wescam
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Alexandria VA
After many searches and mostly similar information. I am, as a potential owner, very curious about basic off-road modifications.
Looking at the late model Cherokee, I have formed up a few simple conclusions.
I'd like to find an "idiot FAQ" somewhere, or perhaps, with proper attribution construct my own so that I may learn.
General do's and don'ts for lifting, tire size, when to mod further into the drive trains, recovery items (various levels), protection items (skids, rails, etc) -- all that plus ball park costs (sticky issue due to mechanics and DIY folk).
It would be quite an undertaking for me, and I assume I could compile my own from posts, articles, tech discussions etc. Maybe someone's done it, but when I read them -- well there's various opinions that confuse me.
In general here are my starter questions. Again, I'm not standing in the yard with parts and tools scratching my head. I'm just looking into things to do and trying to increase what I know.
If any of these assumtions so far are wrong, please tell me.
- There are things called BB lifts (don't know what that stands for) that lift the XJ a few inches. They allow for 30" tires and require no drive train modifications. (200-500$ no idea on install costs)
- Various companies make lifts for the XJ that go 3.0-3.5 lift. These lifts could allow for 31" tires. There isn't a need for drive train modifications, however rubbing could be an issue. ($300-$600 no idea on install costs, assume $1,000? at a local shop).
- Going beyond say 4-5 inches on an XJ seems to mean lots of concerns. This is the point where you should modify various parts of the drivetrain. I assume you are well past diminishing returns if you fail to do so.
- NP231 slip yoke elimination -- I know it's a short shaft that a machine shop can handle -- they sell kits for it. You need a new drive shaft after it, but it "rights" the drive angle. (That's all I know).
- Gearing should be higher to compensate as your tire sizes grow beyond 33 as you lift higher. (no idea on the cost here, would like ideas)
- Steering concerns come into play, I assume the stock pump is ok, but I read much about types of arm conversions.
- You may want to install quick disconnects on swaybars (aftermarket kits with bars seem to have these) so that when offroad you can articulate more.
- Stock axles are out now?
- Is this the point when you swap into the popular DANA front and rear?
- Costs climb here to 5-7$K depending on what all you swap out, and who does the work.
Beyond 4-5 inches is the realm of the super modifications it seems.
- Nearly every suspension component is modified or replaced.
- People buy expensive low ratio transfer cases
- Stock axles and diffs are gone.
- Engine and brake mods are used to compensate for weight and get the offroad performance.
- Lifts up to 7-8 inches completely change the road dynamic of the vehicle so concern is in order for all driveline components.
- Most of these folk are considered hardcore off-roaders who break stuff.
- Costs with install can climb to 10K in aftermarket work.
Recovery and Protection.
- There is a point where an enthusiast off-roader wants to reach where his cost of modifications pay off for his enjoyment. For example, a small lift (2.5) and 30" tires pared with good protection and recovery all around and a sesnsable approach to off-road fun goes farther for his goals than a 3.5 " lift, bigger tires, with no attention paid to protection and recovery.
- Assumption is the basic off roader XJ guy is after the lift and tires, the factory bumpers can be replaced along with adding rock rails, and skid plates for sensative components in the drive train (front skid, transfer case, fuel tank, etc). Total costs of parts here can climb quickly to $2K with full set of recovery gear, and all the protection components. Assume best course is to enjoy the vehicle and see "what you need to go where you'd like to go".
OK, so I'm betting I got lots of stuff wrong. The above is just an idea of the things I'm trying to confirm.
What I had done is made notes in notepad while reading things in various internet articles.
The above is that stuff, in plain, language.
If anyone else is really bored, they can just chime in with opinions.
Looking at the late model Cherokee, I have formed up a few simple conclusions.
I'd like to find an "idiot FAQ" somewhere, or perhaps, with proper attribution construct my own so that I may learn.
General do's and don'ts for lifting, tire size, when to mod further into the drive trains, recovery items (various levels), protection items (skids, rails, etc) -- all that plus ball park costs (sticky issue due to mechanics and DIY folk).
It would be quite an undertaking for me, and I assume I could compile my own from posts, articles, tech discussions etc. Maybe someone's done it, but when I read them -- well there's various opinions that confuse me.
In general here are my starter questions. Again, I'm not standing in the yard with parts and tools scratching my head. I'm just looking into things to do and trying to increase what I know.
If any of these assumtions so far are wrong, please tell me.
- There are things called BB lifts (don't know what that stands for) that lift the XJ a few inches. They allow for 30" tires and require no drive train modifications. (200-500$ no idea on install costs)
- Various companies make lifts for the XJ that go 3.0-3.5 lift. These lifts could allow for 31" tires. There isn't a need for drive train modifications, however rubbing could be an issue. ($300-$600 no idea on install costs, assume $1,000? at a local shop).
- Going beyond say 4-5 inches on an XJ seems to mean lots of concerns. This is the point where you should modify various parts of the drivetrain. I assume you are well past diminishing returns if you fail to do so.
- NP231 slip yoke elimination -- I know it's a short shaft that a machine shop can handle -- they sell kits for it. You need a new drive shaft after it, but it "rights" the drive angle. (That's all I know).
- Gearing should be higher to compensate as your tire sizes grow beyond 33 as you lift higher. (no idea on the cost here, would like ideas)
- Steering concerns come into play, I assume the stock pump is ok, but I read much about types of arm conversions.
- You may want to install quick disconnects on swaybars (aftermarket kits with bars seem to have these) so that when offroad you can articulate more.
- Stock axles are out now?
- Is this the point when you swap into the popular DANA front and rear?
- Costs climb here to 5-7$K depending on what all you swap out, and who does the work.
Beyond 4-5 inches is the realm of the super modifications it seems.
- Nearly every suspension component is modified or replaced.
- People buy expensive low ratio transfer cases
- Stock axles and diffs are gone.
- Engine and brake mods are used to compensate for weight and get the offroad performance.
- Lifts up to 7-8 inches completely change the road dynamic of the vehicle so concern is in order for all driveline components.
- Most of these folk are considered hardcore off-roaders who break stuff.
- Costs with install can climb to 10K in aftermarket work.
Recovery and Protection.
- There is a point where an enthusiast off-roader wants to reach where his cost of modifications pay off for his enjoyment. For example, a small lift (2.5) and 30" tires pared with good protection and recovery all around and a sesnsable approach to off-road fun goes farther for his goals than a 3.5 " lift, bigger tires, with no attention paid to protection and recovery.
- Assumption is the basic off roader XJ guy is after the lift and tires, the factory bumpers can be replaced along with adding rock rails, and skid plates for sensative components in the drive train (front skid, transfer case, fuel tank, etc). Total costs of parts here can climb quickly to $2K with full set of recovery gear, and all the protection components. Assume best course is to enjoy the vehicle and see "what you need to go where you'd like to go".
OK, so I'm betting I got lots of stuff wrong. The above is just an idea of the things I'm trying to confirm.
What I had done is made notes in notepad while reading things in various internet articles.
The above is that stuff, in plain, language.
If anyone else is really bored, they can just chime in with opinions.