95XJ2DR4L5SPD

well, obviously (due to my other threads) ive been debating which way to go first with my new xj, and i think its been solved for me. at about 330/4ish while working on my stereo system install, a buddy that just got a blazer was raggin on my sway bar yesterday, and of course i was talking crap about how ****ty his runs. blah blah blah long story short we ended up climbing snow banks comparing flex. he went up, then backed down... i went up (in a different spot) and got stuck. so hes convinced his 97 4dr blazer is better offroad. so were starting a competition on who can build the best stock suspension trail rig... the only reason i got stuck is b/c the tires able to get traction werent getting power. the budget limit is $1500, and will be tested april 1st. there is also a posable 3rd competitor being an old 2dr explorer. so weve got a 3way grudge match.

now my question is what should be on my list? labor is not calculated in the budget so if i cant do it, i can get someone to do it for me. heres my plans atm (19feb08 20:29)
-home made bumpers and sliders
-walmart 2 for $18 lights (quantity unknown atm)
-trimming
-mount my 31s
-home made long arm (still not sure)
-tach from a buddies car ($15) + 5pt harness ($30)
-selectable lockers
-winch

thoughts

::Edit:: i 4got, i can use aftermarket suspension parts, but it can not lift the vehicle, but im trying to get him to agree to a 2" limit. also, there are several junkyards around me, but i have yet to find one selling parts for <2000 vehicles. And, if any1 has used stuff i could use for sale, lmk!

95XJ2DR4L5SPD

Competition Grade Points:
-completion
-times assisted
-total length of flex
-ground clearance at center
-approach angles
-total amount of trail related modifications
-remaining budget money
still finalizing

Competitors:
-95 cherokee (me)
-97 4dr 4.3L auto s10 blazer
Posable Competitors:
-older 2dr explorer
-99 Dakota reg cab 5spd v6
-86 K5 (total POS, needs more replacement parts than modifications to be called a rig)

dabeast727

looks like a sweet idea, hope the jeep wins. I htink if you want to win your best bet is lockers and big tires. I mean those tires will run you like somewere around a half a grand, and the lockers will be a ton too

ktmracer419

you will deystroy them in the flex department.

simply remove/disconnect your swaybars. maybe get some control arms with johnny joints/flex joints in them

autolockers in each end=$500
some 32-33" used mud terrains =$200
fender trim=free

if you want some free lift you can get springs from an xj with the up country package good for another 1" and will fit into your rules

95XJ2DR4L5SPD

well, the 31" tsl's i have only cost me $45 and have TONS of tread left. the lockers, i have a connection with Automotive Engineering which i got my tru-trac for my 00 t/a for $320. and was thinking about swapping axels or hubs or something out of a fullsize chevy with front hub lockers. unfortunetly we kinda need the sway bars. the trucks must be driven not trailered, and one trail is over 15miles away. im working on a list on my desktop that i will edit the list a bit more realistically. please help me out, on the parts i cannot find cheap, or could be found cheaper, link me.

thanx for all the help, im glad i found an all cherokee site.

~Paul

95XJ2DR4L5SPD

wow screw ox locker, that will blow my budget out of the water. i really like them, but theres no way im paying $750 off the top of 1500. KTM, if i dont do the axel swap, ill end up doing the autolockers, where would u suggest looking for the cheapest ones? AE doesnt have them.

Kyle

as KTM said, go with autolockers front and rear

-Kyle

95XJ2DR4L5SPD

before i go too far into lockers, is it posable to do a K30 axel swap? i have access to set for $100. with hub lockers in a D44 up front, and GM 14bolt, which the owner discribed on CL as having a locker of unknown variety. or would this just be a bad idea?

ktmracer419

a fullwidth 14 bolt and 44 with 31's is a terrible idea, the 14 will drag on the ground and you will be so wide it actually hurts you. to get them under your jeep will cost at least $1500. not to mention the front 44 is passenger side drop, so you will need to run a flipped dana300 or a passenger side drop case, which will only add more cash to your build.

as for swaybar removal. ive had 1000 mile trips with no swaybars, 15 miles is nothing. if you dont like that idea invest in some swaybar disconnects, they run about 100-$125 for a nice set.

for autolockers try www.dc4wd.com they have the best prices on most anything.

95XJ2DR4L5SPD

u convinced me i dont know squat about axel swap comparisons. thx for setting me straight on that one. im going to disconnect my sway bars for a few weeks and make sure im prepared for it. thx for the link.

also, bumpstops, are the stock ones adjustable enough (fab extensions posable) or do i need to buy a new set? and ust to make sure im shopping for the right equipment, being that i have a the tow package and no ABS, i should have the 8.25 27spline up front and D30 (non vac) out back; correct?

~paul

::EDIT:: one more question, are autolockers selectable? i need something that i can turn on/off. i dont plan on replacing them after the comp, so whats the cheapest, good selectable locker if the autolock isnt?

ktmracer419

you either have a dana35 in back or the chrysler 8.25 (27 spline) in back and a dana30 in front.

if you trim for those 31's you wont need extended bumpstops.

autolockers autolock. if you want selectables then your going to be above the $1500 mark in one shot. $750+ per locker plus installation (another 400 or so depending on who does it in your area)

95XJ2DR4L5SPD

i can do diff work, ive done tru-trac installs. running the line should be the only difference, as for price, i dont really have anything else that costs alot. once i get my hands on most of the other stuff ill figure out what locker budget i have. and i am trimming for the 31s, i plan to go as high as posoble/needed up front since fenders are ez to replace. out back however im only going to the wheel well (which will need bumpstops?), however, as its a 2dr, i am able to go deeper into if i tub it correct?

Kyle

just a question, what are you going to be doing for your rear axle?

-Kyle

95XJ2DR4L5SPD

i honestly havnt a clue other than some sort of locker, selectable if enough is left of budget. im getting materials thursday for the bumpers and sliders, some walmart 2 for $18 lights, need to pickup a new cutting wheel so i can start trimming, mount my 31s, (so far maybe $100), start drafting a posable home made long arm (still not sure), and pulling a tach from a buddies car ($15) as well as a 5pt harness ($30). so far im guessing about $175-200ish added up. then ill be shopping for a set of selectable lockers, then try to get a winch, but have a feeling ill be getting autolockers and sticking to my ghetto tow strap with 6ft come-along.

Kyle

well if i were you i would swap your rear axle out before putting any kind of money into it.

-Kyle