blower on a JK-pros/cons
- Thread starter Rovertrader
- Start date
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
Get the RK 2.5" for the breakover angle alone ---- you won't have to mess with fenders but you still need wheels to keep from rubbing the control arms.
Don't worry about rake; the extra inch in the back is nice when you trailer; it's still a Jeep despite it's length.
I thought about those tires, btw, and stayed with the 295/70 for price.
On post on page three refers to an Extreme ?Offroad test. It was actually a RIPP SC vs. a 5.7 Hemi. But if you look at the dyno runs you will see that they started high in the rpm range to hide the RIPP's lack of torque down low, and they cut the Hemi ~1,700rpm's off its top, which hid its high rev HP. So the test was no test at all. Those who have driven both, including RIPP owners report that the Hemi is a lot more powerful down low, as you would expect, but also when winding out. But a Jeep isn't a race car and the RIPP does improve highway performance. It's the engine's boosted survivability that is a the question.
BTW, a RIPP SC'd engine will run with the SC belt removed as a get home measure if the SC goes. But again, imo, it isn't the SC's life span that is in question, its the engine's bottom end.
There is another option available that offers almost Hemi performance and better fuel economy with an even better transmission, all at about the same cost. That option is the GM 5.3 and 6l80 swap. Reported mileage on the highway is in the mid to high teens and highway high teens to as much as 20 or 21. I'll dig up the name of the company that has overcome the computer issues. (They also offer a 6.2 conversion, but that is not the practical choice.)
As far as milage, I don't really care. But range is important to me, so I added an 18 gal auxilliary tank to my Hemi JKU. Highway range is well beyond 500 miles, which is further than my bladder, wife, children or dogs can go without a stop. Off road range is about 300 miles with a 20% reserve. (I average 9mpg off road in the Moab area, the only place I have been where I repeatedly spend a whole day off road.)
I built my Jeep for the use Rovertrader writes is his goal. And also hunting and fishing, for the capability and to keep the inevitable mess out of my DD. I went with 37's because my young son wanted the "BIG MEATS" and they actually offer no downside except ingress/egress and garage height. But a more practical choice would be 34's or 35's. For suspensions, either the AEV 3.5" suspension or the forthcoming 2.5" suspension would be perfect. The ride and handling are remarkable, better than stock. My Jeep rides better than my Suburban, my wife's just sold Range Rover Sport or her essentially stock JKU, handles better than all except the RR.
An added bonus of the AEV suspensions is their weight carrying ability. They can handle as much and more weight than you can pack into a JKU and a trailer too.
JPK
BTW, a RIPP SC'd engine will run with the SC belt removed as a get home measure if the SC goes. But again, imo, it isn't the SC's life span that is in question, its the engine's bottom end.
There is another option available that offers almost Hemi performance and better fuel economy with an even better transmission, all at about the same cost. That option is the GM 5.3 and 6l80 swap. Reported mileage on the highway is in the mid to high teens and highway high teens to as much as 20 or 21. I'll dig up the name of the company that has overcome the computer issues. (They also offer a 6.2 conversion, but that is not the practical choice.)
As far as milage, I don't really care. But range is important to me, so I added an 18 gal auxilliary tank to my Hemi JKU. Highway range is well beyond 500 miles, which is further than my bladder, wife, children or dogs can go without a stop. Off road range is about 300 miles with a 20% reserve. (I average 9mpg off road in the Moab area, the only place I have been where I repeatedly spend a whole day off road.)
I built my Jeep for the use Rovertrader writes is his goal. And also hunting and fishing, for the capability and to keep the inevitable mess out of my DD. I went with 37's because my young son wanted the "BIG MEATS" and they actually offer no downside except ingress/egress and garage height. But a more practical choice would be 34's or 35's. For suspensions, either the AEV 3.5" suspension or the forthcoming 2.5" suspension would be perfect. The ride and handling are remarkable, better than stock. My Jeep rides better than my Suburban, my wife's just sold Range Rover Sport or her essentially stock JKU, handles better than all except the RR.
An added bonus of the AEV suspensions is their weight carrying ability. They can handle as much and more weight than you can pack into a JKU and a trailer too.
JPK
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Here is a link to Motech, the company doing LS swaps. They use the aluminum 5.3. http://www.lswrangler.com/index.html
BTW, I recall the statement/challenge/question is posed of AEV when I first called about a Hemi swap. "I'm looking for something as easy, brainless and comfortable to drive on the highway as my Suburban that has the capability of my built Rubicon LJ or my wife's JKU Rubicon when I get there... Can you make that happen?" They did. A Hemi or I suspect the 5.3LS so completely changes the charecter of the JK that until you drive one you just cannot fathom the transformation. Remarkably, the new 2012's offer almost as much transformation when a pre 12 auto is the baseline.
JPK
BTW, I recall the statement/challenge/question is posed of AEV when I first called about a Hemi swap. "I'm looking for something as easy, brainless and comfortable to drive on the highway as my Suburban that has the capability of my built Rubicon LJ or my wife's JKU Rubicon when I get there... Can you make that happen?" They did. A Hemi or I suspect the 5.3LS so completely changes the charecter of the JK that until you drive one you just cannot fathom the transformation. Remarkably, the new 2012's offer almost as much transformation when a pre 12 auto is the baseline.
JPK
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Rovertrader
Supporting Sponsor
JPK- thanks a bunch, very accurate to my needs/expectations. I have a D-130 w/ the SBC mated to a ZF, and have done same w/ 4.3 in a 90- perfect end product!! I have inquired to my Jeep buddies re:SBC w/o results stating the computer and different manufacturer being the issues, which made sense. However, that combo is priceless IMHO. I too have a 'burb with the same 350, and just bought an O2 sensor for $17 at O'Riley, vs 4 at $250/ea for the Disco... (and SS headers for $200)
I have pretty much decided to do the 5.13s even with the D30 (HD44 hi-pinion coming) axle for now to make it livable, and then the decision to susp/tires. The 34s keep entry height manageable, but the 37s on the AEV 3.5 w/ tube fenders still gets me excited- especially with the 5.3 SBC.
However- the goal is to not get carried away yet again. If I do the 5.13s, keep the D-30 for now- until I cannot stand it any longer, do the 34s, and a leveling susp, all is good and economical. I hate to redo things though, and keep leaning toward the AEV 3.5 and keep the 34s for now. Then IF/WHEN I must go hog wild, go tube fenders, axle, and SBC. I have a set of 37s that came back off the PW w/<5k on them. No wasted $$ spent or redoing things- just change out the front axle and sell the D30 already setup.
As an aside, I intentionally opted out of the Rubi, knowing gears would change, and I wanted mechanical lockers, so getting Detroits with the gears. Also, if I go SBC/SC/Hemi I would change the T-case to Atlas as well.
This seems to make the most sense- if you can call it that- thoughts/opinions welcomed. And many thanks on the SBC help!!
PS: inquire submitted on the SBC ;-)
I have pretty much decided to do the 5.13s even with the D30 (HD44 hi-pinion coming) axle for now to make it livable, and then the decision to susp/tires. The 34s keep entry height manageable, but the 37s on the AEV 3.5 w/ tube fenders still gets me excited- especially with the 5.3 SBC.
However- the goal is to not get carried away yet again. If I do the 5.13s, keep the D-30 for now- until I cannot stand it any longer, do the 34s, and a leveling susp, all is good and economical. I hate to redo things though, and keep leaning toward the AEV 3.5 and keep the 34s for now. Then IF/WHEN I must go hog wild, go tube fenders, axle, and SBC. I have a set of 37s that came back off the PW w/<5k on them. No wasted $$ spent or redoing things- just change out the front axle and sell the D30 already setup.
As an aside, I intentionally opted out of the Rubi, knowing gears would change, and I wanted mechanical lockers, so getting Detroits with the gears. Also, if I go SBC/SC/Hemi I would change the T-case to Atlas as well.
This seems to make the most sense- if you can call it that- thoughts/opinions welcomed. And many thanks on the SBC help!!
PS: inquire submitted on the SBC ;-)
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Ryanc
SE Expedition Society
I wouldnt mess with any of the available superchargers out there, such as ripp, avenger, Hesco. Just seem like too much can go wrong, and if something goes wrong you are in trouble. Now if your Jeep never leaves the pavement, hell yeah, go for it. For now I would just regear it, makes a HUGE difference. Im running 5.13 with a 6 speed on 35s. I have to keep my speed down on the highway but when I am slow going, it is amazing, especially with the rubi transfer case. Other things to consider are weight reduction. Cut out some of the extra crap in/on the jeep, ounces turn into pounds. Keep your weight down.
reece146
Automotive Artist
I have an AEV suspension on my Jeep and I'm a huge fan of AEV. They deliver what they promise and more. Many rock crawlers don't get or appreciate the engineering that has gone into everything that AEV offers, but I sure do.
Actually, my Jeep has a ton of AEV stuff on it, and it all works as advertised or better.
Yes, the AEV springs on their 3.5" or 4.5" suspensions are progressive, front and rear. I don't know regarding the coming 2.5" suspension, expected to be released in December.
AEV offers a 2" BB, but it isn't anything special that others, like Tera Flex, don't offer.
JPK
If you want to get your Jeep up to spec to perform really well without either continuous upgrading or going overboard, I have to say that looking to AEV for thier gear is the route. And the LS.
You're concerns and mine when I decided to give AEV a call are remarkably similar. Based on what I'd read on various forums I figured I'd start with the AEV suspension and move on - but that was based on the comments of guys who do little more than rock crawl. I was tired of crappy riding but very capable Jeeps. So I gave AEV's suspensions a try. They are great. You do give up some articulation at the extremes and the front control arm relocation brackets could be rock magnets, but the trade off is well worth it in my book.
All of AEV's gear is really, really well thought out and extremely well made and finished. They offer a solution to just about every issue.
Some stuff coming out soon include a great roof rack, their 2.5" spring suspension. Some stuff available that isn't on their website, or wasn't last I looked, are their fuel water tank which fits behind their tire carrier (between Jeep and tire) their front drive shaft, which is required for lifted auto 2011's and earlier, and their Hi-Lift & Pull Pal mount. An Hour spent on their website and some time on Quadtratec, which shows some of the missing AEV stuff, would give you some great ideas.
BTW, 37's will fit with the AEV 3.5" suspension and stock fenders if you use the 4.5" bump stops. Founder Dave Harriton had a diesel two door with the 3.5 and 37's at EJS in Moab. Very nice combo. Reminiscent of the AEV highline TJ/LJ's.
JPK
jeepdreamer
Expedition Leader
RT... Why not swap it all for a diesel drivetrain? Then you could load one of those huge military fridges with whatever and never care! 
Rovertrader
Supporting Sponsor
would love to, but not ready to tackle all the hurdles- but wouldn't a diesel J8 be sweet!!
DividingCreek
Explorer
Dale,
Power Wagon sell ? This is the new path you are going down ? Bulding Suburban,a defender 130, and a defender 90, all @ the same time isn't enough ?
I'm just jelous my friend.
Power Wagon sell ? This is the new path you are going down ? Bulding Suburban,a defender 130, and a defender 90, all @ the same time isn't enough ?
I'm just jelous my friend.