best investments on the XJ.....

[Ba-Riedo]

Wrong.
It's a matter of opinion but if you have and use the 242 case it makes things that much more valid to go selectable. If you've never owned them, then you don't know. Sure you can say, "I heard this" "I saw this" but bottom line is it wasn't you so you don't REALLY know. Proper installation of any selectable locker can avoid 95% of the headaches some people get from them.

In Scott's case it sounds like he doesn't care if he loses his full-time, and so yes for him a selectable doesn't make sence. But no use giving bad info to everyone else.

~Scott

Right well you can try to follow me around with your selectables, or see if you can run a trail faster. You won't be able too. I have driven vehicles with them and it is cool, but not worth it if you don't have the cash.

-Alex

 

[Muddy Beast]

Right well you can try to follow me around with your selectables, or see if you can run a trail faster. You won't be able too. I have driven vehicles with them and it is cool, but not worth it if you don't have the cash.

-Alex

That's what you forgot to include. It's one thing to say they're horrible don't get them, it's another to say if you can't afford them don't get them.

And your right, I won't be able to follow you. But it might be because you have $1000 TR wheels, a cage, lockers front and rear, 35" tires, and a winch...not because I have a selectable.

~Scott

 

[Nickfast]

Scott,
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/pts/1257630855.html

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/pts/1257611472.html

Same guy selling both of these-price a little high on the front in my opinion, but he may deal on a package, and it gives you 4.10's both ends-not 4.88's, but an improvement over the 3.55's.

Nick

 

[southernrebel20]

For a fun, stout, trail rig you really should bump up your gearing before you look at a long arm kit and sliders and such, if its a toy as you said throw an 8.8 in the rear, 4.10 or 4.56, spool it, re-gear your front to match and you'll be having fun all day long

 

[Ba-Riedo]

That's what you forgot to include. It's one thing to say they're horrible don't get them, it's another to say if you can't afford them don't get them.

And your right, I won't be able to follow you. But it might be because you have $1000 TR wheels, a cage, lockers front and rear, 35" tires, and a winch...not because I have a selectable.

~Scott

You forgot more driving experience too! In all seriousness if you had bought two aussies (like Lyle) you would have had your axles built for cheaper and accomplished the same thing, add a 2lo kit and you are golden.

-Alex

 

[PacificEd]

Something to consider is the amount of money you are getting. Use the money towards the "big ticket" items, stuff that takes a lot of money. Regearing and locking axles is a good example.

For me, it's a lot harder to come up with $2000 to build a set of axles than $400 for a bumper.

 

[Sideshow]

so, another "Variation" of the list

8.8 welded up for an XJ
4.88 gears
spool? or Lunchbox? (cant afford a full or selectable locker)
Diff cover (heard 8.8 covers are paper thin)

Dana 30
4.88 gears
aussie'd
alloy shafts

What am i looking at with cost?

Here’s what I would do.
-Rear-
$400 Find an 8.8 with good 410's and brakes and buy it. (realistic in Lynnwood)
My gears were in good shape but the bearings we're on their way out so maybe factor $100 for a master install kit and fluid if required. Obviously fluid is required you freakin trolls.
$40 for good Spring perches (RE). Relocate your stock shock mounts.
$300 w shipping for Lunchbox locker

-Front-
$190 4.10 Yukon Gears for the D30 (Ebay )
$100 Master install Kit
$300 Lunchbox locker
$25 197 shafts from pull-a-part

I have no idea about the labor cost.

I believe you’re dreaming on the 29spline 8.25 axle 3.55 gears Aussie locked (125+280).

-suspension-
I have radius arm (TNT) and would go with three or more links if I had to do it again. I've had no problems but it would be nice not to have the inherent unloading. As you know traction is hard to find here in the NW. In my case the unloading is the most traction inhibiting factor for my xj as a whole. My TNT skid plate is very nice but the money would have been better spent on drop brackets, top-shelf shocks and links.
$200 Drop Brackets
$??? Control Arms (since yours are solid)

$750 33" Tires
$200 Rubicon express SYE with front driveline for the rear *already have spare front shaft*
$200 Diff covers (brand?)
$300 Warn M8000 winch *uncle builds them*

$285 + shipping DIY winch bumper
$185 + shipping DIY non-winch bumper
http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Iron-Scorpion-LLC__W0QQ_armrsZ1


$450 Lincoln 180HD
$100 Argon CO2 bottle
$40 HF auto-dimming helmet
HF 4.5” angle grinder, cutoff discs, grinding discs
$100 Make your own slider materials

Total (minus control arms, and bumpers) $3795

If you really want to have a good time here’s all the tools I used to set up the axles.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=95853 (seal driver)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=40966 (Puller Kit)

This: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=37824
+ 16” of fine-thread all-thread, grade 8 hardware, and this : http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3979
gives you the ability to pull pinion and carrier bearings without a press. A press is nice though.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=623 (dial indicator)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5645 (magnetic Base)

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=895 (micrometer)

Memories of showing you kids how to fix your own car = priceless

 

[Shred Bro Gnar Rad]

i would go priority wise:
-Gears
-Longarms
-Axles/Lockers

And then the winch and winch bumper and whatnot..

 

[FlexdXJ]

i would go priority wise:
-Gears
-Longarms
-Axles/Lockers

And then the winch and winch bumper and whatnot..

Recovery and Armor would be first followed up by these!

 

[Muddy Beast]

You forgot more driving experience too! In all seriousness if you had bought two aussies (like Lyle) you would have had your axles built for cheaper and accomplished the same thing, add a 2lo kit and you are golden.

-Alex

Your missing the whole point behind my build though, being able to use my full-time. And a 242 = no 2low. Lyle and I have different plans for our builds so there's no sence in comparing them.

And Scott, the best advice I can give you is to read about what other people have done and why, and what they liked/disliked about them. In the end you'll get a bunch of different opinions and it's your job to choose what suites you.

~Scott