I've been thinking...

[Ben H.]

Ok, right now I have an Aussie Locker for a D44a and I'm searching for an axle to put it in. Its hard to find one that is less then $300 local and I'm not having luck finding any deals. Well, this particular locker has now been discontinued and it is the only one available for the D44a. Not a huge deal for the ZJ guys but pretty bad for the WJ guys since there aren't really axle swap choices for them without serious work. So, like I said, I've been thinking and would like some opinions. I basically got it narrowed down to 3 options.

1. Find a D44a and install it along with the locker.

2. Sell the locker for $400+ and use that to help buy a new 4.5" lift.

3. Sell the locker and find an 3.73 geared 8.8" and install that.

Now, I could probably still get the lift and hang onto the locker until I can get around to affording an axle again, but I'm not sure. There are just a couple of things running through my head. One is that I will be keeping my 31"s no matter what I do and an 8.8" swap just doesn't make since for only 31"s. Plus I would probably reuse my stock brackets and that means my Jeep would be undriveable until I complete the swap. But it would be nice to have one axle swap for a while. Also, I don't want to sell the locker, get the lift, and then decided I don't want an 8.8" and I would have to buy a locker again. So, as you can see, I've got several scenarios and I would just like some opinions.

[Will]

My opinion is to get the rear end you want, the first time. And if the 44 is the one you want, then hold out until one shows up near you. You've already got the locker and you happened to pick it up before they started getting expensive. That's what I would do, but I've got rear end fever at the moment  :

Had to change my avatar to combat all that nasty orange.  ;D

[DOUG]

but I've got rear end fever at the moment  :

TMI  !!!   

[Will]

but I've got rear end fever at the moment  :

TMI  !!!   

ha, get your mind out of the gutter.  ()()    nln

[Krawler00]

Will, why does this always happen to you? 

[Will]

Will, why does this always happen to you? 

I post too much and too fast. haha Whatever I'm thinking usually ends up on this forum. But I'm the innocent one. You guys are the ones that turn my words around. 

So Ben H, what's the verdict at the moment?

[Ben H.]

At the moment, I am going to find a D44a and lock it. That way I can keep ABS and it's just a bolt in affair with no welding. I'm still planning on lifting it this summer, just not all at once. Think I will go up to 4.5" but keep the factory control arms and then with stimulus check and birthday money, get IRO's bolt on long arms if I can.

[Will]

What tires will you run eventually with that lift?

[Ben H.]

What tires will you run eventually with that lift?

The 31"s I have now. I could fit 32"s with no trimming and 33"s with a little trimming but it won't look bad with the 31"s and why buy new tires when I have plenty of tread on my current ones.

[Will]

What tires will you run eventually with that lift?

The 31"s I have now. I could fit 32"s with no trimming and 33"s with a little trimming but it won't look bad with the 31"s and why buy new tires when I have plenty of tread on my current ones.

Oh, I wouldn't get ride of them. Sounds good man. And you'll have tons of flex too.

[Ben H.]

Not sure what size lift or what size tires but here is what it can do.







And here are the front arms, it is Tri-Y arm. It is the same style arm that Seth has on his WJ, but for the ZJs.

[Krawler00]

That is a killer rig!! I like seeing those in the air and being used!