I have run 35s for several years now...I average about 1 broken CV axle a year. I get junkyard CVs for $25-40, so it isn't too bad.

I thank you guys for all your input. I don't think I'm going to keep the IFS. It looked like the pre-assembled center section that indy sells would have been cost effective, as long as the CV's were relatively dependable.
I see alot of these getting parted out so I thought I could stock up on extra axles.
35's are my eventual goal, so I want to make sure I head in that direction, and not do the "two steps forward" thing. I am pretty easy on the throttle but have been in enough scenarios that required a less than optimal approach, and broke stuff.
Over building is the best option, but not easy on the wallet.
The goal is a budget build with the right parts, And few costly mistakes. Hence the questions.

On a side note, Jim may know my particular Trooper.

Are you running 5.38's and a locker? If you are running a locker, is it a selectable?

If you are referring to me, then yes I have 5.38s and ARB lockers front and rear. The Aussies were not available when I did my build...

Sorry, yes, I was refering to you. I was definately thinking of the ARB up front. I have learned that a selectable is a must on the steer axle, preferably both.
I guess I got some options to consider.

33's are about the practical limit of the IFS unless you just want to run 35's on the road for looks.

Ah, Rob. You doth protest too much. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Personally, I run 35's for that "on the trailer" look.

While I have not wheeled in a while, I have wheeled some with 53's/5.38's/3.07's/ARBs on IFS. Breakage has been minimal, but I am(was) pretty conservative when I wheel. I only crunched one inboard joint trying to back up in a place I should not have been trying to back up.

I also fabbed up pseudo-birf-rings for my outer joints. So far, it has held up. I do have a habit of bending leaf springs.

Can it be done? Yes. Are 35's the limit (if not a little over) of the Isuzu IFS? Probably. As long as you make sure to limit the down travel of the front end and avoid binding it up at full lock, you might survive a little longer.

Keeping it at 33's and maybe doing 35's for the next set of tires will probably give you a very acceptable rig.

Good luck,
Michael

PS, I am also driving(was driving) a much lighter and weaker vehicle (2.6L Pup). YMMV.

I think I am going to consternate on this for a bit.

The whole idea behind this particular vehicle was to run on glorified Forest service roads. I go to the occasional ORV park but never get real crazy. Mostly an overlander type vehicle, that will take the bypasses if the option is there.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. Keep 'em comin'

If that is your ultimate goal, then stay conservative. A rear locker with a mild lift and 32's would most likely get you wherever you want to go. It is unlikely you need to change gears (axles or transfer case). If you need a little more than that a front locker would be a good space to spend more money and 33's if you need a little more ground clearance.

A winch with the associated recovery equipment and you will be able to go and get out of anywhere. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

A little less than a SAS swap, huh?

Take care,
Michael

That's kinda what I was thinking. The advantage I would have had is I already have a yard full of junk that I could use for the SAS. I was considering taking apart an old power wagon I have. Or I have a totalled cherokee that is all there except the right side sheet metal, running gear out of a 72 ScoutII, 1984 waggy with a blown head gasket, 92 Dodge D60's out of 1 ton srw, and two suburbans. Most of this was acquired for another project but that one keeps getting more and more involved, so I wanted something to get me back out on the trails.

The reason I was thinking of the re-gear is that it has the t-bars cranked now and 31 A/T's on it and it feels too high geared now. I haven't actually checked what they are yet but the original plan was for 33's and a small body lift. It just keeps progressing from there. I want it to be reliable, and I'm well versed with Murphy's law and how it applies to the offroad world, so being prepared is #1 priority.
Definately a winch. I got a Warn 8000 on a reciever plate and I want to get every thing set up with receivers at both ends.

The major thing that no body takes into account is the front driveshaft. There is very little practical way to make it work with a SAS. Look at mine, Robs, Dans, Corbin, Randys, We all were forced into dual case swaps before the front driveshaft issue was resolved.
I would look at Fernando Riverro, and Adems swaps for simple but effective swaps that work with the stock t-case. Both swaps were done by JR at msconceptions motorsports. Unfortunately JR is no longer in business.
The swaps were both done with narrow track waggy axles, and kept spring under with wrangler springs. Joe Darlington did a similar swap in his rodeo.