Beginner Build Help

[ZildjianDevil]

Hey Guys,

I just purchased a stock 2002 Tj, 2door, 4.0L, I-6 with Dana 30 front axel and 35 rear axel. I’m not a mechanic at all lol, so all heavy modifications will have to be done by my local mechanic. I have tons and tons of questions about my Jeep and what’s correct to do and what to stay away from which leads me to this forum.

What I want to accomplish is to correctly install 35/12.5/15 tires and leave the stock fenders on without rubbing issues. I’m still unsure what size wheels between 15x8 vs 15x10 would work best as I’ll be 90% driving on pavement. I understand that my axels need to be replaced with Dana 44s or better to run 35s without issues but unsure what axels to actually go with. I read about re-gearing is a must as well when going from 31s to 35s.

My Jeep is garage kept and is not my DD, but I want to have the option to wheel when I want to. I absolutely hate buying things more than once, so I would like to make my big purchase modifications correctly once and try to not make mistakes.

What suspension lift kit do you guys recommend to clear the 35s with stock fenders? 2.5”, 3.5”, or 4”? I’ve been doing tons of research to the point where my wife is making comments constantly about being on my phone and computer lol. I have a good idea that I want to go with a premium lift and not a budget lift. I’m currently looking at 4” Currie or 2.5/3.5” MetalCloak lift. I also read a bit about the Rancho RS5000X Shocks but haven’t done tons of research into shocks yet.

I would def like to know where to begin, like to follow a guideline as what to do first, second, third etc.. for modifications. I’m assuming axel swap and regearing would be before purchasing the tires and wheels etc..

Any help would be great as I’m still doing a butt load of research each and every day. So I figured I’d start my very own thread for my Jeep.

Thanks in advance!

-Zildjian

 

[Rob5589]

Sounds like you have a good budget to work with so I'd recommend the Savvy mid arm, Savvy 1.25 body lift, Savvy skid/armor, Savvy tank skid, and Currie steering. Also need brakes to stop those 35's so Black Magic Brakes are the go to.
The 30 will work with some Revo gear axles. The rear can work with a Super 35 kit or installing a 44 along with Revo axles. We need to know what transmission you have for a proper gearing rec. Of course you can do a full set of new axles if the budget allows.
Stick with a 15x8 wheel with 3.75"-4" backspace.

 

[jjvw]

Research the Super 35 kit if you can't switch to a Dana 44. 35" tires need 4" of spring with an 1.25" body lift. Don't get distracted with anything other than a short arm lift. Absolutely regear.

Seriously consider building for 33s, instead. Much less work and still very capable.

Don't even think about changing arm length until you raise the t case and gas tank skids.

 

[Boinked]

My 2cents. Always do gears and tires at the same time. With a speedometer gear. If you do it all at the same time you wont hate yourself. (Hating himself because speedometer gear is still backordered)

 

[Serbonze]

Read through this first: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/so-you-want-to-run-35-tires-on-your-tj.2428/

Then come back with additional questions.

 

[tworley]

Plenty of advice already given, listen to them and research.

Stick with a 15x8 wheel. My 15x10 and 35s are real prone to hydroplaning. Plus the skinner width looks and functions better.

 

[S.McArthur]

If you want to just have fun and not drop a ton of money into your axle, put a lunchbox locker in that dana 30, I have the powertrax no-slip and have yet to get stuck. This is within reason though, I'm not out here doing super big rock climbs. I was planning on buying new front and rear axles, but the lunchbox locker has proved to handle the off-road conditions I currently encounter. Based on your description of use for your Jeep, this is all you will need to do to play off-road with your jeep until you are ready for something more serious. You will now have more money to drop on lifts/wheels etc.
I've been up and down super loose steep trails with roots/big rocks/and other crap and never air down my tires (I don't have onboard air), I've had no issues at all. Jeep goes up and up and up, it will slip due to the full air pressure, yet it just keeps going. And the general consensus is that the dana 30 is strong enough to handle the lunchbox locker, I'm sure there are smarter folks with better info about this.

Summing up the basic Dana 30 upgrade
-Aussie or Powertrax no-slip or other Lunchbox style locker
-Chromoly axle shafts
-Might be a good idea to replace the inner axles seals while it is apart.