Eventually want dana 44 front and rear, likely out of a waggy. I can't run a locker up front unless I go with something selectable ($$$) because of the Selec-trac 242. Unless I want to give up the full-time 4x4, in wich case I would swap in a 231 anyways. The 29 spline 8.25 was just a temporary/cost effective solution for running my 33s. This way It will be less likely to break an axle shaft on the trail. Still looking to find some spares anyhow, but running a stock dana 35 made me nervous. I may also throw an Aussie in the 8.25 in the near future. Eventually plan on having something else as a DD. Want to make Betty a dedicated trail rig. I would consider my jeep to be almost at what I call my stage 2, maybe with the locker in the rear.
Stage 3 would ideally be Dana 44 front and rear, at least 35s, longarm components (upper and lower control arms and new Crossmember), lockers front and rear, winch, OBA, roll cage etc...
I have really learned a lot since joining this club, and owning my jeep. Some of the things I don't fully understand are suspension geometry, travel, bumpstopping etc... This particular article had really caught my attention. Now obviously with the low COG I am going to have lower departure/approach/breakover angles, but fully skidded, with lockers I think it would be very capable. A long way away from doing any of this, pretty happy as I sit right now, but as we all know its a disease...
Jon- my rear diff cover has 1/4 inch steel plate for the cover and has 3/8 inch steel ring for the base. ¼†ribbed solid diff cover up front. My TC skid is 3/16" and my engine skid is 1/8" steel with 5/8" solid round rod supports on the bottom, plus my rocker skids are 1/8" wall tubing.
