Work is super slow today and I have been thinking about IF I were to build a new rig what it would be. My TJ is pretty well setup, but if I had to do it all over again I would definitely have started out differently.
Things I would not want on a new rig:
Coil springs - geometry is too damn complicated, my front end constantly unloads on steep climbs, and arms/springs are pretty expensive. A super flexy setup isn't needed for 95% of the wheeling I do.
SWB - I like riding with the top off but the wheelbase seems to hurt me a lot of the time. Not to mention my spare parts/tools leave for little room in the back and no room for more than one passenger.
4cyl - mine is tolerable with 4.88s, but a 6cyl would be much nicer
manual tranny - I'm tired of stalling out all the time in the rocks
Obviously I would probably stick with a Jeep, I get parts really cheap and have lots of experience working on them. I was thinking:
-YJ or XJ
-Waggy 44s (or 8.8 w/ a spool, 44 w/ a Lockright, alloys, etc)
-Lowest gears possible
-35s or 37s...I think I want boggers
-SOA (if YJ, maybe on XJ front, too?)
-stock engine, tranny and TC for now (obviously w/ SYE and DS)
-lots of body trimming, no more sky high rigs for me the TJ is tall enough
This would not be a DD, but if I could get a sticker for it that would be nice, but not necessary. Let's hear everyone's opinions...but remember to KEEP IT SIMPLE!