Build Plan Review

[Kevin Q]

Ok guys, with all the experience from this board I have put together my build plan. I've got a bone stock 2005 TJR Manual with 4.10 gears. This will be used for 80% weekend driving and 20% offroad. I want it to be capable, long lasting, and fun. Starting off with 33" tires but building it to be able to take 35's if I decide to do so later.

Stage 1: Lift
Currie CE9801H 4" with Antirocks...Already purchased from board member.
Rancho Shocks...bought with lift
Currie Steering System CE-9701...ordered
Brake Line Relocation Kit...Quadractec
Rear Spring Relocation...Metalcloak
Rear Shock Relocation
Double Cardan Driveshaft...TBD
Revolution Gear Rear Axle Kit...4lowparts
Black Magic Front Brakes
Savvy Cable Shifter...Installing Friday
Savvy 1.25" Body Lift...Installing Friday
Currie Raised Motor Mounts...Installing Friday

Wheels and Tires:
BFG AT...best choice?
15" Wheels...undecided on style/brand.
* Any suggestions on where to shop for wheels?

Stage 3: Armor and Bumpers
Front Bumper...TBD but no rush. Thinking Dirtworx, Rockhard Patriot, Savvy.
Rear Bumper with Tire Carrier...UCF Aluminum, carrier opens with door and offers receiver. Need this for cargo carrier for trips with kids.
Rock Sliders with Step...Savvy
UCF Tummy Tuck and Engine Skids

Stage 4: Frame Preservation
Professionally applied Eastwood internal and external frame coating.

Low Cost Upgrades:
Tailgate table...90% completed.
Relocate Locker Compressors to Engine Bay...TBD

 

[JMT]

You’ll want to regear at some point. I don’t know what transmission you have, so I can’t make a suggestion.

For tires I would go for an MT over an AT. Cooper STT Pro, MT Baja MTZ, BFG kM3, et al

 

[L J]

You'll have a very capable rig with that setup.

I've got a bone stock 2005 TJR Manual with 4.10 gears.

33 and 4.10s will be liveable but if/when you move to 35s you'll definitely want at least 4.88s.

BFG AT...best choice?
15" Wheels...undecided on style/brand.
* Any suggestions on where to shop for wheels?

I'm not completely familiar with your terrain but I'll assume quite a bit of wet forest. If that's the case, I'd definitely want an MT as opposed to an AT. As far as the wheels go, Google image search Jeep wheels and when you come across one you like find out make/model and search for the best deal/service.

 

[WHBNM]

I like your plan. Mine is very similar and underway! Anxious to watch yours progress.

 

[Rhrrsn]

For tires I did the Milestar Patagonia’s M/T and honestly I love them and for the price you can’t beat it. I do know a few people were not happy with the longevity though.

 

[Goatman]

That is a very $$$ build. If you can afford it then, yes, a great plan. But there are a lot of places you could save some $ and still have a great build.

 

[JDS123]

For rear spring relocation, I'd just move your stock spring perches instead of buying a kit. Relocating the spring perches shouldn't be necessary with only a 4 inch lift and no tuck though. I'd probably just leave them where they are.

If rear shock relocation means outboarding, make sure you have all the appropriate tools and knowledge to take that job on.

Otherwise looks good.

 

[Kevin Q]

@Goatman I'm listening. My point in posting this thread was to get feedback from the crew.

 

[JMT]

Also, I didn’t see a winch on your build list.

 

[Kevin Q]

@JMT That would be included in future upgrades along with fenders, 35s, and a regear.

 

[gaabbee]

You’ll want to regear at some point. I don’t know what transmission you have, so I can’t make a suggestion.

For tires I would go for an MT over an AT. Cooper STT Pro, MT Baja MTZ, BFG kM3, et al

Re-gearing on the 6 speed is a little different then the 5 speeds or auto's.

For example,

35 inch tires at 70 mph 4.88 gears is 2755 rpm in 6th gear.
vs
35 inch tires at 70 mph 4.10 gears is 2755 rpm in 5th gear.
or
33 inch tires at 70 mph 4.88 gears is 2922 rpm in 6th gear
vs
33 inch tires at 70 mph 4.10 gears is 2922 rpm in 5th gear.

Yes the re-gear will help you but it won't be "un-driveable" like the other transmissions. You can simply drop down a gear. Personal opinion but you can definitely live with 4.10's and 33's. This is what I have and it does just fine, I didn't even notice a big difference from stock. If/when you go 35's it won't be necessary to immediately re-gear as you can just use 5th and have the same highway ratio.

Crawling will be a different conversation but you can play around with http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html to get an idea.

 

[tworley]

That plan would lead to a very capable build. I would only suggest:

As @jodomcfrodo suggested; reuse your rear spring perches. No need to spend the money on metalcloak. The OE spring perches have tabs that you can carefully cut. Once its free you can weld those tabs back on the frame.

For a bumper--I am happy with my chopped stock bumper. Its lightweight, its narrow, and it has a tab underneath that will hit the crossmember during impact, which gives it structure. Not to many aftermarket bumpers have this feature (I know savvy does). This can save you some $$.

When I had a bumper/tire carrier combo, I hated it. When I needed something in the rear I had to open the carrier first, then the tailgate. I would suggest a tub mounted carrier like bestop, exogate, etc... Then get a low profile bumper that protects the rear crossmember.

I've bought most of my wheels/tires thru discount tire. They'll pricematch, plus its just easy to deal with a local outfit vs having an imperfection and having to ship everything back to whatever online retailer was used.

 

[Kevin Q]

Think I've decided on my wheels...
15" Mammoth 8 Beadlock Style Anthracite Wheel

I am still looking at tire options...
Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ P3 , Cooper Discoverer STT PRO 33x12.50, and WRANGLER MT/R WITH KEVLAR - SIZE: 33X12.5R15LT are all on my list for now.

Unfortunately we don't have Discount Tire in SE PA. We have a place called Creamery Tire that is terrific. I'll check out some local outlets for the tires.

Listened to @tworley about the tire carrier. The UCF design does open along with the tailgate but I understand the complaints about rattles are common on these types of carriers. Will likely switch over to UCF Alum/Steel bumper with receiever and the MORryde upgrade.

Will look at reusing the rear spring perches. Not out boarding at this time.