From JK rock crawler to JK overlander - new to the portal!

[X-Defector]

So I recently traded my '09 2-dr Rubi for a '12 JKU Sport. The '09 was a crawler...it was an intermediate level build, 3.5-ish inches of lift and 35s, but was near unstoppable. This time around I'm taking a different approach.

The '12 I'd like to keep a bit more modest. Thus far, it has a 2.5 inch spacer lift - I went this route because I plan on keeping it light weight and thus don't need higher capacity springs. We'll see how the stockers do before I run off and replace them. Shortly thereafter came KM2s in 255/85/R16, the perfect size all-around tires. JKS disconnects and diff guards followed. LOD sliders are paid for and on their way....at some point.

I think the only things left is lockable storage - something like the Tuffy security deck, some LCA skids, and a single aluminum underbody skid to protect the oil pan, exhaust bugle, and auto trans line. That should about cover it.

I would like some thoughts on a couple things though....first is a winch. I have a Superwinch epi 9.0 with Viking line sitting in the garage, but don't know if I want to mount it. I'd like to avoid the weight penalty. I do have a 25 lb (!) Woods front bumper as well, so I'm on the fence. Also, with the 225s, do I need to worry about reinforcing the axle Cs or tubes, or should I be good as is? Ditto on the track bar axle mounts.....wondering if I should beef them up.

I'm looking forward to getting to use this Jeep as intended this summer, and being a member if this community. And thanks for any thoughts!

 

[Scott Brady]

Welcome to the forum. Post some pictures of the Jeep!

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Welcome. Pics pics pics please

 

[HARDTRAILZ]

I would reinforce the front axle if using offroad at all. Seems they are weak with any size tire.

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Agree 110% Strengthening the axle is very important.

 

[JPK]

Did you reinforce your '09 JK Rubicon axle tube or c's? The Sport D30 and the Rubicon D44 share tubes and c's.

I run 37's on a Rubicon D44 and have had no issues. Some rock crawling, but I'm careful in the rocks.

BTW, according to Dave Harriton, AEV co-founder, the c's are not an issue, and the tubes are not much of an issue unless you jump your Jeep or run really fast off road and bottom out the suspension hard.

With all of the internet talk about how weak the axle tubes and c's are supposed to be I had expected that by now I'd have switched out to a Dynatrac Pro Rock, but at 43k miles of truly mixed use there have been no issues.

For "overlanding" and more than weekend camping I believe you will find the oem springs to be inadequate insofar as their ability to handle weight. There are lots of options for ~2.5" of lift, but the one geared to the purpose is AEV's.

Yes on the winch. A lot more important when you are alone in the boonies than when rock crawling.

Here's a link to a storage platform for the rear of the JKU's you might find interesting.http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f96/jk-rear-seat-storage-question-1336378/ I have a Best Top Converta Trunk or something like that. Its ok and offers limited security. I am about to take that out and build a taller lockable platform to accomodate a fridge underneath. There are some great storage threads on this Jeeps forum but also in the Expo forum under other labels. Just taking a look will get the ideas flowing.

I have a full set of River Raider Aluminum skids. You would need two pieces to get the coverage you are looking for, but they're good skids and have held the entire weight of my heavy JKU without issues.

JPK

 

[Bubblegoose1]

I bent my first axle tube on a fire service road, with 35s by catching the edge of a runoff ditch; I couldn't see through brush. Pushed the passenger side tube back 3 inches at no more than 15 mph. Rig was grounded.

Try this alone in the booneys. Even more reason to beef now. It's $150 +/- for christ's sake.

Just sleeve the tubes, just in case AEV's offroad world doesn't stay perfect.

 

[JPK]

This is what it took to bend the tubes when Dave Harriton was jumping a JKU for a photogrpher:

 

[Bubblegoose1]

Or any mishap on any trail

Guess you just don't get it

 

[Bubblegoose1]

OP, I apologize for muddying up your thread.

Would like to see your rig still

 

[Free Beer]

Or any mishap on any trail

Guess you just don't get it

Yeah, if you drive off-road a lot, there is a good chance you will hit something hard. Beef that thing up for those unexpected hits.

 

[JPK]

You have heard from the peanut gallery, which would include me too. Here is the assessment of the JK axles from a guy who specializes in JK's, Dave Harriton (You can read these quotes yourself on AEV's forum

Answering the questions, "How easy is it to bend the axles?" and "What are the difference in D30 c's and tubes vs. D44 c's and tubes?"
Its easy to bend if you:
a) jump it (even in sand), ask me how I know...
b) fly down a fire road and hit a bit of a wash and put the car hard into the bumpstops, ask me how I know...

Basically if you put it hard into the bumpstops, such that the isolators disappear and you make full metal to metal contact, chances are good you'll put a bit of bend in it. Nothing that would happen during normal rockcrawling or normal use, basically you need to be moving fairly fast. The most likely culprit is an unseen washout since most people aren't jumping JKs.

No difference in the tubes or C's.

dh


Commenting on the photo which I posted earlier and which Dave had posted on what it took to bend the tubs:

That actually resulted in a bent front housing and rear bent axle shafts...classic photographer wanting a little air where I kept hitting it and hitting it and it wasn't really doing what we wanted...a little frustration, a 6.1 and voila, bent axles

To be fair though, we have bent another front housing just doing fast dirt roads with some big hits during testing (probably way faster than most anybody would drive on of these vehicles if their name was on the title)

dh

Answering a similar question in a different thread:

The front JK axles will bend if you jump them...I found this out the hard way

If you don't jump them, they seem to be fine. The best way to fix it is an axle truss (which we have in development), the Military J8 front axle has thicker tubes and there are a couple of companies that make sleeves to try to get a little more strength out of them, but that approach will never be as strong as a truss.

They're has been a lot of talk regarding the front C's bending, but we haven't seen that or had any evidence of that, but have several bent front axles here with bent tubes so we have proof of that

dh
[btw, AEV dropped the truss development. For those who want a stronger front or rear axle AEV recommends Dynatracs, and will install them]


Commenting on the difference between TJ/LJ front axles and JK front axles:
Nope, they're the same thickness, just wider.

The Military J8 Front axles are thicker tubes.

dh


Can a JK axles bend or brake? Sure, you can bend or break anything. But the axles are tougher than reading on the internet would lead you to believe. Don't take my word for it, take Dave Harriton, who sells and installs Dynatrac upgrades and who has a s--t load of JK experience. If hard core rock crawling or flying down sand washes is your thing should you build an axle? Maybe a D44, but imo building a D30 is a poor second choice to replacing it with a D44 and building that if you think the oem tubes aren't up to the use you will put your Jeep to. The D44 gears are a heck of a lot stronger.

 

[X-Defector]

Thanks for the feedback from everyone! Yes, pics are coming eventually....if the weather ever shapes up enough for me to wash the beast and get some pics taken!

Feedback seems mixed on the axle reinforcement. On one hand I'll be using a narrow 33.3" tire that is comparatively light on stock wheel backspacing, and not bombing down roads or jumping so I may be fine. On the other hand, a $200 Backbone kit from Purejeep is a pretty cheap endeavor and a great excuse for me to bust out the welder and burn in some wire. Either way for my use I'm certain the D30 will be more than sufficient.

Sounds like I may find the limits of the stock springs pretty easily. I'm not surprised in that regard!

Sounds like the sliders and a front skid (I'm thinking Asfir) should be protection a-plenty for the time being. Winch may go on as well. Ironically the only time I used my winch on the Rubi was to pull out others - go figure!

And to answer some questions, for the '09 Rubi I has a custom 3/8" full truss and C reinforcements as well.

 

[Timgco]

If you are goin to add winch, bumpers, etc, you;ll find the stock springs sag. for a 2.5" left AEV jsut released their new kit. It looks great with teh stock Rubicon tires/wheels and does not sit really tall. These springs are set up just like their 3.5/4.5 lifts, so they will support the weight of all your gear, bumpers, etc.