Tossing around the idea of a SFA swap for my Jeep. Have been for a while. I've decided to since:
#1 My Jeep is almost paid-off
#2 Better in the long run
#3 A front steel diff from JBA with all the trimmings I'd like is $3,500 (nearly the cost for a SFA swap)
#4 I plan on keeping my Jeep til it rots to the ground
#5 Rather not build on the IFS (continously)
I have picked out the rear parts from JBA for the swap. The list is below...(No I have not bought this stuff. Just trying to get an idea of what I need and how much it will cost.)
(If this will not work out or I have left something out, please tell me.) I know the eletrical stuff and brake stuff will need to be changed.
JBA-KJ Rear 4 Link
KJ Tri-Angulated 4 Link
(Hoping this will work out...it should.) $658.76
JBA-RLCAM-38
Rear Lower Control Arms Mounts
(needed for the item below) $111.95
JBA-RLCA-38-39.50
Rear Lower Control Arms
(already built = less time and $$$ spent on custom stuff) $365.95
JBA-RCS6
Rear Coil Spring Set 6" lift
(Probably will go with OME since that's what most are running) $238.80
JBA-8.25C
Crane Diff Cover
(MUST HAVE) $179.00
C825456
Superior Axle Ring & Pinion
(4.56 gears) $339.56
R825RSKT
Motive Gear Bearing & Seal Kit
(Mine as well get the best one...I know I can find a better deal on the gears and the gear kits..Just trying to get an idea of what stuff will cost) $152.95
JBA- KJ-7100-06-WRR
Bilstein 6" shock w/ remote reservoir
(NOT sure these will work...What you all think??) $273.29
(Haven't decided on what locker I would like). Since I plan on keeping the Chrsyler 8.25 in the rear, I thought JBA's parts would work out just nice. They're built for a Liberty, so it would cut down on the time to build custom parts. Resulting in having the Jeep back on the road quicker.
I plan on selling my IFS components to help with the cost (I know I won't get much for them, but anything will help) Already have the wheels for the job, so there's $200 saved already!!!
Here's where I'm having trouble...the front. I want to have a leafed front. Yes, a leafed front. If you don't like that idea, too bad. It's not your Jeep, it's mine. The reasons for a leafed SFA; cheaper, less time doing the swap and a lot easier to do. I've decided to go with the HP Dana 30 from a XJ; same bolt pattern as the rear 8.25 and will hold up to what I'll be doing.
My questions are:
-Would a Bronco II steering box work with a leafed front?
-What shocks are the best to use up front?
I thought about either buying a HD front bumper from RockLizard or have the shop build a HD front bumper; to have a place to mount the leaf spring hanger brackets.
Basically, I wish SOMEONE had a picture of that one guy's leafed SFA KJ. Just a picture of how his front is set up. I'm a visual person, so I need to see a picture of a leafed SFA KJ or see it in person to understand it.
So the reason for this thread is to see if any of you could help me out with the front portion of this swap. What all I would need and such.
Please, do not trash this thread with hate comments. I'd like this to become a tool that other Jeep enthusiasts can use if they're deciding to do a SFA swap on a KJ; and would like to have a leafed front.
(There are some of you that will not consider what I just mentioned. So if you would like to chew me out, please do so in a PM.)My inspiration picture...