I see the reasons to avoid 37s in even an LJ. How often do 35s break and wear out stuff with stock Rubicon Dana 44s? If you had a choice between an LJR and an LJ with $10k to put toward aftermarket axles and transfer case to make them similar, would it be worth upgrading an LJ performance and durability-wise or better to start with a rubicon?
To put 35’s on a Rubicon you’d need to regear and add chromoly shafts to the front Dana 44. No different than a Dana 30
LJ vs LJR. The LJR has the stock lockers. Aftermarket lockers are stronger. The LJR has a 4:1, which is great, but with an Atlas you could choose your desired ratio. The LJR has the prestige of being a Rubicon.
In the end, I think I’d buy the LJ, add Chromoly shafts to the Dana 30, lock front and rear with Eaton E-Lockers, and add an Atlas. I could do that for under $10k.
To me, the only build that is better to start with a Rubicon is a 32’s or smaller build because once you go bigger you really need to regear, and the axles are a wash. The 4.10 gears will be acceptable to most with 32’s or smaller for the transmissions offered. In fact, that’s one of my dream builds. My current build is 35’s and I started with an X, and am glad I did. It’s as capable as a Rubicon with lockers and 4:1 t case
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