4X4NOW   TJ
Buildup
Factory Options

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The new optional leather wrapped steering wheel with Speed Control

Comfort and convenience options include tilt steering, intermittent wipers, and the speed control option - just made available in 1998.  The interior is incredibly opulent for a vehicle that still includes instructions on how to "hose it out" in the owners manual.  Despite all its comforts, the TJ can still be washed out with a hose when it really gets dirty inside.  I decided against air conditioning since I expect to be towing the TJ as much or more than I drive it on the highway.   Besides, that leaves room for some future on-board air improvements (for airing up tires).

In the early planning stages I had expected to replace both axles with axles with stronger shafts and lower gears.  But then I learned that the Dana 30 front TJ axle is stronger than the Dana 30s used in previous models.  Since the front axle turns all the time in the TJ, there are no outside lockable hubs to break.  The U-joints are bigger and stronger than the older Dana 30s too.  And pulling a broken axle is simpler with only 3 bolts to loosen once the wheel,. brake caliper and brake rotor is off.

Clean and shiny underside of a brand new TJ - Note the stubby 12 ½" rear driveshaft

The Dana 44 rear axle is a bargain at $595 and plenty strong enough for the TJ.  I had considered a reverse cut Dana 60 to help with troublesome TJ driveshaft angles that result from lifts.  But the Advance Adapter Atlas II transfer case addresses this problem by allowing the stubby stock TJ shaft to be lengthened by 6 ½".  That's quite impressive for the 12 ½" short stock drive shaft.  And the Atlas case provides enough low range reduction that the stock 3.73 ring and pinions can be retained.  Considering that the 3.73 should be significantly stronger than the 4.10s or 4.56s I would have put in, stock axles looked better and better.  Another minor fringe benefit with the 3.73s in high range is lower driveline rotating speeds with reduced driveshaft U-joint wear and increased driveshaft life.

With the Atlas II transfer case, the 4X4NOW TJ will have a 2.74x3.77x3.73 = 38.5 to 1 crawl ratio, comfortably low for rock crawling with 35s and an automatic.  But, with 35s, it should only be turning about 2,725 RPM at 75 MPH on the Interstate which should be ample for the flatlands.  Second gear won't top out until somewhere around 90 MPH so there should be no problem with steep highway grades or "getting on it" to pass or if you're just "feeling your oats."

4X4NOW TJ Home | Factory Options | Advance Adapters Atlas II Transfer Case | Rubicon Express 4 1/2" Lift
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