well i have finally decided on how i am going to proceed with the broken axle on red. after getting advice, thanks bob!, and checking with various shops i am going to upgrade the rear end a year early.

my plans are to put a ford 8.8, 4.88 gears, and detroit locker in. i am going to work with andrew from letz roll in mesa. he has had the best pricing and also have read comments form others that have had work done by him. i am going to have him do this part of the upgrade.

the next phase is upgrading the front end also 4.88 gears, chromolly axles, possible detroit locker (not totally decided here), upgrade the steering. this phase i will do myself.

the final phase is going to be new tires and i am going to look at going to 35's.

the first two i will have done by the end of next month i hope and then i will be out on the trails again!! the tires will be in a couple of months or longer, this is money issue when i have enough to do so. right now my two sets are fine and i have a lot of life yet on the offroad tires. may even cop some from craigs list until i am good to go for new tires.

i had thought about going with a used rear end but i like the idea of having a warranty to fall back on in case i break something there. with the new upgrades i know i am going to want to try new challenges and the chance for breakage multiplies so i will have that to fall back on.

i will keep you updated on the progress of the upgrades as they happen.8)

Verrry Cool Russ. You're going to be set to play with the big boys for sure 8)

Sweet! Sounds like a great setup! I loved my 4:88's. They will be a little steep with the 33's but will work great with the 35's and 37's... you know 37's are in the future.

4.88 and 33's? Youre jeep is gonna be a rocket

will be fun to beat the little ricers off the line

Sounds great Russ! Can't wait to get you out on some harder trails.... when it cools off:)

Going to be a nice rig.

Yep all the Cheerleaders will love it LOL

Big red just got trailered away for her operation. I told andrew to take picks so i can post the transformation on our site. Soon i can get back out on the trails to do some adjustments to get my back right. :))

Yeah! Great to hear, Russ. Can't wait to see the next incarnation of Big Red. I feel like I'm watching her grow up right before my eyes. LOL

Double Post. FAIL.

I'm sure I have no idea what you are talking about. 8)

talked to andrew and he said the rear is in and just have to do the brakes. will start the front tonight. should be out this weekend8)

Where are the pics?

here are some shots of red and her new parts

i will have to get out the canon for some clearer shots. camera phns are not great when you have funky lighting.

went out to butcher jones with yetti and went further back and found areas that i had never attempted. what a difference and confidence that the new changes have made for me. areas that richard struggled i just creeped through. what a difference being locked made. areas i used to spin in to get through i was able to keep the rpm aroung 2k and just walk right on through. it was on the wet and muddy side so i did not go crazy. getting used to not having a sway in the rear makes driving a little squirlly but that is getting better. the beefed up steering is nice. next big purchase is new offroading tires. i am going to move up to 35s for offroad. thinking of watching craigs list for a set until i get money saved up for a new set.

Looks nice Russ.

brotobeast wrote:went out to butcher jones with yetti and went further back and found areas that i had never attempted. what a difference and confidence that the new changes have made for me. areas that richard struggled i just creeped through. what a difference being locked made. areas i used to spin in to get through i was able to keep the rpm aroung 2k and just walk right on through. it was on the wet and muddy side so i did not go crazy. getting used to not having a sway in the rear makes driving a little squirlly but that is getting better. the beefed up steering is nice. next big purchase is new offroading tires. i am going to move up to 35s for offroad. thinking of watching craigs list for a set until i get money saved up for a new set.

Outstanding, Russ. Glad you're loving the new set up. I couldn't believe the difference the first time I drove with a front locker. Night and Day.

Very cool Russ! Can't wait to see it in action. I need to quit being such a wimp and brave the heat of the garage to get 'big dirty' ready for wheeling again.

Awesome Russ. Lockers are a great thing!!