Dana 30 e-lockers. I don't if they actually have them (especially for the HP version, which I assume is different) but maybe worth a call?
Click to expand...

Quadratec is who I ordered it from back in November 2021. I called them today and still no ETA. They're reaching out to Eaton, but my guess is there aren't enough sales of the 30 spline Dana 30 model and I won't ever see one. :(
 
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What is your target wheelbase? Mine is just under 95" after the front stretch. I couldn't see how to get the remaining 6" to the final 101" out of that tank.

The other thing I didn't care for with the GR tank was how the filler neck interacts with the shock outboard. Then there is the exhaust.
 
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