Locker & Gearing Advice

[HuskerJeep]

Ok, I've read many threads on this so far, but I'm going to throw the element of cost into the discussion as well since I got some quotes. Given the following options, which would you recommend would fit my needs best (I know ultimately I have to decide, but I enjoy hearing first hand opinions & experiences)?

Driving conditions are relatively tame. I live in the midwest and even though it's not my DD, snow is always a possibility but no rock crawling or severe off roading is likely. A couple times a year I'd like to take it to Colorado/South Dakota, etc... for a weekend of trails.

'98 with 4.0 & 5-Spd currently open diffs with 3.07.

Things I know:
1. I'm on 31's now, and won't be going any bigger than that (I'm sure some of you may doubt that, but I don't).
2. No front lunchbox locker. Since there is a chance this will be driven in snow/ice and there's also a chance my wife would be driving (she's a good driver, but not this level), it's not worth the handling risks.

So, my options are narrowed down to the following:

Option 1: Dana 30 TrueTrac / Dana 35 TrueTrac; 4.10 Gears (stock shafts) $2,500
Option 2: Dana 30 Eaton E-Locker / Dana 35 TrueTrac; 4.10 Gears (stock shafts) $3,100
Option 3: Dana 30 TrueTrac / Dana 35 Eaton E-Locker 30 Spline with Super 35 Kit and Upgraded shafts; 4.10 Gears; $3,600

The first option is pretty appealing considering I could re-gear and add front/rear traction devices for $2,500, but you know how it is...a few hundred more gets me a front locker...and a few hundred more gets me a rear locker with Super35 kit (probably total overkill for my use).

Thoughts?

 

[89grand]

For your needs, I'd probably go with Option 1. In fact I pretty much plan on doing exactly that same thing myself, except I'll be adding rear alloy axle shafts too, and you should consider it. I do some trails in AZ where more traction than an open diff would be nice, but need full lockers are generally not needed.

 

[HuskerJeep]

Thanks. You're reasoning is very similar to my reasoning.

What's your thoughts on upgrading the rear axle shafts?

 

[jazngab]

Thanks. You're reasoning is very similar to my reasoning.

What's your thoughts on upgrading the rear axle shafts?

I’d say option 1 as well for your needs. I would say skip on axle upgrades if staying 31s and no rocks or much off road.

 

[jazngab]

Option 3 isn’t bad for only $1100 more tho

 

[HuskerJeep]

Option 3 isn’t bad for only $1100 more tho

That's the tough part. But, $1,100 can buy a lot more stuff too. I still need some engine skid plate protection for example...

 

[jazngab]

That's the tough part. But, $1,100 can buy a lot more stuff too. I still need some engine skid plate protection for example...

Stick to option 1 then if you’re absolutely sure of what you’re going to be doing with the Jeep. You will never use the locker or threaten to break the axle.

 

[jazngab]

Wait....why do you need skid plates if you’re not going off road??

 

[HuskerJeep]

Wait....why do you need skid plates if you’re not going off road??

Well, I didn't say I'd never go off-road, just nothing extreme that would make me think I'd need lockers very often. I probably don't "need" a skid plate either, just one of the few things left at this point.

 

[jazngab]

Well, I didn't say I'd never go off-road, just nothing extreme that would make me think I'd need lockers very often. I probably don't "need" a skid plate either, just one of the few things left at this point.

Oh ok. Trails you’ll be fine option 1 and no skid plates if you really want to NOT waste money. I wouldn’t do lockers or axle upgrade if I stayed street and/or trails. Trutracs always on and don’t have to worry about switching them on like you would lockers which, again, you would be unlikely to need or use.

 

[HuskerJeep]

Oh ok. Trails you’ll be fine option 1 and no skid plates if you really want to NOT waste money. I wouldn’t do lockers or axle upgrade if I stayed street and/or trails. Trutracs always on and don’t have to worry about switching them on like you would lockers which, again, you would be unlikely to need or use.

Sounds about right, thanks for the info.

Btw, I like your rig - pretty close to what I'm shooting for.

 

[jazngab]

Sounds about right, thanks for the info.

Btw, I like your rig - pretty close to what I'm shooting for.

Thanks! If you don’t need the skid I’d skip it. It can be a PITA whenever you have to drop the transfer skid plate. Or it can get messy draining the oil if the hole isn’t perfectly under the drain plug.

 

[89grand]

You probably don't need alloy shafts, I might not either, but I figure for around $200 it's fairly cheap insurance. I plan on using the Revolution Gear 1541H axles.