JimN

That is impressive! My 99 SE has a long list of things to do, and this is one of them. Thought of just replacing the leaf packs and shocks, but a mild lift doesn't seem to degrade mileage as much as I've been lead to believe. Given how I use my XJ, 2 to 3 inches is enough for me. Thanks! Again, looking forward to seeing how well this goes.

XJmike0122

Did just about the same on the trip back tonight. Don't get me wrong I don't drive like a granny but if you floor it cuz you just have to go 75-80mph up every hill and try to pass everyone you see you won't get this mileage.

JimN

Haha! Not a granny driver, either, and never the felt the need/urge to drive any Jeep I've owned that fast.

TFitzPat87

So I talked with Dirk the other day, I'll probably be pulling the trigger on his 3.5" OME kit here in the next couple weeks. Only thing I'm trying to decide on is the 3.5" or 4.5" leafs. If I get the 4.5" leafs, I can take one out for a softer ride and still get 3.5", and add it back later if I add a rear bumper in the future. But I'm not sure cause I want my bumpers to be low profile and on the light side. Bumpers will be down the road though, but I want to be prepared. I was debating a tire carrier bumper, but I've been hearing people don't recommend them as much as I thought.

Will to listen to any input you guys may have...

Rich164

I'd say go 4.5 if you expect to add the weight of a bumper plus big spare in a year or less. What's the other option, new roof rack to hold the spare?

XJcoupe

I also went 4.5 OME from rocky-road, has to be almost 10 years ago. there rear leafs were excellent, front coils they sent me were factory stock with a 2 rubber. They sagged after 2 years and I replaced them with ZJ-V8 coils. been running them for almost 7 years. started at 4.5", has settled now at 3"

Nodrama43

just brought this 2001 XJ home last week from SW Virginia. Not a speck of rust anywhere which is impossible to find here in Ohio. I am very interested in this thread as I am planning on going 3" max and 31's.

TFitzPat87

That's a clean looking rig, Nodrama. How many miles on that bad boy?

I'm more worried about road manners as the offroading won't be too often, so that's why I'm about to go with OME. It all depends on what your plans are for your ride. If its more of a DD than anything else, I think OME is the way to go. I'll no for sure here in a couple months when I have everything I need, and get the lift and tires on.

Nodrama43

miles are just a tad under 106k. I am the third owner and it had some goofy running boards installed when it was brand new. It really made a huge difference on how clean the rockers and fender flares look now 14 years later. I have been spending some time detailing it this week. I am looking for a nice set of Ecco wheels, and plan on running the OME 3" lift with
31-10.50x15's. This is basically a utility vehicle for me, to carry my canoe and hunting crap, pulling a small quad trailer. Usage will be about 99% paved road duty. I want a good riding set-up with a little trail ability and a little attitude to make it look good.

triplets_red_xj

I have the ome 3.5" medium duty with 31s

TFitzPat87

Looks good triplet! Is it just the way the driveway is angled and where you took the picture from that makes it look low in the rear?

Did you end up going with a tcase drop, or sye and drive shaft?

Lastly, did you get the kit from Dirk at DPG?

triplets_red_xj

It does sit a little low in the back if you can tell by the pic, and it is a t-case drop and also I did get it from dpg

triplets_red_xj

Another pic

TFitzPat87

Looks good! I want to avoid any reverse rake... even if it is just a little. That's why I'm concerned about going with the 4.5" leafs and removing the middle leaf to get 3.5"... Too many decisions!

I want it to ride as best as possible, but I don't want any sag, but I also don't want it to be too stiff. Dirk said he's running the 3.5" HD leafs and they are a little stiff, but they are still nicer than stock. Really not too worried about it being a bit stiff though either since XJ's are already bouncy to begin with. Not to mention, the ride out back isn't all that great currently because my stock leafs are sagging.

Nodrama43

that looks good. thanks for the pic. If I install my winch on the front it would probably sit perfect. I really need to find some ecco wheels also. I do not want to use the factory steelies.