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Some basic mod questions

Paradiddle

NAXJA Forum User
I've been out of the XJ game for over 20 years. I had a built XJ on 35s that I ran in JV a few times before going to the TJ platform. Now I'm done with extreme rock crawling and am just exploring and camping. I'm going to build an XJ on 31's, 2"+- lift, lockers, etc. to kinda go everywhere I want to except JV and other crazy trails. I know the vendors from "back in the day" but wondered if there are new ones to consider. Weight is something I'd like to avoid.

Lift companies look the same. I will probably go OME with some better shocks unless someone says something earth shattering. I don't want to go tall and 31" tires are the firm maximum.

I am looking for any bumper and rocker guard recommendations. ARB is still to big IMO, and I used to run a Hansen, which is still around. I'm curious if anyone has built a better mousetrap then them. Is anyone doing bumpers in aluminum like Savvy does for the TJ?

I used to run the ORGS rocker guards, but they are obviously long gone. What are the best rock guards out now?

Any particular belly skid and gas tank skid that is great? Again - anyone working in aluminum?

I'm not on a limited budget, so I'm interest in quality, ease of installation, and weight over price.

Thanks for your recommendations.

Jeff
 
For rocker guards I have had good luck with Rusty's. Generally I'm not big on Rusty's, as I think they are kind of lower quality with suspension and lifts. But their rocker guards work pretty well. Came down on one pretty hard a few weeks ago and the only damage was a little scratch in the paint. These mount via rivnuts to your rocker so you have to be ok with destroying and drilling your rockers. They are nice because they give you way more clearance than a traditional slider that mounts to the uniframe. Visually I like both of Rusty's traditional tube rock sliders more, but my rockers were already caved in so the rocker guards made more sense to cover up the existing damage. Don't think you can go wrong with any of their rocker armor styles, its all up to your preference.

 
Heres a quick list of companies from the top of my head.

IG/FB - Bad Dad Fab has winch mounts that go behind the stock front bumper skin.
IG/FB - Fifthly addictions offroad has some nice tube style bumpers front and rear
IG - theRollcageco is working on a nice hybrid cage and front bumper.
IRO has some rocker replacement on the market now, I prefer the cheaper and simple 2x6 box tube rocker replacement. K suspension has some easy pre-cut leg supports
Full belly skid i think the rustys system is the only full skid system without going larger lift and long arms. Maybe stinky fab for trans pan protection, and trans crossmember/tcase
light weight and more capacity gas tank, look at genright, theirs is a combo tank/skid in aluminum.
quarter armor, I prefer the DB metalworks or artec industries with rails and built in light box
barnes 4x4 for Cheap weld on axle upgrades and steering box spacer
Kings offroad for frame stiffeners
Circle S industries for rear bumper tie-in/nut strip
ruffstuff for diff covers and rear shackle box replacement (front and rear)
control arms - find someone with ends that are easy to replace and source parts, Rubicon express bushings are near impossible to find now.
Stinky fab has a good bit of aluminum upgrades including arms, steering, and track bar. Not sure if some of it will work with 3" lift though.
they also have good motor brackets, motor mounts, and trans mounts.
 
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StinkyFab (aka SFR) is probably the most important "new name" in the XJ aftermarket. Dallas does good stuff.

Another option for a "behind the bumper" winch is Boostwerks. They have some other products worth looking at as well.

If you want a smaller front bumper take a look at Dirtbound. Not aluminum, but they do offer some compact front bumper designs. And good battery trays.

I am not aware of anyone doing anything in the aluminum armor department. That sort of thing tends to be pretty high end and XJs simply are not a high end platform.

Given that you have been out of the loop for a while you probably are not aware of the WJ brake swap. That is a mod which no one seems to regret. Look into it before you invest in tires and wheels. If you get heavily invested in 15" wheels and then decide you want to do the WJ swap you may regret your choice of wheels.

Another product you might want to be aware of is Genright's extra capacity gas tank. I believe that is an aluminum component. It is also only an option for the late model XJs. Kinda spendy, but it sounds like that may not be an issue for you.
 
If you decide on WJ Big Brakes, then I like Stinky Fabs setup. Also, do the cross over steering. I used Ruffs 1-ton GM steering. Stinky has OTK and Trackbar brace. I also have the Bad Dad hidden winch mount installed. He offers a full bumper for it and also a center section with optional wings. I went with the full bumper for road use. I would probably gone with the center with wings for a Trail rig. It is easy to replace just the bumper. So, I might get both at some point. I'd also check out Ironman's site.
I did do a 2" lift. Sort of limited offerings for a 2" rear spring. I used an 'Up Country' set. Looking back an OME would have been nice. I plan to go to 3-1/2. I already have the springs. Metal Cloak fronts and OME rears.
 
Thanks guys. I really appreciate the vendor updates. I'm very familiar with the WJ conversion - I ran that when the WJ first came out and it became a "thing" on a TJ prior to Blaine figuring out his brake kit that includes hydroboost (Black Magic Brakes).
 
Another product you might want to be aware of is Genright's extra capacity gas tank. I believe that is an aluminum component. It is also only an option for the late model XJs. Kinda spendy, but it sounds like that may not be an issue for you.
He didn't say what year, but the ZJ tank mod is also a option that works with a factory skid plate.
 
Another option for a "behind the bumper" winch is Boostwerks. They have some other products worth looking at as well.

Boostwerks hasnt re-posted the hidden winch for sale that I have seen. I know he mentioned at one point he was going to start re-producing them...
If you get heavily invested in 15" wheels and then decide you want to do the WJ swap you may regret your choice of wheels.

You can fit stock 15s with spacers. Have a friend with turbines on his WJ swap.

He didn't say what year, but the ZJ tank mod is also a option that works with a factory skid plate.

I dont think the ZJ tank fits the stock XJ skid without putting pressure on the tank. I found your post where you widened the stock skid. Also other people have either stretched aftermarket skids or cut them and widened them

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I dont think the ZJ tank fits the stock XJ skid without putting pressure on the tank. I found your post where you widened the stock skid. Also other people have either stretched aftermarket skids or cut them and widened them.
I never found the actual cause of my leak so that was a precautionary choice just in case.
 
I’d kill for aluminum bumpers. It’s too bad. I have the genright tank, it was spendy but I haven’t regretted it. Don’t forget AJs sliders! Cheap and good quality.
 
What's the recommended gas tank skid now? I see Rusty's, JCR, and Skid Row still around. I used to run the DPG one, but Dirk doesn't make them anymore.
 
Iron Rock Offroad also offers a gas tank skid. I've got one and like it.
 
Thank you. Looks like a good unit and it's reasonably priced. I do hate the big logo on it, but what can you do....
Can always weld a plate over the logo or screw a thinner piece on to hide it. If you plan on going with the Genrite tank, you wont need a separate skid.
 
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