AJTorris
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- California
LMAO that was my wife not me.
Behold the Frog...5.5" lift is complete.
- Thread starter rocknxj
- Start date
Rammin97
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Auburn, CA
I was kidding about the "hand me downs" but that's cool that you shared with us less fortunate..:clap:
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
You aren't one of those commies, are you?
AJTorris
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- California
LMAO. Commies in the USA NEVER LMAO
Rammin97
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Auburn, CA
What would make you think that?
- Location
- Columbus, In
Hey Rocknxj, I am a little late to the party but the Jeep looks excellent! Not too fond of red but you pulled it off nicely!
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Actually, I hate red and swore I would never buy another red vehicle, but I could not pass up this XJ last March when I saw it on Craig's List. I'm just a fan of the blues and greens.
After I added the black wheels and trim, I am liking it more. Front bumper from AJ's is being built now, which will further add capability and an improved appearance.
Thanks for the comment. It will start looking better once I get some rock rash on it.
srmitchell
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Mckinleyville (Humboldt) CA
I recently installed a pool noodle in my front fenders. However...
I went to ace, and they have black pipe insulation that can be cut to fit, and it's invisible in the fender. Just a tip!
I went to ace, and they have black pipe insulation that can be cut to fit, and it's invisible in the fender. Just a tip!
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
But you don't get the benefit of listing, "pool noodle" installed. I'm just saying...
- Location
- Columbus, In
Yeah i am a fan of the blue and green ones too!
The blue one is going on her inaugural run at WF this year. After i get all the armor on it!
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
I'm sitting here during my lunch hour bored as can be. Not much happening before the three day weekend, so I figure I'll update what I know after a week of driving the rig post lift/tires.
Post Extreme Duty lift summary:
The Frog drives very well and I cannot detect a driveline vibration at any speed. No deceleration vibration is noted. Pinion angles look about as dialed in as could be. Note 4* shim on rear axle.
Front locker (Spartan) noise is disconcerting, yet expected. Noise (popping, clanking) is most noticeable during tigher than normal turns and while backing. Concerned faces of pedestrians in parking lots are amusing.
RE 6200 Extreme Duty lift feels extremely secure and I have confidence that large supension parts will not fall off unexpectedly. Front axle is centered, yet close proximity of driver's side coil spring to track bar drop bracket is annoying. Approximately 3/8" clearance exists between these parts. Noise emanates from that area during turns, presumably from coil spring-bracket contact. Otherwise, no suspension noise is detected. Due for bold retorquing this weekend.
RE monotube shocks could provide a softer ride, overall, and I am wondering if the cheaper shocks would have been a better investment. Ride does not feel dramatically different than my kid's XJ on 3.5" RE lift, 31" tires, and Rancho shocks. More testing is in order. Perhaps too many variables exist to pinpoint shock performance over simultaneous tire and lift upgrades.
Control at highway speeds in only slightly less than expected. Slight drifting left and right has been noticed, but quick adjustment to driving style is being made. Although no steering slop exists, some spongy control is present. Castor adjustment may be required to correct this, but I doubt I will mess with it. Instead, I will rethink this after I torque everything once again.
Combination of 4.56 gears and 33" tires have restored acceleration and top speed to near stock, as far as I can figure. Engine RPMs appear to be as expected with a stock setup (3.55 gears and 29" tires). 39 tooth speedo gear was installed last night and exact speedometer readings have been verified via GPS on the drive to work this morning.
The BFG M/T KM2s feel great at all speeds with low to moderate road noise noted (Conn Ferr rack produces more than twice the road noise than tires). Moderate tire vibration is felt from 0-10 mph, then disappears beyond that. Naturally, that is due to the bite sized rubber nubs on the tires. Tires appear to have stiff enough sidewalls to prevent unnatural rolling sensation while turning. Cruise speeds (50-65 mph) feels good and traction on wet and dry pavement feels secure.
Brakes feel very firm and I trust my rig will stop in minimal distance when called upon. Concerns about additional weight from tires and increased brake distances are unwarrented.
Ride height is best described as exhilarating. Extra effort to climb into the rig has been a welcome reminder that I am no longer stock. Peering down into vehicles and drive-in windows is a wonderful payoff thus far.
Still no trail time until my bumper arrives and fender clearance issues are resolved.
Post Extreme Duty lift summary:
The Frog drives very well and I cannot detect a driveline vibration at any speed. No deceleration vibration is noted. Pinion angles look about as dialed in as could be. Note 4* shim on rear axle.
Front locker (Spartan) noise is disconcerting, yet expected. Noise (popping, clanking) is most noticeable during tigher than normal turns and while backing. Concerned faces of pedestrians in parking lots are amusing.
RE 6200 Extreme Duty lift feels extremely secure and I have confidence that large supension parts will not fall off unexpectedly. Front axle is centered, yet close proximity of driver's side coil spring to track bar drop bracket is annoying. Approximately 3/8" clearance exists between these parts. Noise emanates from that area during turns, presumably from coil spring-bracket contact. Otherwise, no suspension noise is detected. Due for bold retorquing this weekend.
RE monotube shocks could provide a softer ride, overall, and I am wondering if the cheaper shocks would have been a better investment. Ride does not feel dramatically different than my kid's XJ on 3.5" RE lift, 31" tires, and Rancho shocks. More testing is in order. Perhaps too many variables exist to pinpoint shock performance over simultaneous tire and lift upgrades.
Control at highway speeds in only slightly less than expected. Slight drifting left and right has been noticed, but quick adjustment to driving style is being made. Although no steering slop exists, some spongy control is present. Castor adjustment may be required to correct this, but I doubt I will mess with it. Instead, I will rethink this after I torque everything once again.
Combination of 4.56 gears and 33" tires have restored acceleration and top speed to near stock, as far as I can figure. Engine RPMs appear to be as expected with a stock setup (3.55 gears and 29" tires). 39 tooth speedo gear was installed last night and exact speedometer readings have been verified via GPS on the drive to work this morning.
The BFG M/T KM2s feel great at all speeds with low to moderate road noise noted (Conn Ferr rack produces more than twice the road noise than tires). Moderate tire vibration is felt from 0-10 mph, then disappears beyond that. Naturally, that is due to the bite sized rubber nubs on the tires. Tires appear to have stiff enough sidewalls to prevent unnatural rolling sensation while turning. Cruise speeds (50-65 mph) feels good and traction on wet and dry pavement feels secure.
Brakes feel very firm and I trust my rig will stop in minimal distance when called upon. Concerns about additional weight from tires and increased brake distances are unwarrented.
Ride height is best described as exhilarating. Extra effort to climb into the rig has been a welcome reminder that I am no longer stock. Peering down into vehicles and drive-in windows is a wonderful payoff thus far.
Still no trail time until my bumper arrives and fender clearance issues are resolved.
Last edited:
american_zero
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- San Jose, CA
Nice summary! Although I was hoping to hear that you found the Monotubes to be a very nice ride. Could easily be all the other changes that are making things rougher than expected. Who knows.
I need a lift. Trying to decide on height is keeping me up at night though. :shiver: Because I don't want to spend a lot of money right now I am thinking bastard pack 2.5" lift on 30" all terrains with good armor. Should get me around on any of trails I would do for now. 30" tire fits in the stock spot. Dog can still easily get in and out without blowing out a knee or needing me to pick her up. Gearing remains acceptable. No SYE needed....but damn...yours looks sick!
I need a lift. Trying to decide on height is keeping me up at night though. :shiver: Because I don't want to spend a lot of money right now I am thinking bastard pack 2.5" lift on 30" all terrains with good armor. Should get me around on any of trails I would do for now. 30" tire fits in the stock spot. Dog can still easily get in and out without blowing out a knee or needing me to pick her up. Gearing remains acceptable. No SYE needed....but damn...yours looks sick!
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
I went with a 3.5" lift and 31" tires on my first XJ (Old Blue) and I think that is a tremendous value. No SYE needed, stock gears are OK, and simple, cheap upgrades such as track bar, sway bar discos, and offset rims make vast improvements. Plus, the look of an XJ on 31's is spectacular, IMO.
I sold my stock rims and 30" BFGs (from the Frog) to a guy with a stock XJ and it made that rig look great. Tires fit well and the ATs are good meat.
With access to Craig's and
for sale forums, you should be able to find what you need and go straight to a 3.5" lift for what a new 2" lift would cost. Hell, half the fun is staying up at night planning the next move, right?MaxxXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Bakersfield CA
i couldnt be happier with my 4" lift trimmed fenders and 33's but to each their own. im still even running stock gearing. its a tad bit sluggish but my 4wd isnt effected much IMO. i'll know more the next trip out to the rocks.
AJTorris
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- California
mike a bunch of us are supposed to be going up freeway this weekend if you guys wanna tag along.
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
I spent all day replacing my rear main seal on the Frog. The job was not difficult, but there was a ton of things to do so it took more time than expected. I downloaded about 5 step by step directions from different members and found that to be very helpful. Most of the guides had a few things wrong with the directions, but I made it through well enough.
Everything went as planned and I was pleased with the appearance of the engine and oil pan. Absolutely no sludge or deposits visible. The original gasket came off easily and prep was a breeze.
Another cool trick was using rubber bands to hold the gasket in place while installing the pan. I have read about buying bolts to guide the pan in place, or using zip ties, but I'd say the rubber band trick is golden. I have pics, but I'll have to post those here later in the week.
The only concern I have is old oil leaking from the exact location of the RMS. This is dirty oil, and I am hoping it is some left over oil from the seal area that was forced out by engine pressure. After the first quarte size puddle, it seemed to clear up. I will drive to work tomorrow and check for any leaks. Man, if I screwed this up and wasted a day on this, I'll be pissed. I was thinking the 400 dollar labor charge is easily justified.
The good news is that I have no leaks from my transfer case after the SYE install three weeks ago. I had some ATF seepage, but that was resolved by installing a new o-ring at time of speedo correction gear.
Also, I saw some oil seeping from the rear diff, just a couple of weeks after I paid to have the gears installed. I checked the torque and found none of the diff cover bolts were even close to 35 ft lbs. Torqued everything and so far, no leaks since Saturday.
I guess this is my Frog Blog. Maybe I'll start a new thread.
members and found that to be very helpful. Most of the guides had a few things wrong with the directions, but I made it through well enough.Everything went as planned and I was pleased with the appearance of the engine and oil pan. Absolutely no sludge or deposits visible. The original gasket came off easily and prep was a breeze.
Another cool trick was using rubber bands to hold the gasket in place while installing the pan. I have read about buying bolts to guide the pan in place, or using zip ties, but I'd say the rubber band trick is golden. I have pics, but I'll have to post those here later in the week.
The only concern I have is old oil leaking from the exact location of the RMS. This is dirty oil, and I am hoping it is some left over oil from the seal area that was forced out by engine pressure. After the first quarte size puddle, it seemed to clear up. I will drive to work tomorrow and check for any leaks. Man, if I screwed this up and wasted a day on this, I'll be pissed. I was thinking the 400 dollar labor charge is easily justified.
The good news is that I have no leaks from my transfer case after the SYE install three weeks ago. I had some ATF seepage, but that was resolved by installing a new o-ring at time of speedo correction gear.
Also, I saw some oil seeping from the rear diff, just a couple of weeks after I paid to have the gears installed. I checked the torque and found none of the diff cover bolts were even close to 35 ft lbs. Torqued everything and so far, no leaks since Saturday.
I guess this is my Frog Blog. Maybe I'll start a new thread.
MaxxXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Bakersfield CA
i have a fork lift class i have to attend this weekend, next weekend is a confined space class. their not manditory and they dont raise my pay rate, but it's more job security so i wont be able to make it, and i dont plan on hitting any trails until i can get a front recovery point, im not that comfortable getting pulled up or over something with just my sway bar or axle. thanks for the offer thou. maybe next time.
Last edited:
srmitchell
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Mckinleyville (Humboldt) CA
Have you been able to estimate what kind of mileage you're getting?
I'm planning to go to the same narrow 33's with 456's.
I'm planning to go to the same narrow 33's with 456's.
rocknxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Clinton, Utah (SLC area)
Funny you should ask. I tried to figure mpg on two separate tanks and had to disconnect the battery both times due to other maintenance. That, naturally, cleared my odometer and I did not log the miles up to that point.
I do believe I am getting 17 mpg based on where the fuel needle sits and the number of miles I've driven on this tank. I'll be able to figure that out tomorrow or Saturday and will post the results.
RPMs sit about 2200 at 65 mph and there's plenty of pedal left for acceleration beyond that. Power feels like stock.
