help on first 1:1, trail rig

[TLTCrawlin]

Very true. Ill do lockers and save for tires/rims, then a winch, cuz as little as I can do with stock tires, any rig could pull me out, my dad has a stock 1500 4x4 that pulled out a 03 f250 v10 in like 1' of goo, which isnt alot but both have worn out street tires!

[H3RESQ]

OH, the post said "trail rig". I didn't realize you meant "mud rig"

Do whatever then

[TLTCrawlin]

No I dont plan on just mud. Its just mud will be one of my main things. There isnt many real trails to do here, mud, sand, water is the main thing

[jetboat]

if your only going 31's save some money and go rusty's...and get the full spring pack not the add-a-leaf. Get any Cherokee, you wont be able to find one with a 44 in it, then either look for a 44 online (thats why you wont find one still in it) or upgrade to the 8.8, its actually stronger than the 44 and you can get disc brakes. Save your money on the locker until you get a 44 or 8.8 otherwise you will be spending all your cash replacing axle shafts. A winch isnt needed if you will be on light trails and always have at least a second vehicle (you should never wheel alone anyway) But I would highly recommend getting one before you do too much. And make sure you have recovery points, I have seen too many realy built rigs that have no way to pull them out and you have to wrap the strap around the axle. Check the floor boards when you go look at them...Jeeps have a nasty habit of rotting out. And the floor above the front spring perch in the back is another prone area.

[TLTCrawlin]

Is it easy to put lockers in? I know me, and my bro can do it, but dont know if I can do it myself.

[TLTCrawlin]

I might call on this, should I?
http://spokane.craigslist.org/car/350796600.html

[H3RESQ]

Keep looking.

[TLTCrawlin]

I heard sports are better from Gotrocks, cuz better motor/trans, and some have 44s in rear, if they have tow package!

[jetboat]

the only cherokee's that have ever came with a 44 are 87 and very few early 88's with the tow package. You might find ones that have had 44's swapped in. Stay away from the 86 and earlier and even some of the 87's as they had the v-6. Keep with the I-6, the 4's suck. Locker install all depends on which you go with, the lock-rite is pretty easy, especially with the axle out of the vehicle. Try to find a jeep with an np231, the np242's are weaker and prone to breaking. easiest way to determine it is the shift pattern... 4h 2 n 4l is the 231 4h full time 4h parttime 2 4l is the 242.

[Destroyer]

Or he could just crawl under it and see NP231 stamped on the ID plate on the back of the transfer case.

[Lextronix]

I am a bit biased but I thought I would throw in my 2 cents, and add another jeep alternative : )

90-95 Nissan Pathfinder

Pros:
-Stout rear axle (stronger than a D44 and slightly weaker than a Ford 9inch), no fears with a locker up to larger than 33s, can find with rear disc breaks
-Room for your gear
-Stock can fit 31s, 32s with trimming
-Fairly narrow track width, I can navigate most atv trails : )
-Near 50/50 weight distribution, makes a huge difference for trail trucks
-Cheaper than equivelent Yotas
-Swiss army knife ruggedness and reliability

Cons:
-IFS :(, but Calmini is working on a good SAS
-^Steering needs to upgraded for 32s and up
-^If u don't upgrade steering with big tires and IFS, you will eat tierods, but thats better that than Centerlinks I guess
-IFS is pretty much the only con, but none of the above listed are specific to the pathfinders, but more so with IFS in general

I agree with most of the Rigs already listed(Xj,Sami,Yotas), just thought I would add another viable option.


-Lex

[badtodabone]

I run 32's on a 3.5 inch lift no prblem. I just need to get a new trac bar. I alos have the factory dana 44 rear end

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by badtodabone

I just need to get a new trac bar.

And new tires.:-P How many miles do you have on them btw?

[Etype R]

33x12.5's with no lift... I did put add a leafs in the back to level out the saggy springs though. Rear fenders were cut 2 inches to remove rust, fronts were cut about a inch and a half. The 33's would clear without trimming

[badtodabone]

my tires? umm I dunno, I bought them for the wheels. i'm getting new ones in about a month

[TLTCrawlin]

1984-1989 Dana 35, non c-clip, ABS or non-ABS.
1990-1996 Dana 35, c-clip, ABS or non-ABS.
1991-1996 Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 27-spline axleshafts.
1987-1990 Dana 44, non-abs, 30-spline axleshafts.

Whats ABS and non-ABS mean? and what models?