I have a YJ now, 8.8 rear, D30 front both modified, locked, etc. SOA, 4.0, NP231, AX15.

I just picked up a TJ really cheap because it was damaged but all it needed was new fenders, hood, etc. D44, D30, 4.0.

I want to turn the YJ into a buggy and the TJ into a crawler that will be my DD.

Here are my thoughts and questions.

The YJ I will convert to coil overs front, buggy rear. Keep the 8.8 and swap in a D44 front. Running 37's. Keep the 4.0. Not sure now on what tranny or transfer case, what do you all suggest, this is on a budget of course and would like to keep it as cheap as possible while still having a killer rig.

The TJ I will keep the D44 rear and swap in a D44 front running 36 SX. Keep the 4.0. Keep the AX15? Keep the NP231 but swap in the Teralow or maybe go D300? Also what is the best suspension kit for this, I will be running a 1.25 body lift so what is a REALLY flexy yet good onroad kit that can clear 36's.

Thanks!

For the YJ:

Get a t-176 to 258 bellhousing and a ford 4 speed with granny low, and either a dana 20 or dana 300 behind that with an adapter. Plan to run bigger then 37's!!! I mean if this is a dedicated trail why keep the tires so small? also if you can afford coilovers for the front save and put them in the rear.

For the TJ: if its a street rig why 36's? they will wear fast and ride rough on the street. I would set it up for 35" MT/R's or 37" Baja Claws. I don't see why you would want to build it so aggresive when you have a built ass YJ. The only reason I could see to build the TJ for offroad is for trails that are milder and would be boring in the YJ, but if you have a TJ on 36's with a great suspension and dana 44s fron and rear it will be alot like the YJ on the trail. Also sense its not your hardcore rig don't worry about a 44 front

I think 37's are about around max to push with dual D44/8.8 which I have setup so want to stick with that.

I read a thread somewhere that well buggy rears are better than coilovers in Jeeps. Not true?

The TJ will be for hardcore stuff as well, when I want to go around locally or small trips I'll take the TJ but when I go to extreme trails I'll trailor the buggy.

MTR's are nice for the TJ, really thinking about them, but I do a lot of sand wheeling and mud and haven't read good things about them in that area.

I think RE is looking like the choice of suspension right now for the TJ.

I run rear buggies and coils are better but buggies are cheep and I don't have to run 4 link. If you are going for full rock rig then ya coils are nice. I also agree that 36's are bigger than I would go if I hade 2 rigs. The 35's are easyer to turn, easyer to get and cheaper but whatever.

Originally posted by attachcurrie
I think 37's are about around max to push with dual D44/8.8 which I have setup so want to stick with that.

the TJ.

37's max???? What are you talking about im running 38.5 TSL's on my wrangler with a 8.8 and d44 combo. Still havent broken a shaft. And it gets beat down. Im also running an automatic so that helps alot but still.... I figure if I start breaking shafts and joints its going to be time to upgrade the rear to a 35 spline and toss some CTM joints and warn shafts up front... Just my thoughts. you'd be suprised how strong that axle combo is...

you didn't say but do you have a tow rig? if not sell the tj and buy something that will tow your built yj to and from the trail. just my op.:D