So I just bought this XJ a few weeks ago. I just installed a RE 3.5" Super Flex Kit Yesterday. I also inlcuded some Fox 2.0 Pro Resevoir Shocks and some 32x11.5x15" Goodyear MTR Tires. Luckily the place made a mistake and I got the Kevlar ones instead. So basically, my first experience wheeling kicked a$$. I did manage to do some damage when performing my version of the Baja 1000.

I did have a couplde problems though... I had to re-use the stock wheels since I couldn't get the ones I wanted, of course this is temporary. However, as you can see from the pictures, I ripped off the back fender flares, bent the sheet metal which actually cut my tires up pretty bad. I think trimming will be tough now since I creased above the dimples.

So, it looks like I have to cut my rear wheel wells. The front tires also hit the sway bar links when at full lock.

So what do I do after cutting the fenders? Should I install some Lock Rite lockers? Should I use some boomerang shackles and bigger coils? All of the above? I just don't want to cut the tires any more. I was thinking new wheels would help, just the fenders would still probably be an issue. Let me know what you boys think...

I will say the shocks and suspension made this thing handle awesome!!

 

I've heard the boomerang shackles, while a novel idea, aren't worth the money. You need to trim and roll that edge over more for clearance. There's thread's on here w/pics where others have done this mod with great success.

 

If you don't gain enough clearance from trimming the fenders, you can get some longer bumpstops to keep the tires from rubbing. When you get wheels with wider (less) backspacing, the front tires won't rub the control arms or swaybar links anymore. But wider wheels will make it more likely to rub the sheet metal.In the meantime, you can adjust the steering stops to prevent them from rubbing the LCA/sway bar links when they are turned all of the way.

 

Also, you should get rid of the rear swaybar and disconnect the front one when offroading. It will flex a whole lot better.

 

On the fox shocks what part# did you use? We have the same lift so I am consider Fox shocks if they aren't to expensive..

Nice looking rig..I have a white one as well.. Once I get my new tires on and a few other things done I'll post some pics..

 

The shock part number is Fox980-99-299-A. They were actually for a TJ, but the valving is perfect for the XJ''s.

 

Do they fit without mods or did you have to modify anything? I also assume you ran the same part# front and rear?

 

No mods in the front...

The rear bottom shock mount was bigger than the bushing in the shock. We had to cut the rubber bushing out of the old shocks and press then into the new ones. Not too big of a deal, just some McGyver action.

 

Only reason I ask is that part# from the looks is for a front application and looks like it has the eyelet bottom and stem/post top mount. That's why I asked if that part# is what you used for both front and back. The rears would have to be eyelet top and bottom. I am likely going to replace the fronts first and then the rears later if I go with the fox since that's a large bit of cash at $200 a shock...

 

The fronts work perfectly, they bolt right in. The rears have eyeletes, and you actually need the bar pins to mount to the body. The problem with the rear shock eyelet is that the bushing sleeve is NOT the right size, the mounting tabs are much larger. Since the new sleeves were vulcanized into the bushing, we had to cut the bushing out of my old shocks then press them in.

So we got everything to work, just had to be a little creative. I kind of wish I went a little bigger with the lift now.

Just go with some 5100's in the rear for now. I am running them until mu ne shocks arrive.

 

well it is looking ok now time for fender trimming

 

Thats was the next thread I posted... I didn't go big enough with the lift for the way I like to drive. My tires did some trimmming for me

I think I need fiberglass fenders up front and maybe just roll them in the rear.

The TMR reinforcement plates look pretty cool. Currie also has some reinforcement bars I may pick up tomorrow.

 

Boomerang shackles work great. Stay away from revolver shackles. the revolvers will unload and can cause problems.
Boomerangs


Revolvers