I'm going with the same setup personally as well. Here's my personal reasoning. It's a balancing of priorities and abilities. With a dedicated crawler of course you want to be locked at both ends vs a "weekend trips to the mall" type rig open-open should be just fine. A jack of all trades/expedition/DD build tries to find some balance or middle ground. A selectable up front seems like a no brainer - gives you the traction when you need it and the road mannerisms when you don't as well as saves your tires. Yeah, a LSD in the rear won't help you crawl straight up walls like a spider, but in a rig like this that isn't the main goal. A LSD will help you get going and keep you going in snow etc. Sure it can be done with an open diff as well, but if choosing between the two I'm taking the LSD.

 

IIRC the TJ Rubi rear was that way, but it had it's issues

Thanks! They will ship out this morning!

 

saw those steelies on a jk earlier today, those might be 5x5

 

That would be the best of both worlds....LSD and Locker on demand when needed for the rear...


But I have a 8.25 do they make one?

 

And you are correct just measured them.. So much for taking someone's word

 

Ok parts wanted or list I'm thinking of...


Optima battery
Upgraded headlight harness, upgraded battery cables
Trucklites
Mean green alternator
Possible dual battery
Winch
Swing out tire carrier
Frame stiffeners
Rocker panel guards
CB / antenna
Transfer case linkage replacement
Axle tubes
Truss
Inner axle sleeves
Axle seals
Arb front and rear
Diff guards
clock transfer
Flat belly
6 planetary gear, chain and slip yoke conversion
Terra 4:1
Flex a lite radiator and triple fans
Hesco hiflo thermostat
Headed
Walker silent hi flow exhaust
Hi flow cat
Metal cloak / OME lift
Rear disc conversion
Rocker guards
Tank skid
Belly skid
Roof rack
Front nod rear aux lights
Swing out tire carrier
Chromoly axles
62 mm throttle body
Screamin demon coil, wires, rotor

 

Any particular reason for the headlight harness upgrade AND Trucklites?

Sounds like we have somewhat similar build plans. Can't wait to see where it goes.

 

Yes and yes...

The headlight harness upgrade is one of the best upgrades you can do to maximize the stock lighting on an xj and Yj.. The factory setup doesn't allow the proper wattage to the lights. Everyjeep I have done and all my buddies and all,articles will tell you how much of a difference it makes. You can get the kit from $20 to $100 if you buy arb.

Trucklites are nice....but expensive, I would go a good housing with an h4 conversion first. If that isn't enough light then consider the cost of the trucklites. but the harness upgrade, headlight housings and good set of h4 bulbs will be fine, add some driving lights if you need more.

 

Agreed, I actually used to have the harness upgrade on some of my previous XJs. I have trucklites on my current build and just don't see a reason for both. The trucklites are my favorite upgrade so far honestly. Definitely worth the price tag imo

 

Why a mean green and not a Durango/Dakota for 1/4 of the cost? And why all the high flow cooling stuff? It's been my experience that stuff like that is not needed, and money better spent elsewhere. I've never been a fan of tube sleeves either, I think if you're going to truss it's more than adequate. I bent my 30 from jumping, had it had sleeves I would have not been able to drive it 8hrs home. Now it's trussed, no sleeves again, as it can still bend. Not ragging on your list at all, I have half of that stuff, just want to know your reasoning that's all.

 

I also agree with locker setup. All reasons mentioned are why I did selectable front and LSD rear. Some on here bash a LSD saying it's not a real locker. Well it's not a trail rig, You can still lock it up somewhat on command if you know what you're doing, and really it comes down to driver in 99% of the obstacles/trails.

 

They do not - just like there's no Eaton E-locker for the C8.25.

Auburn ECTED Max Supported Axles

 

It wasn't familiar with the Dakota option, what's the output?

Cooling for me is important because it will see slow speed 110 plus degree temperatures with the AC running exploring out in the desert. I spend most of my time exploring Death Valley & the Mojave. Not to discount getting stuck on the blacktop in stopped highway traffic where you can really dry an egg on the ground in a mid Las Vegas August day

 

Looks like my best option is dual arb

 

Or OX if you want a simpler installation and nothing to leak internally! I'm considering an electric OX for my rear.