New to Alaska

[jeepin_guy]

Hello again AO! Thanks for the warm welcome on the new-comer thread.

I have been contemplating the build on my '05 Rubicon Unlimited, and was looking for some AK-specific info. If you all don't mind, I'm just gonna throw out a bunch of questions, and please feel free to reply and answer as you wish.

AK-specific...
1) What do you all recommend for block-heaters, fuel tank heaters, etc. for the winters? Are they necessary? What all kinds of cold-weather prep do you need? Oil-circulators, block heater blankets, etc...?

2) We are looking at buying a second car for the wife. We really like the VW Touareg with the V10 TDI twin-turbo diesel. How are diesels in the cold AK winters? Anyone have any comments or reviews on the Touaregs?

More general...
3) I want to do a long-arm lift on the Rubicon. I'm looking primarily at the Rubicon Express 5.5" long arm, and the Nth degree 6" long arm kit just re-released by American Expedition Vehicles. What input does anyone have on these lifts? What do you recommend?

4) Having a Rubicon, I already have decent axles, lockers front and rear, etc. so I think the rest of my drivetrain is fine for now (I know, there's much better out there, but I'm OK with the factory stuff until the budget allows for more.)

5) For protection I'm looking at an almost all-ARB setup. I like the ARB front bumper with the built-in winch mount, and the ARB rear bumper with tire carrier. Any input?

6) Speaking of winches... I've had a Warn XD9000i before. Was extremely impressed and happy with it. For this I'm looking at either going with the XD9000i again, or the 9.5si, or the Power Plant Dual-Force (winch/air compressor combo). Does anyone have any reviews on the dual-force? Does anyone know if it would even fit in the ARB bumper?

7) Since all of this is going to be done in stages (unless I rob a bank in the mean-time) I'm probably going to stick with the factory Rubicon wheels for now. I'm thinking 35x12.50 tires. Let me hear your suggestions on gearing... I have 4.10 now, thinking 4.56 will be enough for the bigger meat. Does that sound about right? Too much?

8) 5.5" or 6" of lift should have no problem clearing the 35's at full stuff, right? I would have no problem doing an inch or two of body lift, but do I need it?

9) What other mods would anybody recommend for wheeling in Alaska? Or am I on the wrong track on anything mentioned above?

Ok... sorry to inundate you all with tons of questions. Don't have a lot of time to get on here right now, so I gotta get it all out when I can. Thanks a lot in advance for all of the input and info that is coming my way. Please feel free to provide any other input you feel might be useful to me.

My wife and I are still looking forward to getting to Alaska and meeting and wheeling with you all. See you in Feb!!