looking to make my 4x2 KK more capable.

turbosocks · **Joined:** Thu Jan 07, 2010 1:06 pm **Posts:** 93

Well, I made a big boo boo by going with a 4x2 KK. I didn't think i would have any desire to go 'off-road' when i made the purchase, but now that I have it, i would really like to do a little bit of trail riding at least, nothing major.

I have done a little bit of research, and gotten some advice on how to make it more capable from some guys on here.

there looks to be a few different lockers to choose from. I don't know to much about lockers and what to look for or how to choose which one is the best bang for the buck.

I have found this:

Aussie Locker (350$) 8.25" 29 spline. [FAIL per Digger]

PowerTrax (450$) 8.25" 29 spline
http://www.tellico4x4.com/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/180/products_id/2007

ARB (820+200 for compressor) 8.25" 29 spline
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Drivetrain-Differential/Airlocker-Differential.aspx?t_c=12&t_s=237&t_pt=5589&t_pl=406&t_pn=ARBRD93

Detroit Locker (600$) 8.25" 29 spline
http://completeoffroad.com/i-123211-detroit-locker-chrysler-8-1-4-97-newer-187c-179a.html

Also know that I will be needing some good tires. Was thinking about some BFG A/T or M/T.

I see that there are quite a selection of the 'spacer' lifts available and most of them say that they will work fine with the stock geometry and blah blah blah. Will a small lift with a bigger tire be 'better' for what the 4x2 with a locker will be capable of?

If you have any ideas or other things that would help out in making the 4x2 more capable, feel free to chime in.

thanks guys for any input you have.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Mon Jan 11, 2010 3:05 pm

Any amount of lift you add will help no matter if it is a 4x2 or a 4x4. It all comes down to how much you want to spend now and if you want to re do the lift in 30K or less if you go cheap.

As far as lockers go, DO NOT get the aussie locker..... If you want to see pictures of the one I blew up, I'll send you the link. I'm sure some of the KJ members will chime in on the other lockers......

What it really comes down to is how much you want to put in to your jeep.

turbosocks · **Joined:** Thu Jan 07, 2010 1:06 pm **Posts:** 93

good to know on the aussie locker.. seemed pretty cheap compared to the others.. not that price ALWAYS reflects quality/durability, but thats why i posted.

from what i read, on the smaller 'spacer' lifts, it seems to be a good idea to at least get a good set of rear shocks if you want it to last.

i was hoping to spend around 1500$ or so for a lift + locker and then another 1300$ or so for tires/rims and call it a day for the moderate modding. maybe invest a few hundred in a front bull bar, but thats about it.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Mon Jan 11, 2010 8:06 pm

The Detroit or ARB would be the best 2 choices and the ARB being the best choice since it 100% invisible until you want it locked,either will require professional install,might as well regear at the same time if you are going to 31"+ tires.Your looking at $1300(Detroit)--$1800(ARB) with gear change also alone(really depends on your area for labor rates).

long_tall_texan · **Posted:** Tue Jan 12, 2010 1:57 am

turbosocks wrote:

from what i read, on the smaller 'spacer' lifts, it seems to be a good idea to at least get a good set of rear shocks if you want it to last.

Read my post here regarding shocks - regardless of whether it is a spacer or a coil lift.
viewtopic.php?p=515421#p515421

RRiveraKK · **Posted:** Tue Jan 12, 2010 2:32 am

When there is mention of: Be ready to re do the lift under 30k. Do you refer to an Over The Top or a clevis lift like the RK, or are you talking about the spacers only? Are all of this lift the same in the form of having shocks and struts fail prematurely.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Tue Jan 12, 2010 2:37 am

There will always be the potential for premature failure.... How ever, most of the time it comes down to the OEM springs and stocks being worn out because their service life is only 30K before they sag and negate lift.... The RK lift is way easier on the springs and shocks because it is not super compressing everything...

turbosocks · **Joined:** Thu Jan 07, 2010 1:06 pm **Posts:** 93

texan, thanks for the link. thats kind of what i suspected.. i will replace the shocks when i do the lift for sure. I am looking at the rock krawler lift right now.

As of right now, im thinking:

the rock krawler 3.5" kit and new, longer BDS rear shocks and not sure about front.
31" tires (undecided on actual ones) probably BFG A/T

regarding the lockers, i am going to go to 4 wheel parts this weekend and see what the install would be.

I know that lunchbox lockers (like the detroit EZ and the powertrax) don't seem to be very recommended on here, but whats the actual reason? would they not be ok for relatively mild off-roading? are the issues with them mainly during more difficult/extreme off-roading? Reason I'm asking is not as much because of the big $$$ difference or that I'd like to 'cheap' out, but if a powertrax would be a decent idea for mild off-roading (which is about as much as i'd want to do in a 2WD Jeep) than it seems like a decent idea.

hrogi · **Posted:** Tue Jan 12, 2010 6:05 pm

Make sure you have dual front hook points.
Also have a hitch with a nice hook point on it...

Not that a 2X4 is not fun, just in case things go in a wierd directions.

That all I have... for now...

jewbilly · **Posted:** Tue Jan 12, 2010 9:32 pm

It sounds like you have your head on straight for what you are going to need. I would also recommend a winch, because you know you are going to get stuck. Good luck and safe wheeling. :BANANA:

Boblemoche · **Posted:** Tue Jan 12, 2010 11:59 pm

Quote:

but if a powertrax would be a decent idea for mild off-roading (which is about as much as i'd want to do in a 2WD Jeep)

from what ive seen, 2wd offroading is very hard on the powertrain since to get over most obstacles you need to step on the skinny pedal. for the money your willing to invest, id buy an old beater like a cherokee, samurai etc and wheel the crap out of it. that would be way more fun, less expensive and you keep your brand new jeep scratch free

RRiveraKK · **Posted:** Wed Jan 13, 2010 2:45 am

X2 I like that idea. Old XJ next to the KK. If only I could do this.

johnb · **Posted:** Wed Jan 13, 2010 10:54 am

For the money you're going to invest beefing up the 4x2 KK, you can take it back and get into a 4x4 KK that will be way more functional stock (new tires required) than your 4x2 will be with 31's, a locker, lift, ect... 4x4 is the key - the first step. Doing anything else is like putting a silk hat on a pig, IMNSHO.

turbosocks · **Joined:** Thu Jan 07, 2010 1:06 pm **Posts:** 93

yeah, i pondered the idea of picking up an old XJ actually.. but i literally just bought the Jeep a few weeks ago. i really shouldn't be investing any money into the KK, but its sooo tempting.

Theres no way I would be able to afford another vehicle right now as im paying more than i wanted to on the KK. I would, however be able to justify throwing some money into the KK over the next year, haha. :mrgreen:

edit:

o, id love to be able to just 'return' the 4x2 and trade up for the 4x4 if that was possible.. i'd lose my booty on the trade though.

like i said before, im not even interested in mudding/rock crawling 'real 4WD' stuff, just having a bit more confidence on some mild-medium trails and if it can be done for under 3000$.

if i could, i would go back and time and spend the extra 35$ a month for 4WD or would get a beater 4x4, but those aren't really options.

RRiveraKK · **Posted:** Wed Jan 13, 2010 6:50 pm

I know what you mean. Atleast w your KK it is only one insurance premium and ect, ect. That is why I had to trade my 2dr coupe, cause I wanted the 4x4, and be able to play w it not Hardcore offroad but the, Oh, look that that little trail I wonder if my KK can go thru it? Of coarse it does. But then you join a forum like this and you get addicted. Your body starts itching when you see the mods out there. Darn you Digger, Boblemoche, mikeLiberty, and DirtyKK to say a few!!!!!
Why do you make me need? Then they fill you w the info you need and post How to's, What I'm I to do? My wife, must think I'm a freak cause I always need to log in and check out what's new.
Well, I just keep saying to myself, I'm not the only one in this forum, Cool I'm not crazy. :shock:

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Wed Jan 13, 2010 7:02 pm

LOL

Mr Nick · **Posted:** Thu Jan 14, 2010 12:32 am

I know somebody selling a nice 4x4 KK... Already lifted... 6-speed... Sky Slider... cough cough :ROTFL:

looking to make my 4x2 KK more capable.

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