Dude...
The shop told you that so you pay them - scare tactic. And Tricky Dick is dead on - Drill stop - problem solved.
You absolutely can do this. There are WAY stupider people out there drilling holes/re-gearing/etc... and i dont even know you :LOL:
The feeling of taking your time, mounting...
This ^.
Jeep JL on 35's - re-geared to 4.56 - great for the street and trail - not a dog to drive. If your Hardcore trail then 5.13 would be my choice.
Cleghorn. I Love Cleghorn. Every offshoot can be done without lockers if you pick the workable line. Last offshoot is rough on short wheelbase (2 doors), I pass on that one in the JL - and stay left at the punchbowl (for gods sake stay left, or its a bad day). Love Cleghorn. Its the first place...