Which upgrade is next?

[COYOTE83]

Alright, so I’m selling another old project that I’ll never get to, to acquire more jeep funds. I’ll have about $1000-$1200 in fun money after I sell the old yota and I want YOU to help me spend it!!!
A few of the things I want I will have to add a little cash to get.
Some things on my list of needs/wants are

1: a set of alloy axle shafts (revolution) front and rear (d44s)
2: genright extended range tank/skid plate
3: roof rack and tent. (Looking at the gobi racks)
4: genright high line fenders front and rear
5: bartact seat covers front and rear
6: big brake kit

these are the big ticket items. I’m thinking do the axle shafts and get that out of the way.

I know a lot of folks are against roof racks and roof top tents, but we plan on taking the tj on some vacations and the roof rack would be a necessity. Also, my son and I plan on taking some weekend camping trips to some OHV parks and state parks and it would be nice to have a roof top tent I think. I know a lot of folks will say pop up a ground tent instead, and that’s still an option, but the roof rack will still be needed for family trips. The reason I’m looking at gobi is the ability to fold it back easily and still use the soft top, also I can take the rack off with relative ease if needed for trail riding and just leave the front support bar.

the extended range tank would be nice.

the seat covers would be nice and useful.

the high line fenders would be very nice.

the big brake kit would be nice, but I have rear discs and currently dont have any problems stopping the 35s.

I’m thinking it’s down to the roof rack or the axle shaft upgrade (with high lines coming in 3rd) this time and save up for the other upgrades.

the only reason I’m even considering the roof rack over the axle shaft upgrade is that it would get more immediate use. I don’t wheel the jeep hard and the trails I do ride, so far, aren’t very technical or extremely difficult, but it would be nice to go overkill and not have to worry.

Jeep info: ‘01 tj sport, nv3550, rubicon axles, 4” lift, 35s, 4.6. Main use is a daily driver and weekend fun vehicle for the family. No super technical trails but I’d like to build it to be able to be capable enough to take my son out west some day and wheel Moab or some of the other beautiful areas out that way and not have to worry too much.

so. Hit me with some thoughts and opinions and confirm my axle shaft upgrade.

 

[Apparition]

I vote brakes

 

[COYOTE83]

Any specific reason other than the obvious keeping the family safer?
the brakes now seem to work great. I’ve had zero issues and have done a couple simulated emergency stops and was satisfied. Then again I’m used to worn out ‘70s ford 3/4 ton brakes, so my tj, to me, is like sports car brakes compared to that. I’m a cautious driver and leave plenty of room. A carry over habit from daily driving old project trucks. BUT accidents do happen and people get complacent, so.....

 

[defenderu]

Following along as there are some items on here I am interested in.

 

[defenderu]

New fenders would be my vote. Although I did the revolution rear axle shaft swap and it is super easy but slightly messy job.

I dont see front axles from revolution though and those usually get up above $1000 quick.

 

[Irun]

Function, function, function! Ask yourself the following questions: "What do I really need?" "What do I really want?". The answer is there!

 

[COYOTE83]

@Irun
I agree, but I think it’s all function related. It’s just a matter of long term vs short term. In the short term the roof rack makes the most sense to me. I know some folks will disagree with that, but it is what it is. However the axle shafts could also be short term functional if it saves me a broken shaft. (I don’t foresee that happening where I wheel, but I don’t think anyone foresees it happening)
I see what you’re saying. It’s subjective according to individual needs. But it’s all functional. The seat covers, to a lesser degree. Thank you.

@defenderu
i do want the fenders. I have a 1.25 body lift and MML planned soon, still a little research to do. It would be nice to get most of the clearance “issues” out of the way. Decisions decisions decisions. Lol.
thanks man.

 

[COYOTE83]

As far as roof racks go, the gobi looks very nice and has features I like. I have a morryde tailgate reinforcement kit on the way, so some of the other roof racks will require some modifications for the rear mounting brackets to work. The gobi wouldn’t. BUT I can weld and I can fab to a degree, and I have a couple friends that are pros. So modifying wouldn’t be a huge issue. Which leads me down the path of
“Research and find a roof rack that’s cheaper than the gobi but just as durable, and modify to fit my needs”
Needs to be durable, needs to allow me to use the soft top, needs to be relatively easy to remove, needs to mount without drilling into the tub, or be able to have the bracket modified. (Garvin)

 

[Apparition]

Any specific reason other than the obvious keeping the family safer?
the brakes now seem to work great. I’ve had zero issues and have done a couple simulated emergency stops and was satisfied. Then again I’m used to worn out ‘70s ford 3/4 ton brakes, so my tj, to me, is like sports car brakes compared to that. I’m a cautious driver and leave plenty of room. A carry over habit from daily driving old project trucks. BUT accidents do happen and people get complacent, so.....

Reason, you will use them every time you drive your Jeep. My BBK has saved me from accidents caused by other peoples stupidity.

 

[bobthetj03]

Why do you need 35's? Based on your use, and more of a overlanding type of use you might be better off with 33's. The roof rack is going to add weight. Weight is a TJ's mortal enemy, so getting some gearing back, less rolling mass of smaller tires, might be something to consider.

As far as your list, You don't know you need better brakes until you do. Adding more weight to the jeep won't help matters.

 

[SkylinesSuck]

+1 for brakes

 

[COYOTE83]

@Apparition very good point. Duly noted.

@bobthetj03 well, I don’t NEED 35s. I don’t really NEED any of it. And I agree 33s would be better for overlanding. But the jeep came with 35s and I’ve always wanted a “tj on 35s”. Plus eventually I’d like to go to some places and wheel it on some more difficult obstacles. Good point on the weight. But the roof rack would only be used on vacations and camping trips. If I do any “wheeling” it will come off. That’s why I am lookin at the gobi racks. It looks like they’re easy to remove And great point about adding weight and needing better brakes. I’m trying to be as conscious as I can about adding weight.

 

[hallelujan37]

I think brakes would be the best first option. It seems to me that you won’t need new shafts since your not wheeling crazy stuff and fenders seem it will be for looks. If you plan on wheeling more difficult trails, then go for the axles shafts since their more prone to break with 35s.

 

[COYOTE83]

The plan is to wheel more difficult trails. But I’m researching the big brake kit pretty hard right now. It’s hard to justify when my brakes are great as is and don’t need replacement due to wear. I’m trying to talk myself into it anyway. The axles would be a more “exciting” upgrade. Lol. But I’m trying to talk myself into replacing good brakes that aren’t worn for better brakes. I agree that it’s a very good upgrade. Just trying to convince myself it should be next.

how long do these last before you need new pads/rotors? I’m guessing you can only source replacements from @mrblaine ?
The only “downsides” I can see is (local) availability of replacement pads/rotors. If by some chance you have a part related failure, (maybe on a trail) you won’t be able to run to the local parts store and grab a replacement and put it on quickly.
also, losing the option to run a 15” wheel. (Sometimes you can find good deals on lightly used wheels and tires, most are 15”)
And as I’ve mentioned my brakes are in great condition. Part of me wants to wait until I NEED a brake job.

 

[COYOTE83]

I just read on an old thread where another member emailed @mrblaine and have him details on his Jeep and driving style, which included 35” tires and a “non aggressive driving style” with planned braking coasting to stops” and the other member said mrblaine told him he didn’t need the big brake kit.
my driving style is similar. I don’t do hard braking unless unavoidable. Still, I could see the benefits when going to the mountains (Appalachian) and on a few steep hills on some trails I ride....

 

[mrblaine]

The plan is to wheel more difficult trails. But I’m researching the big brake kit pretty hard right now. It’s hard to justify when my brakes are great as is and don’t need replacement due to wear. I’m trying to talk myself into it anyway.

If it stops and can lock up the front tires, that buys you a lot of time before you need more.

The axles would be a more “exciting” upgrade. Lol. But I’m trying to talk myself into replacing good brakes that aren’t worn for better brakes. I agree that it’s a very good upgrade. Just trying to convince myself it should be next.

Test the rig and know, don't guess.

how long do these last before you need new pads/rotors?

2000-50,000 miles is the range I see for the pads, rotors go more or less.

I’m guessing you can only source replacements from @mrblaine ?

Yes and no. There are two proprietary parts, the knuckle and the pad compound. The pad number will be given to you so you can cross and interchange should the need arise in an emergency. That part will be on the shelf along with the rotors, calipers, and hardware. Numbers which you will also get. The two larger kits have re-drilled rotors.

The only “downsides” I can see is (local) availability of replacement pads/rotors. If by some chance you have a part related failure, (maybe on a trail) you won’t be able to run to the local parts store and grab a replacement and put it on quickly.

Anyone who wheels knowing they have vehicle specific parts should point a keen eye towards acquiring those spares.

also, losing the option to run a 15” wheel. (Sometimes you can find good deals on lightly used wheels and tires, most are 15”)
And as I’ve mentioned my brakes are in great condition. Part of me wants to wait until I NEED a brake job.

You can run most 15" wheels with the 15" kit. Don't wait until you need a brake job until after you see if you can lock them up.

 

[JMT]

Alright, so I’m selling another old project that I’ll never get to, to acquire more jeep funds. I’ll have about $1000-$1200 in fun money after I sell the old yota and I want YOU to help me spend it!!!
A few of the things I want I will have to add a little cash to get.
Some things on my list of needs/wants are

1: a set of alloy axle shafts (revolution) front and rear (d44s)
2: genright extended range tank/skid plate
3: roof rack and tent. (Looking at the gobi racks)
4: genright high line fenders front and rear
5: bartact seat covers front and rear
6: big brake kit

these are the big ticket items. I’m thinking do the axle shafts and get that out of the way.

I know a lot of folks are against roof racks and roof top tents, but we plan on taking the tj on some vacations and the roof rack would be a necessity. Also, my son and I plan on taking some weekend camping trips to some OHV parks and state parks and it would be nice to have a roof top tent I think. I know a lot of folks will say pop up a ground tent instead, and that’s still an option, but the roof rack will still be needed for family trips. The reason I’m looking at gobi is the ability to fold it back easily and still use the soft top, also I can take the rack off with relative ease if needed for trail riding and just leave the front support bar.

the extended range tank would be nice.

the seat covers would be nice and useful.

the high line fenders would be very nice.

the big brake kit would be nice, but I have rear discs and currently dont have any problems stopping the 35s.

I’m thinking it’s down to the roof rack or the axle shaft upgrade (with high lines coming in 3rd) this time and save up for the other upgrades.

the only reason I’m even considering the roof rack over the axle shaft upgrade is that it would get more immediate use. I don’t wheel the jeep hard and the trails I do ride, so far, aren’t very technical or extremely difficult, but it would be nice to go overkill and not have to worry.

Jeep info: ‘01 tj sport, nv3550, rubicon axles, 4” lift, 35s, 4.6. Main use is a daily driver and weekend fun vehicle for the family. No super technical trails but I’d like to build it to be able to be capable enough to take my son out west some day and wheel Moab or some of the other beautiful areas out that way and not have to worry too much.

so. Hit me with some thoughts and opinions and confirm my axle shaft upgrade.

1. Axle shafts
2. Brakes

 

[mrblaine]

I just read on an old thread where another member emailed @mrblaine and have him details on his Jeep and driving style, which included 35” tires and a “non aggressive driving style” with planned braking coasting to stops” and the other member said mrblaine told him he didn’t need the big brake kit.
my driving style is similar. I don’t do hard braking unless unavoidable. Still, I could see the benefits when going to the mountains (Appalachian) and on a few steep hills on some trails I ride....

You do not have to have an aggressive driving style to keep them broken in. Just don't do long coasting lightly pressing on the brake pedal stops. It is just a simple matter of using them normally and they will be fine.

The biggest and most frequent mistake I see and deal with far more often than I should is folks figure out they have really good brakes so they barely use them because that is all it takes to stop. I have guys on 40" tires who come in and I have to go break in the brakes again because they don't listen.

I have one who is so bad at listening to me that he is under strict warning that the very next time I drive his rig and it won't lock up the 40's at the end of the street when I drive it, I'm yanking off the good brakes and putting his shit JK caliper adapted onto the Currie knuckles back on. That way he has to use both feet on the pedal to stop and I won't have to worry about him keeping them broken in because there won't be a choice.

 

[COYOTE83]

Awesome awesome awesome. Thank you sir. I’ll be doing some more research tonight. The jeep brakes fine as is but this seems like a highly recommended upgrade. I can see the benefits. I’ve only had one issue with my brakes so far, going down a STEEP hill on a powerline. They did fine but they were noisy. Groaning. Not really any fade. Just groaning. And that MAY have been “normal” under those conditions. I’ve wheeled that same hill in my stock ‘06 tj years ago and had the same issue.
thank you sir for the quick reply and I’ll do more research this evening.

 

[COYOTE83]

@JMT thats kinda the way I’m leaning. I’m very interested in these brakes everyone is talking about though.
@mrblaine