Paulyester

Okay so first off, I have a 98, AW4, D35 w/3.55, 231 setup. Right now I'm bone stock. I got this jeep with the intention of the sky's the limit, I had about a $15K budget I was going to throw at it to build the toy I've always wanted, a DD, pseudo JeepSpeed, trail rig. I live in the desert region of Southwest Idaho and like the idaho of going fast over bumps, exploring the myriad of trails in the area and using it as sort of advertising for my business (home and auto insurance).

Well, long story short, in the matter of about 1 month, that $15K budget was blown up. Had to pay about $3500 in dental work for wife, daughter needs braces, and I just blew out my ACL (with no health insurance). So now I'm down to about $3-5K to throw at it.

Long arm plan will probably have to wait for now, I was planning on going with a 3" short arm lift for now and then upgrade later. My sticking point right now is what should I do with the rear axle. I can pick up a 8.25 around here pretty cheap, probably $100-$250. I know of one at a pick and pull that would bolt right up. I plan on going with 4.10's with an electric locker in the near future, I'll never go bigger than 33's, in fact I'll probably stick with lt265/75r16's which will put me just under 32". Due to the fact that it will be a daily driver, I plan on converting to disc brakes as well.

Now comes the dilemma, I've found a complete JK D44, complete with locker, 4.10, and disc brakes for $1250. Should I get that axle and have everything I need already, or go the cheaper route and get a 8.25? My thinking is by the time I get lockers, gears, and discs, I'm well over $1500 into the 8.25, am I right? I know there will be some conversion with the D44 for leafs, but I have a welder and I think I should be able to do that work myself.

opinions please

BTW, I can also get the front D44 from that rig as well for the roughly the same price. I figured I would just stay with the HP30 though.

Atmos

weld on bracket kit runs $120 average
disk brake conversion runs like $600 for brand new quality parts
and your original budget of 15k was wayy too high IMO. $5000 will get you a GREAT rig.
I'd shoot for at least 33's. if you're stick shift that will work amazing with 33's and 4.10's

just keep in mind that the ford 8.8 came stock with 4.10's and a limited slip from the factory that will work great for your situation as well

I cant give any advice on the D44 all I know is they're expensive and I've seen them sold for more expensive than $1250
if you want 4.10's I vote 8.8 all the way. regear and some sort of locker will be the most expensive part. good luck sounds like you've got a good game plan