05 RME Slow Build

So as I said, this will be a slow process as my budget is limited. I have tried to do as much reasearch as possible before making this build thread. Here is what has been done so far:

-Unknown 2-3" lift (installed already upon purchase)
-15x8 MT Sidebitters (installed already upon purchase)
-33x12.50 Goodyear Duratracs (upgraded from 33x10.5 BFG A/T)
-ZJ Steering Upgrade
-Removed Spare Tire Carrier (started to damage tailgate hinges w/33)
-iPod Connectivity...gotta have tunes!

And the remaining build plan thus far:

-OX electric actuated D44 locker DONE
-Lubelockers front/rear DONE
-Spartan Front locker DONE
-DPG Super Ultimate Kit DONE
-Long Travel Shock Upgrade DONE
-Extended Brake Lines DONE
-Adams DS/SYE
-Savvy Under Armor
-Savvy MML DONE
-Novak DONE

So thats about all I can think of for now. The goal is to have a solid DD that is capable enough to hit the trails on the weekends. If you guys can think of anything I haven't listed the input would be greatly appreciated! The listed will be regularly updated to reflect reasearch/recommendations..


Just got the first piece of the puzzle in the mail today.

Ox Locker goes in my D44 April 3rd! Can't wait.

Why does this forum not have a drool icon? ha ha

I'm jealous. That was the plan for my 8.8, but it came already regeared and with an Aussie, so it didn't make any sense to put it in.

I despise scraping RTV, so I love my lubelockers. I've got them in 3 axles so far with not the slightest bit of leaking!

I am pretty excited about the whole project. The lubelockers will pay for themselves in the long rub both in $$$ and aggravation.

Next project to save for is going to be Savvy/Currie 4" lift and Savvy UA. Only about $5k to go.

dongalonga wrote:Only about $5k to go.

Gah. You posted the "number"........ the mythical financial figure that we think will bring us to a new state of Jeep and mental happiness and completion.

That being said, mine's down to about $1.5k till I'm done ( )

If past experience means anything that 5k will turn into about 8k pretty quickly!

deleted moved list to first post

ha ha, wow. That's quite a list.

Yeah, I think we all have "the list" somewhere. Mine's currently in a Google doc, but I'm trying not to look at it until I'm done with the current projects, ha ha.

I hear that. The list almost looks like and insurmountable wall at times. A little here and a little there and it will be done before I know it though. If I didn't have so many hobbies it would take considerably less time.

I really need some $$$. Time to start working a lot of overtime!!


1 Under Armor 2003+ Manual or Auto $1,402.00
1 Currie Mini Skids for D30 and D44 $24.00
1 Aluminum Savvy Gas Tank Skid $329.00
1 Tom Wood Drive Shaft and AA SYE Jeep 97-06 HD $525.00
2 FOX Front Shock for TJ 3-4" lift $250.00
2 FOX Rear Shock for TJ/LJ 3-4" lift $250.00
1 XJ/TJ/LJ/MJ FRONT END HOUSING JOHNNY JOINT® KIT $155.00
1 Savvy/Currie 3" or 4" Lift - Configurable $2,320.00
Subtotal $5,255.00
Less Coupon PIRATE - $473.00
Subtotal $4,782.00
Shipping (UPS Ground) & Handling $346.65
Tax $0.00
Order Total $5,128.65

I'll be the first to advocate for another company. Skip the whole Tom Woods/AA hype. I got my CV shaft & SYE from Adams Driveshaft/Ballistic Fab on eBay for $375 SHIPPED both with a lifetime warranty, no questions asked. The turn around time was 4 days and about 5 minutes after clicking "buy it now" on eBay I received a phone call from the shop's owner James asking what the specs on my Jeep were.

I'd recommend them over and over again. And save you $125+ for other things. Also perhaps consider Undercover Fab Works instead of Savvy for the under armor. He also makes VERY high quality aluminum products.

UCF is definitely an option. This list is more so the most expensive or "worst" case scenario money wise. Thanks for the input though. I will definitely look into both recommendations.

As usual, I agree almost completely with Ryan on the skids and driveline. I am going with Adams and UCF on my build with the exception of the gas tank skid, for this I am staying with savvy because of it's design and the fact it comes with all new grade 8 hardware.

After some more research I am wondering if I should go ahead and do the Clayton rear shock relocation kit as well. It gets rid of the rubbing issue and strengthens the CA mount at the same time.

http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info.php/cPath/27_32/products_id/88

I have realized something. The more research I do the more that list gets edited!

Ha ha, yyyyup. That's part of the reason it's always good to research and wheel and wait before doing anything drastic, because chances are....you might change your mind!

That and don't be afraid to as A Lot of questions.

I have the clayton rear shock relocation brackets on my jeep, they work well.
I would not use any other style, these are the best hands down.
I have installed a few clayton la kits and have put them on every one .
Super rugged and gives you much more clearance between pumpkin and lca bracket.
Plus strengthens lca bracket.

Thats what a I gathered from looking at them. I have looked at just about all of the ones I could find and they look like the best design. Clayton seems to always make things way stronger than necessary.

If you are to install clayton shock brackets ,bolt on some junk lower control arms so that you keep correct spacing at control arm flange.
Also so you do not compromise bushings on good arms with welding heat.
Weld an inch or so and Let it cool while welding another spot, alternating . Do both left and right at same time to spread heat.
To get the best weld job , weld with rear end out of jeep and on jack stands.
Hope this helps.
MARK

Sounds like a solid plan. Can't wait to see the progress!

All welding will be done by someone other than myself. I have zero welding experience. If anyone around here is interested when the time comes, that would be excellent.

Ox installed 04/05/12









And if anyone is planning on getting the electric actuator, which is pretty nice BTW, expect to pay a bit more on labor. The shop told me that OX has the wrong install time posted on their site and in the instructions. He was able to call the guys at OX and let them know. Apparently they are aware of this and will be updating it in the future. Luckily my shop is very good and ate the extra labor costs!

Next up will be the front Spartan locker. That should happen within the next few weeks. Keep an eye out as I will be doing this myself and providing a write up.

That looks sweet. you must be excited. I know I was when I got my arb installed a few weeks ago.

I was very excited until I tried to flex out on a small rock this morning to check flare clearance. No front locker = Massive Fail! The spartan will be in by the beginning of next month.

Deleted.