I want to get and XJ

[JoesXJ]

Hi, I'm Joe and I'm a total newbie at this. My wife and I (yes - I even have her pemission and interest in this) want to buy and XJ and I have a few questions like who makes the best lift, what size and so on etc. If anyone has some advise I would gladly take it. I live in Fresno CA so if anyone knows what would be best for the sierras here I would appreciate it!

Tanks!
- Joe

 

[GGR]

Hey Joe,

Im a noob here too, but I have found this site very helpful. As far as lifts go, from what I've gathered, there are just to many choices and opinions, Rubicon Express(RE) seems to be a all around good choice for and XJ lift, as well as other performance and offroad parts. I live in Rancho Cordova, and about 5 mins from RE, but I did not use their kit for my lift. I went at it in a more hands on way. Really I just made my own lift. I did a lot of research on this site and made a few decisions about my lift that I am very happy with.
I saved a few coin, and learned a lot about my XJ in the process.

Check out my pics http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=55142

This is with a 3" lift over stock and Rancho RS Shocks.



The search feature on this site is your very wise and opinionated friend.

 

[JoesXJ]

From what I've read It seems that RE is the way to go. On my wish list of things to do is a lift consisting of 6-10 inches running 35's, I really like that way XJ's look like set up like this. I do have a question though concerning the auto tranny....how strong are they and is there anything that can be done to strengthen them if need be.

 

[ChuckD]

From what I've read It seems that RE is the way to go. On my wish list of things to do is a lift consisting of 6-10 inches running 35's, I really like that way XJ's look like set up like this. I do have a question though concerning the auto tranny....how strong are they and is there anything that can be done to strengthen them if need be.

Auto's are plenty strong and the Ax-15's are pretty decent also. If you were itching to modify anything it would be to upgrade the stock axles. Where in Fresno are you? I work over by the airport.

 

[JoesXJ]

I work near Shaw and 99 and live in the Madera Ranchos actually.

 

[ChuckD]

Well welcome to Sierra Chapter and . Tons of great info on the mod boards.

 

[cherokee Wheeler10]

i would go with a RE lift and Up grade the Axles first!!!!!!! thats what i think

 

[Matt S.]

Hey we got a member out in the ranchos! I am at herndon and 99 myself. Welcome to the "coolest" chapter :laugh3: Make sure you check out our scheduled runs this summer. Try to make them!

Matt

 

[Boatwrench]

Welcome Joe,
My advice on a lift...(I run stock so take this for what it's worth)...spend your 1st $45 joining , than your second $45 buying the factory service manual for whatever year XJ you purchase. Accept Chuck's invitation and come along to the events, all are always welcomed and the friendship is top notch.
Welcome to the busiest chapter in the club. :wave:
Tom

 

[WHEEL'er-DLR]

joe, give me a call on sat. 661.869-2800 [after 10am] i live here in bakersfield and sell alot of used jeeps and [hope] to explain the steps of a xj build-up. would be glad to help you in anyway, also, run in the sierras often. P.S. welcome to naxja!

 

[rockin'_phil]

joe, give me a call on sat. 661.869-2800 [after 10am] i live here in bakersfield and sell alot of used jeeps and [hope] to explain the steps of a xj build-up. would be glad to help you in anyway, also, run in the sierras often. P.S. welcome to naxja!

joe, WHEELER'er-DLR can find you a decent xj for the right price. give him a call.

 

[kr7o]

I saw one for sale downtown last week on Gateway in the area around the hardware store/Schoettler Tire. It was parked on the street so maybe an employee in the area. Looked like 4.5" lift and 31's, but wasn't paying attention.

If you are looking to start from scratch I see project XJ material all the time sitting in peoples yards in the Ranchos.

 

[JoesXJ]

WOW!! Thanks everyone for all the info....I've very impressed. Most places aren't so nice, and yes, I will soon become an actual member. I look forward to meeting ya'll someday.

Right now I'm in the information/money gathering mode and all this information is very much appreciated. My Wife and I are into the outdoors and having a family with an XJ seems to be the only way to do it right. I want to buy a stock XJ and build it up myself.....learning as I go....luckily I have a lot of good resources.

 

[karstic]

Joe welcome to Sierra Chapter (although I'm from SoCal) of .

Don't be in such a hurry to get that 10" lift and 35's. You'll be suprised what you can do with a stock Cherokee w/ some decent tires. Plus driving down low we'll help you learn to pick/drive better lines. Participate in the runs as much as you can and determine what you want to do with your Cherokee and then go from there.

 

[dandecicco]

So how is Ave. 12 these days? getting busy?

 

[JoesXJ]

Thats the thing, I like the look of them with that big of a lift...however, I have no idea what I'm thinking or talking about when it comes to a usable lift...thats why I'm here listening (reading) to advise from others.:wave:

 

[JoesXJ]

Man ave 12 is getting busy, we live one block south of Ave 12. They are putting in a stoplight at 12/36 by the high school....its kinda nice, hopefully it will put a break in some of the even traffic…plus it wont feel like a little hick town anymore

 

[JoesXJ]

Well I made the first move and submitted my application and my $$ to become an offical 2 year member.:wierd:

 

[Boatwrench]

Joe,

I was in Moab two weeks ago with the IC guys. My sister's stock XJ did real well. Last year my stock XJ (that's me in the picture on Wipeout Hill) did well. There are lots of lift height combos, seems that a 4.5" RE is the most popular. Remember a lift brings lot's of hidden costs, not just the springs. Costs like an SYE, Adjustable track bar, ACOs, shocks, different steering geometry, longer brake lines, to name some. I am on an extremely tight budget with three daughters in college and one in HS so my lift has been taking two years to gather all thepieces and have ready for a lift party.

Welcome again to .

Oh and checkout www.craigslist.com...<cars&trucks> keyword <cherokee>
Tom

 

[texasxj]

little help from down texas way. I wouldnt buy anything already lifted just because you dont know who did it and so on. i have been corrupted by this jeep stuff for around 2 years so im still learning. start from the bottom-Axles. Build from there. I would start with a stock xj and learn what it can do and then build up from there. I didnt have that option with mine. it was too far gone to wheel. this will build up experience. good luck!