first project rig, need a few pointers

[82_CJ_7]

I am finally going to start my first project rig, and i need some help with where to find some parts i need.

first, where can i get a full width kit for my CJ that doesn't do an shackle reversal? I bought a frame with the BTF kit, and i was considering cutting off the hangars in the front and changing them around, but i am not so sure how well it will work after looking at how the front hanger is welded to the bumper. Is there any place that just sells outboard mounts? I am not having any luck finding them.

Second, should I use a good running T999 i have already, or would it be worth it to get a T18 with the granny low? i DO plan on crawling this rig, and i know the low gears and manual would help for technical portions, but is the additional cost worth it for a lower budget rig?

Third, I am planning on running 39.5 or 42 inch tires, and i am not for sure if it would be wise to go ahead and get a D60 or if i should get a cheaper D44 and beef it up. I am planning on running a 60 in the rear. I have heard from some people a front D44 will be fine and from others that a 60 is a much better way to go.

lastly, i need some recommendations on where to get driveshafts. a lot of people swear by tom woods, but they seem pricy compared to other places, and i am not quite sure what the big difference is. Any suggestions?

thanks for helping me out, hopefully i will be able to start it by the end of the month when i get my frame from a donor rig :D

[jam0o0]

d60. only logical choice unless you're afraid of the skinny petal. 37's break D44's.

i got my shafts from High Angle. great service, nice guy, answered all my questions. more expensive than the local places but they are beefier than most i've seen in the yoke area. and have better angle capacity.

[mudskipper4x4]

If you crawl in on 42 and a d44 you will break it for sure.

Look at ruffstuff for outriggers to outboard your springs and a bunch of other parts for you build.

I built my own drive shafts but got yokes from HAD, great people.

As for the tranny, that depends on you. What axle gears do you plan to use?

[82_CJ_7]

Right now I am planning on mid 5's, havnt settled on exactly what yet.

And im pretty sure ive settled on the 39.50 iroks for rubber.

[peewee]

And im pretty sure ive settled on the 39.50 iroks for rubber.[/QUOTE]

Dana 60's for sure, make sure to use a low pinion 60 in the back & 35 spline front & rear. I have broken a few ring & pinions with a high pinion in the rear. The stock 35 spline axles will be fine if you hp is below 300hp.. any bigger and you will need axles.

Your gearing will need to be changed. This will depend on if you drive it on the street or not.. Whether you keep the stock transfer case or go lower, tire size, transmission with OD or not.. etc....

High Angle Driveline the only place to go.. He is a vendor here on Pirate. He gives away stuff all the time here. By the way he has a give away going on now, make sure to join. He will answer all your question via email or pm's.. Ive been running his shafts since 2003, not one problem. They are expensive as well, but he knows 4x4, and is on this site all the time creating new products, and listening to his customers issues.

I dont know anything about the transmissions you are asking about, but I would go with an Automatic over a manual trans.. Anyday of the week.. Makes everything easier from rockcrawling to mudpits. Want a High pucker factor go with Manual, otherwise Auto (no disrespect to manual guys). If you drive it on the street get a trans with OD, and then gear your transfer case and axles accordingly.

[82_CJ_7]

the only street driving i will do will be a max speed of 40 MPH, so i dont think i need to worry too much (could be wrong, just what i personally think) just to get to the pit at the end of the road i live on. other than that, it will be trailered.

thanks for the input, i went ahead and talked to a guy today on CL that has a front and rear D60 complete. Hope to be wheeling soon :)