How to build a bullet proof XJ (more stock less mods)

[95' heep]

anything is possible.

However you can "reduce" the risk of breakage by upgrade it to a full carrier locker/limit slip and some kind of trussing, chromo axle shafts, etc. but you should be fine with just on 30's. its possible but low on 30's

 

[RedHeep]

even if I run the D30 open it will still break?

Where are you reading about things breaking?

You're worried about a rear D44 with a locker on 30's?

And an open 30?

You need to broaden your horizons a little. I've heard of being conservative, but you're taking it to the next level. There are plenty of people running 33's (some folks 35's) on the two axles under your jeep. With lockers.

 

[95' heep]

Where are you reading about things breaking?

You're worried about a rear D44 with a locker on 30's?

And an open 30?

You need to broaden your horizons a little. I've heard of being conservative, but you're taking it to the next level. There are plenty of people running 33's (some folks 35's) on the two axles under your jeep. With lockers.

anything can break but the risk of the breakage can be reduced in many different ways

 

[POLAR_JEEP_04]

Bullet proof XJ

 

[Brad M.]

even if I run the D30 open it will still break?

I find it very hard to conceive of breaking a D30 on just 30" tires. I wheeled my 3" lift/31" tire setup on my XJ for 2 yrs (open diffs) running all over Moab and never broke either axle. Hell, I still haven't broke 'em running 33's and ARB's for the last 9 yrs.

 

[Rod Knee]

I think you have things pretty well sorted out in your mind as to your priorities, stephan. There are certainly some very practical advantages to staying stock/near stock. IMO, the utility of lockers/LSD's is overblown with some driving skills on moderate trails. I'm open/open on 31's and I've sailed thru slick spots when others were getting out of their vehicles to see why their lockers weren't engaging. I make it fine through obstacles that others assume I'm going to need a tug over. I would like lower gearsthan my stock 3.55's, though, especially when I'm hauling a load up a long grade in Wyoming with a howling cross wind.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

IMO, a lunchbox locker (or full detroit) can/will benefit you more than an LSD, at least in the rear. A moderate lift and whatever size tires you want is fine. If you are not planning on a stroker or engine swap I would recommend 4.10 gears for 31's or lower. Lockers/LSD do not make up completely for lack of driving skills.
I am not really into rock crawling, more into dunes/sand some mud. And lockers are definitely a benefit in the sand/mud and slick stuff. Can usually get more places in 2wd+locker without having to use 4WD.
My future plans are, LSx/LQ truck motor swap, maybe 31's, 3.5"ish lift, roll bar/cage (possibly), better bumpers frt/rear, spot lights.

 

[stephenspann27]

I love seeing the looks on peoples faces when I go through difficult obstacles in my stock xj. I usually go after someone else through the obstacle, pick my line, and use more throttle. I think I may do a lunchbox locker in the rear.. 30'' tires to keep my peppy acceleration.. and leave the front open. Again I'm not sure if that lift is a full 3'' so.. 31's may rub..

I'm trying to be honest with myself about how much I wheel, which amounts to maybe one time a month. I don't want to pay the penalty every day for a more offroad capable rig.. in the way of mpg and drivability.

 

[Kevin108]

Seriously dude, an axle shaft replacement involves 5 lug nuts, 10 diff cover bolts, 1 pinion shaft retaining bolt, 1 Easy Cheese can of Permatex and about 2½ quarts of gear oil. On the trail, I wouldn't hesitate to reuse what was in the pumpkin at the time. You might loose an hour doing it by yourself. With help from 2 or 3 people that knew what they were doing, it would happen in minutes.

That said, I think that that armor and traction (lockers + tires) are much more important than ground clearance. Well, unless you're doing water crossings with a DD.

 

[stephenspann27]

Seriously dude, an axle shaft replacement involves 5 lug nuts, 10 diff cover bolts, 1 pinion shaft retaining bolt, 1 Easy Cheese can of Permatex and about 2½ quarts of gear oil. On the trail, I wouldn't hesitate to reuse what was in the pumpkin at the time. You might loose an hour doing it by yourself. With help from 2 or 3 people that knew what they were doing, it would happen in minutes.

That said, I think that that armor and traction (lockers + tires) are much more important than ground clearance. Well, unless you're doing water crossings with a DD.

I'm installing the lift mostly because its free.. and also, the place where I wheel the most, i drag the bottom of my jeep a lot going town hills, and cresting hills, I need to raise my "break over" angle.