Topic: I'd like some advice on upgrades/parts/swaps...

[Sine Deviance]

Okay, so I'm still new to the world of YJ upgrades. I just had some general questions you guys might be able to help with :D

So far, I have these in mind:

*4.0L TB swap.
*Snorkel and SRI (I'll use the SRI for normal driving and swap it out with the snorkel when I hit the trails.)
*Electric fan conversion with switches/relays (I'm not crazy about mud and I want to get into riding rivers at Uwharrie cause it's cleaner, so this will be absolutely necessary. Plus the power gain will be welcome.)
*A complete performance exhaust system; I have no idea which one and I am fully open to suggestions. I'd like to increase power through all RPM ranges if that's possible.

And here is what I want to be able to do with my YJ:

*Light trail duty (mostly dirt, a little mud here and there.)
*Light rock crawling.
*Vert climbing. I'll mostly be using 4WD Lo.
*River rides.

So yeah, basically I want my Jeep to be balanced and capable all-around. It doesn't need to excel at any particular task.

As far as upgrades go, that's all I really know. I frequently hear talk of swapping out the stock axles for Dana 44's or Ford 8.8's, but I must ask, what is the advantage to doing this? Is it just axle length or are these axles stronger?

Also, I'm pretty sure I have the AX-15 tranny. If I was thinking of swapping for something stronger would my best bet be the NV3500?

Is the stock transfer case decent or should I think about swapping it too?

Clutches. I want to get something stronger than stock, but not so heavy it'll kill the engine when I drive on the highway (keep in mind I'll be upgrading the engine a little too.)

Drivelines. I hear the stock drivelines aren't too strong. Any recommendations here?

And finally, any general engine/suspension/drivetrain parts you guys recommend that I didn't mention here?

Thanks!

[jcsanders79]

Well, they are ongoing projects but.....
I'd go with gearing first, simple bolt on power upgrades like a E fan, injectorsm TB ect.,  lockers,  the snorkel is useless unless you like deep water, full exhausts can be costly and aren't the best $ spent for an upgrade.  For what you described as for goals, I think alot of that could be acheived from gears, lockers and a few power upgrades.

[Sine Deviance]

Okay :D Thanks. Any certain type of lockers you recommend?

[aw12345]

Detroit and arb are as sweet as they come for lockers.
Ford 8.8 in the rear upgraded 1 piece axle shafts in the front, lockers, gearing and some devent tires and you are ready to get in as much trouble as you want to get in. Might be a good idea to try to find the limit of your current setup and upgrade from there you find something that holds you back or breaks you change it for something that suits your needs better

[neale_rs]

OME 2.5 inch lift, 32 inch mud tires, Slip yoke eliminator and CV drive shaft, rear ford 8.8 or dana 44 and regear to 4.88 with a locker in the rear axle.  It will be balanced and very capable.

[DodgeMudder]

From the sounds of things you have a good idea what your Jeep does now and what you want from it.  I would start by making it a little taller, 33's would be good for what you describe.  I would do a 2" SUA lift w/ boomarange shackles, and a 1" body lift w/ mm lift, tha should let you be pretty reliable and vibe free w/o needing a cv shaft and sye.  I would then get a set of 33's. do the 4.ol tb and electric fan, add the snorkle if it makes you feel better, and think about regearing if you want more power.  4.88's would be good, and unless you plan to go bigger than 33's I would grab a spare set of shafts and skip the expence and loss of clearence that comes w/ bigger axles (8.8 or 44) and run the stock axles, add a locker if you want to get more extreme.  And make sure yo keep in mind getting things for extraction, winch, bumpers, ext.  Also if you want to keep it looking good look at some armor.

Thats my $0.02

[jfrabat]

Based on your intended use:

And here is what I want to be able to do with my YJ:

*Light trail duty (mostly dirt, a little mud here and there.)
*Light rock crawling.
*Vert climbing. I'll mostly be using 4WD Lo.
*River rides.

I would say that you need to run 33" (because of the light part) MT tires (because o the mud and rocks part), which most likely will require a 4" suspension lift (this one will require a SYE kit and most likely new brake lines and a dropped pitman arm) or a 2.5" suspension lift and some boddy triming (TJ flares come to mind) or a 1" BL.  If you do go up to 33" tires, and are planning to run lockers, the D35 (your rear axle) will most likely be the weak link, which is why the Ford 8.8 and D44 are being recommended.  The one piece shaft up front is recommended because the vacuum disconnect is prone to failing (any vacuum leak will cause the 4WD not to engage), but another option here is to go with a cable actuator.

The locers are another good choice.  If your rig is a daily driver, I'd go with selectable locker (ARB and Ox are the most popular).  Detroits and others are also good, but dont have the best road manners (although many run them and they just get used to them).

If you will run rivers, then the snorkel comes in handy, but keep in mind that just because you have a snorkel does not mean you have a submarine!  You still got to worry about ignition and electrical circuits getting wet and failing in the middle of the river, so take that into consideration.

As for mods, the one that you will feel the most (especially if going from stock to 33" tires) will be (like JCSanders said) regearing.  Then you can add the e-fan, mustang injectors, Performance Distributors ignition, cat back, and high-flow cat.

Some mods I would DEFENETELY ad to the list, though, are recovery points (either inthe form of new bumpers or the ones you attach to the frame) and a winch.  All the other mods will make you feel invinible and will invariably lead to you getting stock sooner or later.  These are the mods that will get you OUT of that...

Felipe

[Sine Deviance]

All awesome suggestions, thanks