I'd go with adjustable control arms, adjustable trackbar, and add skid plates to that list if he isn't already armored.

The D35 will hold up OK with 31's, but if he wants to wheel 32's/33's, then he may want to take some of that 3k and invest into a more stout axle like a 29-spline 8.25, 8.8, or XJD44 if he can find one for a good deal.

 

Ya so we're thinking RC 4.5", brake lines, SYE, series 98 15x8 wheels, 31x11.5 unsure about brand maybe MTRs! Then if he still has some dough left the backbone & xrc8!!!

 

hey sounds like a good set up to me!!

 

I would also definitely consider these: http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xtr...trol-arms.html

I did quite alot to my rig w/the $1200 I had to spend. You can build a badazz rig w/$3k. Just shop around!

 

Quoted for emphasis. 3k is definately a decent budget to use to build a killer rig from scratch.

 

yeah i could definitely do some damage with $3000! haha

 

I know I wish I had 3k in student loans to drop on my xj! Lol 4wheelparts.com is having a pro comp tire sell "buy3 get 1 free, so what do u guys know about the pro comp XTERRAIN tires in a 31x10.5???

 

What about lockers? I vote for an aussie in the front!

 

pro comp has good tires

 

You know what will really save your buddy some coin that he can put towards something else is to find a used set of wheel and tires on CL. They are only going to get beat up once he hits the trail, so why pay more for new and shiney? I paid $130 for my wheels and tires, and it helped met get my bumpers and armor!

 

So Nate AKA "DonkeyPunch'01" new member to CF put in an order yesterday for the RC 4.5" lift, pro comp wheels, & 31x10.5 pro comp xterrains!!!
If any 1 has any more advice then chime in! Thanks again!!!

 

So here's where we are at RC4.5"(full leaf) + 2"pucks/revolver shackles! is all mounted up, BUT... The shocks won't mount up cause of the extra lift so he's getting those exchanged as well as ordering 22" brake lines. The only real problem we have now is 1 of the 4 cross member bolts is reversed so insted of having the nut welded inside the "frame" its the bolthead welded! I'm sure someone has came across this problem, so how I'd u fix it???

 

I did the same thing pretty much.

I bought a 2000 off of Craigslist and then bought the
"Rough Contry 3 Inch Lift"and some nice tires off of Craigslist (Test before you buy!)
In all it averaged out to be around 3200 dollars.

 

Oh I didn't mention that he is now sitting 8"s above stock! But it should settle down to about 6.5"-7"!!! I'm hella jelous