Topic: Trail riding upgrade suggestions

[DodgeMudder]

x2, def the route I'd go! 

What is it w/ Jeepers wanting to put an anchor under the back of thier Jeeps?  Thats one of the mods I wish I wouldn't have wasted my money on.  It's a big, heavy axle that isn't worth it unless you are running 35's or bigger or your breaking shafts in your d35 every trip out because your in big rock.  Otherwise it's a big expence that most wheelers don't need.  Heck some of the guys I wheel w/ who run s-10's, Rangers, and BII's install d35s because there better than their stock axles, and don't add the mass of the 8.8.

Back on topic, from the sounds of the wheeling you do, I would go lunchbox locker in the rear, (possibly front too) and then start looking into a winch and other recovery gear, or armour (bumpers, rocker gaurds etc.)

[Bounty Hunter]

I wouldn't worry about swapping rear axles if your plans are to stay with 31" tires.

[bp93yj]

I run similar sounding terrain here in florida, lots of sand forest roads/ trails.   I run 35's with a d35 not modified in any way yet.  Already have a winch and its paid for itself more than once.  I have not had trouble with d35 yet, but I'm light on the skinny pedal.  I plan on upgrading at some point.  I originally ran 31 11.50 swamper LTB's and had no issues and that was in the mud.

[John OB]

I installed a Smittybilt 8,000 last night and just received my Aussie Locker this morning.  I plan on getting the Blue Flu tomorrow and doing the install with junior.  Total invest was less than $700. 

[neale_rs]

I think you did about the best thing possible with your budget.  Is the Aussie going in the front?

[John OB]

No I'm gonna put it in the rear...we get a few snow droppings every year and fron what I've researched a locked rear is better behaved than a locked front in FWD.  If future $ allows maybe I'd go with a selectable locker in the front.  That way I guess I could still run it in FWD but disconnect the locker.  We'll see...   I'm stoked about putting in the locker though!!

[neale_rs]

It should be a lot of fun to test!  Good luck with your build.

[Jeffy]

No I'm gonna put it in the rear...we get a few snow droppings every year and fron what I've researched a locked rear is better behaved than a locked front in FWD.  If future $ allows maybe I'd go with a selectable locker in the front.  That way I guess I could still run it in FWD but disconnect the locker.  We'll see...   I'm stoked about putting in the locker though!!

Once you get used to it, a rear locker should be very predictable.  Let it unlock and you'll get understeer, use the throttle so it stays locked and you'll get a a bit of oversteer.

I think you did well in your choices.