Possumb84
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Greensboro NC
Hello all! Been creeping on here for a few years, but haven't posted yet. I'm about to start building my 00 XJ. It'll be primarily a rock crawler, but I will have to drive it to the trails(Atleast for a few more years). Right now it sits on 4.5" RE front coils, 3.5" RE rear springs, 2" lift shackles, HD offroad no lift shackle relocation brackets, Chrysler 8.25 3.55 gears and a lockright solid diff cover, relocated axle shock mounts flush with axle tube, HP D30 3.55 gears and a lockright ruffstuf diff cover, RE fixed LCA's, Currie LCA skids, RE adjustable track bar, HD tie rod, RE sway bar discos(red ones), 35 12.5 15's, NP231 with SYE (don't know the brand), transfer case skid, JCR quarter panel and taillight armor, roof sliders (not sure of brand) JCR rock sliders, had a old style JCR winch bumper(selling it today, switching to a stubby bumper haven't settled on a brand yet), 8K Traveller synthetic rope winch, 98 Xj 4.0 with adapter plate for intake, coil packs just sit there with no hold down bracket, e fan switch in cab, AW4.
When I bought it it was sitting in 31's, shackle relocation and shock relocation were not done, and the front coils were 3.5, so it sat raked in the front. Took it to Uwharrie a few times and was pretty impressed. Went to 35's over the winter ( wanted to be able to get up the first ledge on Daniel) relocated the shackles and shock mounts and swapped the 3.5 coils to 4.5, and trimmed the fenders a little more. Got to take it one more time before My wife had to dd it for a few weeks while her Tahoe was in the shop and the radiator blew, and blew the head gasket.
So that's when I decided that it was time to build it the way I want it. I'm on a limited budget due to have 2 young kids, but times not a factor since it's not a DD. Plans are to keep the axles, and stay on 35's. Going to re-gear to 4.88's maybe 5.13's, keep the lockrights. Bump stops front and rear. Rear shocks through the floor. Frame stiffeners. Pull the motor trans and t-case, address all leaks and minor issues. Those are the things that are set in stone(for now).
Things I'm on the fence about are:
Steering, I know I want some type of 1 ton set up, just not sure on wich one.
Control arms, adjustable lowers or long arms? Liked the looks and ease of install of the IRO 3 link. Lift will stay at 4.5"
Axles, should I truss them? Would rather my U joints and shafts be my weak point for easier trail repair if something does break, so not really wanting to to much other than gears and trusses. Also thought about doing WJ knuckles and brakes, and probably do liberty rear brake swap.
I will be doing most of everything myself, except some of the welding (in the process of teaching myslef) and tube work(rear shock hoops).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. TIA!
When I bought it it was sitting in 31's, shackle relocation and shock relocation were not done, and the front coils were 3.5, so it sat raked in the front. Took it to Uwharrie a few times and was pretty impressed. Went to 35's over the winter ( wanted to be able to get up the first ledge on Daniel) relocated the shackles and shock mounts and swapped the 3.5 coils to 4.5, and trimmed the fenders a little more. Got to take it one more time before My wife had to dd it for a few weeks while her Tahoe was in the shop and the radiator blew, and blew the head gasket.
So that's when I decided that it was time to build it the way I want it. I'm on a limited budget due to have 2 young kids, but times not a factor since it's not a DD. Plans are to keep the axles, and stay on 35's. Going to re-gear to 4.88's maybe 5.13's, keep the lockrights. Bump stops front and rear. Rear shocks through the floor. Frame stiffeners. Pull the motor trans and t-case, address all leaks and minor issues. Those are the things that are set in stone(for now).
Things I'm on the fence about are:
Steering, I know I want some type of 1 ton set up, just not sure on wich one.
Control arms, adjustable lowers or long arms? Liked the looks and ease of install of the IRO 3 link. Lift will stay at 4.5"
Axles, should I truss them? Would rather my U joints and shafts be my weak point for easier trail repair if something does break, so not really wanting to to much other than gears and trusses. Also thought about doing WJ knuckles and brakes, and probably do liberty rear brake swap.
I will be doing most of everything myself, except some of the welding (in the process of teaching myslef) and tube work(rear shock hoops).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. TIA!
