The “winter project” continues. Most of our free time has been spent exploring the US in the Gladiator and LJ, I traded the TJ project for a Gladiator soft top and a few other odds-and- ends.
We took the LJ to the Badlands Offroad park in Attica, Indiana in October and I just had to try that last obstacle. I shredded the ring and pinion and spider gears in the factory 44. I initially thought that I would just rebuild the factory 44, but after peer pressure from my buddies and a few calls to Currie I ordered a set of 44/60 JK Hybrid axles.
I decided to go big or go home and now would be the perfect time to make the jump to 37s, install hydro assist, replace a few seals and gaskets, ditch the factory tank, and do a tummy tuck.
The plan:
Armor: UCF Aluminum deep cover skid system paired with a Genright 19.5 gallon tank, 1” BL, and 1”MML, Genright aluminum corners, MetalCloak rear bumper with frame tie ins
Suspension: MetalCloak 3.5” lift, but elected to run Currie Trackbars, front and rear antirock sway bars, Currie 1” MML, Rokman 1” body lift
Steering: Currie JK to TJ steering, PSC Hydro
Drivetrain: Currie JK/TJ Hybrid 60/44 axles, JK parking brake assemblies, JK brakes, 5.13 gears, Eaton E-Lockers, Tom Woods Super Duty SYE, Tom Woods Front/Rear Driveshafts 1310/1350, new cats
Misc: Relocate EVAP system to accommodate 37s, rear main seal, replace harmonic balancer, timing cover seal, new speedo gear, lower inner shift boot, etc
Electrical: SPOD or Auxbeam switch panel for lockers, future on board air, and aux lighting
Recovery: Badland 12000lb winch (40% off HF special)
As parts started to arrive it was time to start the teardown process.
