Well, what do you think? Will this Jeep be reliable and useful especially in off road situations given the weight? I have driven a local, rocky trail with the full load. The Jeep performed well but it is the long haul trails that are important. What is your experience? I am also concerned about highway use since this Jeep is never trailered. I appreciate your ideas and thoughts.
Thanks, Sparky
IMO, you are moving in the right direction with some of the things you listed in the first post. As a point of reference, I recently sold my [extremely heavy] TJ due to lack of space and GVWR . . .
Upgrading the brakes is a major move in the right direction. Glad to hear you already did that. I understand your aversion to rear disks, but it is something to keep in the back of your mind should you find your current set up to be less than 100% as you spend more time in the back country. Remember that just because they work fine under 'normal' circumstances, does not mean that they will be 100% severe back country conditions. It is unlikely that you would have problems given your current set up, just remember that the [rear disk] option is there, should you find that you need a bit more some time in the future.
Weighing the jeep in the planning stages for a 'custom' suspension is a good call. The suspension is where I had most of my problems. Proper spring rates and proper shock valving is a must, IMO, for vehicles that exceed the GVWR by significant amounts. Add in a short wheel base, and this becomes even more important. So again, this is a good move. I hope that when you say 'custom' suspension, you are not referring to simply buying a set of heavy rate springs and off the shelf shocks -- I've been there and done that . . . you will be better off with springs made for your specific application, and shocks valved for the same. Those two things will make a HUGE difference, and are well worth the money. Also, don't forget to beef up your suspension mounting points. Spring hangers are usually pretty good from the factory -- shock mounts are often lacking though. I've never broken a spring hanger, but I have broken a number of shock mounts (both OEM and aftermarket). If you're spending the $$$ on good shocks/springs, then it only makes sense to make sure the mounting points are up to snuff.
The rear axle would cause me a bit of concern. I've seen a number of d35s break shafts. The load you are carrying, and your statement that you want it to go anywhere, are what is concerning about it. Remember, the D35 is a c-clip axle -- so if you break a shaft, the tire (and axle shaft) will fall off. If you are absolutely opposed to an axle swap, I'd suggest driving with caution. Just be aware that those axles are prone to breaking, so take the appropriate precautions (there are tools out there that will enable you to limp home on a broken shaft, or you could carry a spare, etc). Ford Explorer 8.8" rear axles are virtually a bolt in swap for the YJ's, so if you find yourself considering an axle swap in the future, it would be a good one to consider.
But really, the most important thing is to get out there and do it. All the upgrades in the world mean absolutely nothing if you don't go anywhere . . .
:smiley_drive: