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Advice on mods for my old xj

Discussion in 'General Jeep Discussion' started by Billy1234, May 30, 2019.

  1. May 30, 2019 at 12:32 PM
    #1
    Billy1234

    Billy1234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Any advice where to start would be sweet ha wanna do this right but keep it my daily for now.
     
  2. May 30, 2019 at 12:40 PM
    #2
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    What are you wanting to do with this vehicle? Just a daily driver? rocks? mud? moderate trails? camping?
     
  3. May 30, 2019 at 12:58 PM
    #3
    Billy1234

    Billy1234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Moderate trails maybe some small rocks and daily nothing to crazy
     
  4. May 30, 2019 at 12:59 PM
    #4
    Billy1234

    Billy1234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Oh cant forget the mud haha
     
  5. May 30, 2019 at 1:48 PM
    #5
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    3-4.5" lift, 31-33" tires depending on how much fender you want to trim.
    If you go 4.5" a long arm suspension would ride much better, but may not be budget friendly.
    With tires typically comes gears, some will say they have run 33s on stock gears and been fine but for a daily driver it is going to such gas.
    If you are going to re-gear you might as well go with some type of locker while someone is already in there.
    Steel bumpers and recovery points, a winch if you would like.
    Recovery straps/bubbarope.

    For mud I would even look at running 35"+ tires with either more lift or some really cut fenders and bump stops or a combination there of. If you are really going to be going through mud pits the more of the vehicle/axles that touch the mud the more resistance you are going to have so you want it up and out as much as possible.

    I like stuff from Ironman4x4fab for suspension and steering, they are super beefy and have good customer service. They aren't cheap but they are way better than Rough Country or Rusty's.


    Notice I didn't say lightsbars? :D
     
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  6. May 30, 2019 at 1:54 PM
    #6
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    I put a 4.5" lift and swap axle (lower gears) at the same time but ran 30" tires for awhile. It was ok around town but I didn't like it on the highway (engine RPM).
    Without the shocks and factory bump stops it flexed great! Some would say it looked goofy, though I didn't think it looked all that bad it definitely looks better with the 32"s (real 32"s) on it.

    Speaking of shocks, measure the full compression and extension of the suspension and get the stocks that fit those measurements. Don't just buy ones that say they are for a certain lift size/range. This was the limiting factor on flex once I put shocks on when I ran the 30"s. Now with 32"s I have fender clearance to worry about so it's not such a big deal but you can always bump stop if you need to limit travel, don't let the shocks determine that.
     
  7. May 30, 2019 at 3:21 PM
    #7
    Billy1234

    Billy1234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I was looking at a 3 inch lift dont wanna go to high wife's a little short lol
     
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  8. Jun 2, 2019 at 5:47 AM
    #8
    Billy1234

    Billy1234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So I think I'm ganna hold off on the lift for now but I do wanna upgrade up front and in back steering wise track bars n all any good aftermarket to go with?
     
  9. Jun 2, 2019 at 2:13 PM
    #9
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    I like ironman4x4fab. I have his steering box brace, trackbar, control arms, and shackle relocation brackets.
    Iron rock off road may be another good option.
     
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  10. Jun 2, 2019 at 6:40 PM
    #10
    JKBob 25

    JKBob 25 Well-Known Member

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    Yo @Billy1234 .
    This is my ex XJ. Basic 2 inch puck lift. Upgraded track bars and steering stablizer with a steering box brace. About $400 at the time.
    20180628_202526.jpg 20180628_202556.jpg
     
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  11. Jun 3, 2019 at 3:07 AM
    #11
    Billy1234

    Billy1234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    TThheerreesreerQUOTE="JKBob 25, post: 28793, member: 1197"]Yo @Billy1234 .
    This is my ex XJ. Basic 2 inch puck lift. Upgraded track bars and steering stablizer with a steering box brace. About $400 at the time.
    [/QUOTE]theres pucks on it now I believe there 1.5-2 inches not sure tho I like the look of a actual lift i never liked pucks for some reason prolly keep them for now tho but on the other hand 33s a good fit or will I need to cut the fenders a shit ton @Prerunner1982 just wanna know about how much I need to cut? Dont wanna over cut and look stupid
     
  12. Jun 3, 2019 at 3:08 AM
    #12
    Billy1234

    Billy1234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Oh yeah and I need new leaf springs anyways they look like a frowny face lol :(
     
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  13. Jun 3, 2019 at 5:36 AM
    #13
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    How much you cut the front fenders is up to you and how much clearance you may need.
    The rear however can only be cut so far. You have to cut flaps and bend them over, there are welds that you don't want to cut off or cut passed as you will separate the inner fender from the outer body.
     
    Last edited: Jun 3, 2019
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  14. Jun 3, 2019 at 6:11 AM
    #14
    Awrench

    Awrench Well-Known Member

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    basics!!! A solid base to work from and depend on.

    #1 addition is a trans cooler.
    A winch and TASTFUL front bumper is a great off road mod.
    Then a 2" lift MAX but I dont see why you need that.
    Tires - what will fit opening and sizes that installer can correct the speedometer to accommodate.

    An orvis 8'6" rod with a matching reel.
     
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  15. Jun 6, 2019 at 7:31 PM
    #15
    JKBob 25

    JKBob 25 Well-Known Member

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    I agree with @Awrench. I wouldnt go more than 2 inch lift. And dude.... @Billy1234. Don't start cuttin up XJ. Your gonna regret it. You can always add lift. But you can't replace fenders and sheet metal. Without spending a wad more cash. No what I'm saying. XJs are pretty cool. If your looking at DD, with a nice stance. 2" with 31s. Also a capable mild Off road jeep.
     
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  16. Jun 6, 2019 at 8:01 PM
    #16
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    Ohh 4.5" and 32"s aren't bad.
    IMG_20190528_190537.jpg
     
  17. Jun 7, 2019 at 8:00 AM
    #17
    Billy1234

    Billy1234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Any good brand for the cooler come to mind? And anything to keep the engine down cool as well? I'm think I'm going this direction you say
     
  18. Jun 7, 2019 at 8:05 AM
    #18
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

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    Just like a woman... if you start with just 2" you are going to want more. :D
     
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  19. Jun 7, 2019 at 12:37 PM
    #19
    Billy1234

    Billy1234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    True that!
     
  20. Jun 7, 2019 at 12:52 PM
    #20
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

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    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    2" is a bit small can't blame her for wanting more :devil:
     
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