I know most of this is going to be considered easy or noob material to some of you guys but I needed some opinions and advice anyways. Ive done a good deal of reading pertaining to spring over conversions and still just have a few questions of my own.
The two weak links right from the start in this conversion are the balls lacking 4 banger and the D35 rear. I know people say not to cut any corners when doing a buildup of any kind and so far I dont plan on taking the cheap route out but I still need some advice. Im on a budget (college...booo) but still want to do this thing as right as possible which is why im asking a general opinion to begin with.
My jeep is my sole vehicle and is used as my DD as well as some mild wheeling occasionally. I know people highly advise NOT to run anything more than 33" tires on a D35 which originally got me thinking about the ever popular 8.8 swap. Unfortunately, through alot of reading and question asking people also say the 2.5L just doesnt seem to produce enough power to turn anything bigger than 33" tires as well. I did some calculations and came to the conclusion I wouldnt have the funds for a motor swap following the spring over conversion, axle upgrade, etc. My time frame is to have this thing completed by the end of summer 07 before school starts up again.
Bottom line, would it even be worth my time and money to do a spring over conversion using the stock dana 35 rear axle if I just plan on sticking with 33's. I know everyone is going to say if you want to do it right...do everything right from the beginning. Unfortunately the time frame and budget dont fit together and I THINK id be satisfied with a spring over on the tires I have now.
Thanks for reading my random babbling guys, I really just wanted some opinions and advice from anyone who might have been in this position before. Im trying to have the best of both worlds while still building it to be safe and keeping it cost effective at the same time.