Expedition Full Upgrade JK

[PSYCHOPATHiO]

I & a couple of guys are planing to go on an expedition driving our Jeeps from north Africa to South & back. This will be in about 3 years from now.

The question is I have a wrangler JK 09, would I best upgrade it or leave it as is? & If I need to upgrade, what heavy duty lift kit is recommended with drive shaft & axles?

I have lots of planing & work to do for such an expedition so I need help :ylsmoke:

 

[X-plorenow]

What do you plan to do? How much "offroad driving" (yes I know that most of the roads in Africa are barely roads). How much do you plan to camp out of the truck? How long are you going for? The new JK's are very capable from the factory, the rest just depends on what you are looking to do.

 

[PSYCHOPATHiO]

Our plan is to cross the continent north to south & back so it more than 15,000 miles & it would definitely take more than 6 weeks.

Most of the time will be spent on camping as I doubt we'll find places to stay till we reach South Africa.

The Wrangler is very durable but I'm untrusty of the new JKs unlike their old family members they are weaker specially with the 500 /kilos of added weight & only 30 BHP added to the engine.

I will definitely install the snorkel, a performance exhaust system, & a bumper for the winch. but not sure if I'd need lifts.

 

[Yosh_Lopez]

If you plan on hauling a heavy amount of weight, I would recommend a lift to accommodate it such as the OME HD or the AEV kit.

 

[PSYCHOPATHiO]

There would be heavy loads. I've done some research & found the Rugged Ridge RV 2.5”-3.5” Coil Spring Lift - With shocks as a good option but I'm not an expert on lifts or expedition requirements.


With lifts I would also need a new heavy duty axles. probably 44 rear & front & new durable axles.

 

[406to417]

Be sure and check out AEVs website and be sure to post photos once your trip is done!

 

[Bigjerm]

How much weight are we talking? How far apart are your refuel points? The further apart the more you will need for food, water, and gas storage. You may not need a D44 front as long as you are staying with a smaller tire (like 32"). The D30 on the JK, while not bullet proof, isn't a little toothpick either and since it is in the front and is not the main drive axle it gets a lot less stress. I did many, many trips with my JK that had a D30 front and heavy ProComp Xterrain 35" tires. I did not have a locker or upgraded axle shafts.

I would have a lift so after load you can at least maintain regular ride height. I hear a lot of good things about OME and AEV from people who trying to achieve the same thing as you (not a huge lift, but 1 to use with heavy loads). No offense to Rugged Ridge, but if I am planning to travel 15,000 miles through some remote back country I am going to buy something better than the bargain brand lift kit.

Without knowing the type of terrain it is hard to comment on things like needing new axle shafts and drive shafts but it would never hurt to have spares! Winch is obvious along with an anchor that can be used in the sand and some of the tire tracks to get traction as well.

 

[haven]

If you're starting in North Africa, try to get the Jeep factory in Egypt to sponsor you and provide Jeep Wrangler J8 models for the trek. The J8 has a stronger suspension and reinforced frame, suitable for months of pounding over unimproved roads. The J8 has about 1200 lbs more cargo capacitythan a conventional Wrangler, too.

The J8 is aimed at military and government buyers, but they were thinking about selling to private parties, too.

 

[PSYCHOPATHiO]

OK, I see rugged ridge is not as good as I thought. AEV's website has some packages but do not include suspension, I will further research that.

I was thinking of getting a 4" lift & that would strain the axles as I've heard from friends.

on older jeep model once you install slightly wider tires the axles will break fast also the transmission. that's why I'm quit worried about having a different set of tires & suspensions.

@haven I would love to have the J8 milspec but it is expensive & I would rather do some changes with the one I already have.

One of my problem is I have a slight disability & can't drive using my legs, so I have some special gear for driving by hand :sombrero: lol

 

[406to417]

AEV does do complete conversions but almost everything can be bought separate. As of my knowledge AEV and OME are they only companies that make suspension for what you are wanting to do.

 

[Capt Eddie]

I guess someone did not think that the advantages of a Rubicon model was not worthy enough to stay in print. Where you are going I would think that the lower gears and locking Diffs would be something to look into. And do not forget a winch. I am often amazed at the cross country adventures that people take. Without a winch to self extricate. Relying on locals to help them out of their stuck situation. And a anchor .

 

[PSYCHOPATHiO]

@Capt Eddie, I'm from & live in Saudi Arabia, the Wrangler Rubicon model is not sold here & I managed to get a Sahara.

I have to work with what I've got, & as the guys advised me I looked into AEV & found most of the things I need for a rugged 4" lift with most of the gear (AEV Heat Reduction Hood -Snorkel-bumpers-& more).

I was also looking for a dana 60 Teraflex rear 1900$ & Mopar 44 front 3000$. I found them on quadratec.com but everything has a price. I couldn't find a Mopar alternative as their products are pricy. I don't know if I should make the front a dana 60 as its cheaper & better.

I definitely need a winch & I'm getting one for sure lol