One of my favorite builds on here. Seems regearing would be a great option, or perhaps finding donor axles with the 3.55 would be enough and cheaper alternative.

Having had selectable lockers in the past, I love that set up, but as you mention the price tag really adds up quick. This time out, I am going to try the spartan in the rear because I feel confident I can do the install myself and it has good reviews.

 

I never thought about doing an axle swap just for the lower gears. Thanks for the suggestion - I'll have to look into that. Although, my wife may not like having axles all over the place.

 

Got the sliders installed today. Took longer than I thought, but then again, I had to run to the hardware store to get another drill bit. This happened on hole 1 of 26:



I really like how the slider is attached to the body seam as well as the frame rail. I really noticed a significant strength difference during the install.



And here's the installed slider:



The only thing I wish I did differently was use a primer from a spray can as I didn't even think about brush strokes. I'll probably be the only one that notices them though.

Now I just need to get some posing shots...

 

Very nice build! I'm at 3" as well and am pretty content to stay in that ballpark. Keep up the good work!

 

Here's a couple of profile pictures with the new sliders on:





Took it to town today after the fresh snow and found an inconvenience with the new sliders: pant legs will most certainly get dirty when getting in and out of the vehicle. I didn't think about them sticking out the sides enough to make it more difficult to get in without getting dirty. Oh well. We'll live it and learn how to step over the mud they pick up. I still think the stage 3 slider from JCR looks good.

 

How are those BFG's in the snow? Love the build man! I really want to do flat flares to mine!

 

Thanks! No complaints from me on the BFGs. Done a lot of snow bashing and always get farther in fresh deep snow than some of my wheeling buddies. Chains definitely help too though one time with my TJ and KM2s I was chainless and went everywhere my buddy went with his chained up ATs.

 

looks good

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks! I haven't found a reason to go bigger yet either.

 

Back in November I noticed my front axle is not centered and is using the stock track bar. So, I ordered a Rock Krawler adjustable track bar just before Christmas and recently got notified it will be a couple more weeks before it ships. Apparently, they've got a backlog of orders.

In the meantime, I'll work on drawing up my plan for lighting for when I've got money for the purchases. I'm thinking two PIAA fogs on the front, two KC flood lights on the back of the rack for when I need to backup on a trail on those moonless nights, and then four lights on the front of the rack (maybe two PIAA driving and two PIAA fog/floods?). Any suggestions?

 

Got my Rock Krawler adjustable track bar. Probably going to install it next weekend. Any tips on how to ensure the axle is centered?

 

your pics in front of your house are awesome!! i would love to live out in the rockies just doing my own thing and not have people always around all the time. what professional do you do that allows you to live out there? if you dont mind me asking..

 

Thanks! My wife and I love living in the Rockies. I'm a full-time systems administrator (work from home) and a part-time nature photographer.

 

A good measuring tape ought to do it!