noob here

[Jkfisher84]

Hey everyone, really lovin the forum here! Trying to get into this whole expedition thing! Just looking for advice for now, was wondering a few things! I have a 2010 jku with 3.73s, ive been looking at lifts(2-2.5"range) and cant decide! I also cant decide 33s or 35s. Ive been researching and researching and the most advice I got back was go 33s. I do want my jeep to more expedition capable but still be able to tackle trails. So basically Im asking HELP me build my jku. thanks in advance. :friday:

 

[Free Beer]

35's with 3.73's might suck depending on the type of driving you do.
You won't need a lift to clear 35" tires. I'm running 37's with no lift.
If you need a lift for ground clearance, a 2" budget boost is cheap and easy to install (all you need is the spring spacers). Find a good set of shocks or some Rubi take-offs. Drop your rear brake lines down an inch or two.
Relocate you evap canister:
http://www.jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1171
Find a set of take-off Rubi rock-rails.
I would recommend saving your money on an expensive lift and put it towards lockers.

 

[Jkfisher84]

Slow and steady driving. I already got the rubi rails and for cheap! Was actually going to get an evap skid. Been looking at all the lifts but never thought to start with lockers. Would that be lockers and gears or just lockers. I read just the rear locker is the way to go. I'm running 32kms right now and it drives really good. Have a superchips programmer arriving soon also. Are you running 37s on the stock axle?

 

[Free Beer]

I would say go for the 35's.
You can get a set of lunchbox lockers pretty cheap, if you can handle a little clicking around corners and an occasional pop. I have Spartan's front and rear but Aussie or Lockrite are similar. You should be able to install them yourself.
Yes, stock axles.

 

[dstock]

33" with 3.73's with an automatic in my opinion is the limit, this is what I am currently running and I may still re-gear. You can do a lot with 33's and if it's your daily driver, gas mileage won't suffer as much as with 35's. Currently I am running a Teraflex leveling kit and I still get a little bit of fender rub up front off road with 33's when the front sway bar is disconnected. I do also have an ARB front bumper and a winch so it's possible it wouldn't be an issue without. Personally I don't see how Free Beer is running 37's off road with no lift but maybe 2 door is different or he has flat fenders. I can tell that the stock springs are really too soft to be loaded down. I am going to go with the new AEV 2.5" progressive spring lift which is due to be released any day now for just under $900. http://forum.aev-conversions.com/showthread.php?t=3597

Everything else Free Beer suggested is a good idea as well, I would figure out your tire size before you go with lockers as if you do decide to re-gear you will save yourself a pile of money doing gears and lockers at the same time.

 

[Jkfisher84]

I've been researching for some time now on that AEV kit and can not find any info on it! When is it coming out? Thanks dudes for all the info really helps to hear it from others who don't beat up the rigs on the rocks. I feel 33s should be the way to go since I do alot of exploring and fossil trips. I know also ill love 35s but I'm not going to enjoy the headache to come with them. I've been just doing little mods right now like windshield lights, hitch, got some interior molle racks, etc. But really want to upgrade the tires and suspension

 

[jeep-N-montero]

FWIW, I just upgraded from 33's to 35's yesterday and love it. Granted I have a v8 and 4.56 gears, the 35's ride smoother and mpg actually got better.

 

[Free Beer]

33" with 3.73's with an automatic in my opinion is the limit, this is what I am currently running and I may still re-gear. You can do a lot with 33's and if it's your daily driver, gas mileage won't suffer as much as with 35's. Currently I am running a Teraflex leveling kit and I still get a little bit of fender rub up front off road with 33's when the front sway bar is disconnected. I do also have an ARB front bumper and a winch so it's possible it wouldn't be an issue without. Personally I don't see how Free Beer is running 37's off road with no lift but maybe 2 door is different or he has flat fenders. I can tell that the stock springs are really too soft to be loaded down. I am going to go with the new AEV 2.5" progressive spring lift which is due to be released any day now for just under $900. http://forum.aev-conversions.com/showthread.php?t=3597

Everything else Free Beer suggested is a good idea as well, I would figure out your tire size before you go with lockers as if you do decide to re-gear you will save yourself a pile of money doing gears and lockers at the same time.

Yes, cut fenders.
OP, I beat up my rig on rocks, adventure, and commute 60 miles a day:sombrero:

 

[dstock]

I've been researching for some time now on that AEV kit and can not find any info on it! When is it coming out? Thanks dudes for all the info really helps to hear it from others who don't beat up the rigs on the rocks. I feel 33s should be the way to go since I do alot of exploring and fossil trips. I know also ill love 35s but I'm not going to enjoy the headache to come with them. I've been just doing little mods right now like windshield lights, hitch, got some interior molle racks, etc. But really want to upgrade the tires and suspension

AEV forum has a few threads on it, it's very very close to release...

 

[dstock]

FWIW, I just upgraded from 33's to 35's yesterday and love it. Granted I have a v8 and 4.56 gears, the 35's ride smoother and mpg actually got better.

On a different vehicle, with a V8 and different gearing, glad it works for you but doesn't really apply here.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

On a different vehicle, with a V8 and different gearing, glad it works for you but doesn't really apply here.

As indicated by "FWIW".

 

[dstock]

As indicated by "FWIW".

In this thread it's worth is nothing, since the OP is a self-stated "noob" why confuse him?

 

[Septu]

OP, do you have an auto or a 6spd? I'd do 35s with 3.73 without a second thought if you have a 6spd. With an auto it could still be done, but you'd be wanting to save up for gears asap. If you're doing gears, save and do a locker at the same time... the price difference isn't much seeing how they're going in there anyway.

 

[Jkfisher84]

I have an auto and I was thinking just save up for gears, gussets, and sleeves for the stock d30. I've read for most guys it works and others it doesn't. I do alot of fossil trips and travel up north from alot so maybe ill stick to 33s for now and get some armor for the underside.

 

[Septu]

After having 33s on my JKU for two years (6spd with 3.21s) it only took me a few months after I used the Superchips tuner to wish I'd grabbed 35s. The DD portion can blow at times, but in 4lo off road you never notice it. Many many people run 35s without beefing up the stock axle. At some point I'll beef mine up, but until I'm considering 37s, it's very far down my list. Unless you're beating the crap out of the JK, it shouldn't be a major problem. I'd be doing gears and 35s before 33s and a stronger/re-enforced axle, or 33s and armor.

My thoughts on 33s... on a JKU they still look a bit small and out of proportion. 35s-37s seem to fill things out and just look right due to length, etc.

But regardless of what you decide... get some shots and enjoy the JK!