bugnout wrote:
What would it cost to just get a SFA D30 under the front of my KJ?
Strategy, Only replace what I have to, use what I have.
Assumption. I can keep the transfer case and rear 8.25 axle.
HP Reverse cut D30 from a late 90's XJ with ABS - $800-$1500 built with alloy axles and some upgrades.
ARB for the D30 - $800 (already got one)
Front Coil Over kit $500
New drive shafts $500
4:56 gears front and back $500
Nth degree kit - $3000 (is this the only route, the best route?) how about a custom 4 link system front and back? What has everyone else done?)
Install and fabrication 80 hours at $80 an hour - $6400
Total budget: $13000.00
Compared to about $5000.00 for a 6" IFS lift installed
Does this seem a reasonable estimate?
Am I missing some critical parts?
Does going with an HP D44 up front add to the cost much? (need a new front locker at minimum)
All comments welcome.
All I can say is to anyone looking to do a SFA on the cheap, good luck, and plan for all the little things that will surprise you. I see several things not on the above list and not limited too: Exhaust, steering box, tie rods and drag link, custom pitman arm depening on box, brakelines, rear springs and shocks, power steering lines, custom belly pan, oil to fill everything, brake fluid, nuts, bolts, hardware, etc....... And I almost forgot, sway bars front and rear
Plus the labor hours everyone is throwing around is a great number for you 3rd of 4th SFA, but plan on more for your first SFA, trust me there will be lots of head scratching going on most all of it in the front of the KJ.
Then when it's done, will it handle correctly and safely? Can the suspension cycle without hitting the exhaust, trac bar or steering? Once you get an axle in the front, you will see how little space there is unless you raise the Jeep! Another note reading all of the posts about SFA's........ Ever driven a Jeep with long arms in the front and short arms in the back? Yes it'll be cheap, but what happens when it doesn't handle correctly? How about roll centers, vehicle dynamics, brake bias, spring rates, and anti-squat? Please consider these items when building a rig from scratch. I've driven some pretty scary rides over the years and it ain't fun. Perfect way to ruin a perfectly good rig.
I commend anyone who is taking on this project! I would love to see more SFA KJ's running around, I really would
But I want to see safe rigs, that are built safe and handle correctly!
Wally, Seth, and JJ have caught a lot of crap over how much they spent on their conversions, and I've talked to some future SFA owners who said they and we were crazy for building their rigs they way we did, but.........
I stand behind these rigs with my reputation, and these rigs are built safe, they handle correctly, and they are built right. NO short cuts were taken at the expense of safety, or being cheap! These KJ's will give any Jeep a run for their money in the handling and safety department.
Just please use your heads, build safe rigs, don't take short cuts, and lets get some more SFA's wheeling around
I await the pictures and details!!!! Let's see what everyone can do!