Next Step for my XJ - Off-Road Forums & Discussion Groups

kettles · #1 10-06-2008, 09:30 PM

Hello, I would like some advice on what should be my next step with my jeep. I have a 2001 XJ sport, that I have lifted 2" (AAL back and spacer front) and put on 235/75/15 Firestone Destination A/T tires. I also have rustys performance kit, with their airtube K&N filter, and a catback system (i havn't installed the exhaust yet).

I am 18 and in college, so I have a limited budget, and I want to know what I should do next. It's my "daily driver" so nothing radical. I only wheel occasionally (although I would like to really get into it), but I go camping at least once a month. I also don't have many specialty tools (just basic stuff in my dads garage) so nothing too complicated. I was planning on adding tow hooks, and a light bar or bull bar/brush guard sometime but wasn't sure what else I could do, that is affordable or recommended.
*update*
I had some lights already, and mounted them on the bumper, so a light bar is not necessary anymore.

ALSO, I made a sway bar disconnect bolt (two washers, clevis pin, and the hitch pin for it. I welded one washer to the head end, because I saw a pic of someone that used the same setup, and the washer pulled off after a year of use), but I can't get the stock bolt out (lower bolt on axle) it is knurled and pressed in really tight, and I bashed on it with a hammer, but to no avail.
*update*
I bought a 2 jaw puller for $20 and got it out pretty easy, so this install is done.

Any advice on these issues would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance
-Kevin

kettles · #2 10-13-2008, 11:31 AM

wow, 7 days and no response, seems like at least one of the 80 people that viewed it could throw in their 2 cents...

NIX · #3 10-14-2008, 05:16 PM

With a limited budget I would have advised against the lightbar. I have not much to add, but to get rid of the rear AAL and spacer lift. Start saving for a 3" lift springpack. For a front lift you can use spacers or springs whatever you like.

For the rest, don't spend your money on "performance" tricks, but do the regular maintenance and oil changes.

kettles · #4 10-14-2008, 09:49 PM

I wanted something to add to looks, I don't necessarily need the extra light, but i think it adds to the sporty look (note:i just bumper-mounted the lights).

Is new pack worth the extra $$ if it only sees trails every once and a while? Or should I wait to think about that untill I get more serious and might want to increase the lift at the same time?

should I save for a locker or something similar? if so what specifically..

NIX · #5 10-15-2008, 03:23 PM

More than 3" lift means doing an SYE.

It depends onm how much trail and how heavy if you prefer a locker or some extra lift

kettles · #6 10-15-2008, 07:16 PM

my point is:
I do light wheeling right now, would I see much benifit from a new pack over my AAL for light wheeling.
AND
I plan on getting more serious in the future, and I can Imagine that, being more serious, I might want a little more lift and larger tires.
SO
would it be more sensible to wait and, when getting more lift in the future, replacing the whole pack then, instead of replacing it now, and then replacing it AGAIN in the future
OR
replacing the pack now with a 3" pack (keeping the lift the same) and then block and/or shackle lift for more in the future

I am aware of slip yoke eleminators, new control arms, track bars, sway bar extentions, t-case lowering etc. that will be required with more lift.

FYI I dont see myself getting more than 5" of lift, with a likely increase in the future to 4.5"and not more

More information: I plan on havin this XJ for a while, and using it for everyday driving, so I wanted moreso to know what would be recomended so that
A: I dont get stuck (lockers or not), and if I do I can get out (tow hooks, winch, front receiver)
B: Nothing fails that would make it hard to use as a daily driver (rear ujoint or axle failure, underbody component damage, etc)
C: so it doesn't suffer too much cosmetic or stuctural damage (rocker guards, brush guard, skid plates)

and if you have suggestions, any cheaper ways to do it (such as homemade rocker guards or something, because i know they are not cheap, I do have a stick welder, but am still relatively novice, but working on it) would be nice

emphasis on cheap and reliable.

NIX · #7 10-16-2008, 03:22 PM

Bigger tires also mean lower gears for the diffs. Plus maybe you need to beef up the rear axle. So if you plan on putting on more lift and bigger tyres, it all comes at once. The t-case lowering is only a temporary measure. At 5" lift an SYE is the only durable option.

Just choose between a well done 5" lift or a solid winch. a locker in the current rear is a good option, but what if you want more lift?

Just trying to put things in a little overview. It's your choice.

kettles · #8 10-16-2008, 05:05 PM

Thank you. I have been thinking about it, and practically, I wouldnt increase the lift for atleast 2 years, and by then I hopefully would have a job, and some type of more permanet housing (not a dorm) and then I would rather get an older wrangler and do whatever I want to with it.
I would reather make the XJ good with its current lift, and whatever I do, not plan on increasing the lift. So im not going to worry about "will i have to replace this later if I raise it?"
SO
If I was to get a locker, where should i put it (front or rear) and what type. I know there are tons, and I know ARB's Air Locker is good because of with it off, the diff acts normal, so thats good for street use. Is a type of Posi traction or limited slip diff any good as a alternative to a locker for mild use (obviously for serious stuff it wouldn't cut it) I just don't want to get stuck without a way to get out? If so whats the price difference.

I figure because Im worried about getting stuck doing something that I shouldn't do, i need some type of tow hook ability. I like the stock look, so I reaserched hooks or a front hitch. I like the Draw Tite front hitch because it hides behind the air dam, and is stronger than hooks... Plus if i ever got a winch i could use a hitch mount. Is that a reasonable alternative to regular tow hooks, I think its like $150 for the hitch or 75 for hooks.

NIX · #9 10-16-2008, 05:28 PM

I'm not that experienced about winches and lockers. It seems you have an idea about the hooks. Kraby made his own. Maybe not the nicest to look at, but certainly the cheapest and strong.

But I would go for some nice rear lockers and leave the limited slip. Let others inform you about lockers. I'm sorry the forum is a bit dead, lately. You can ask at the SWB about lockers if no one will aswer over here.

NIX · #10 10-16-2008, 05:31 PM

I'm not that experienced about winches and lockers. It seems you have an idea about the hooks. Kraby made his own. Maybe not the nicest to look at, but certainly the cheapest and strong.

But I would go for some nice rear lockers and leave the limited slip. Let others inform you about lockers. I'm sorry the forum is a bit dead, lately. you can ask at the SWB if nobody answers over here.