I just bought a 2000 xj. I want to get into some off roading. It is a automatic 4 door 4x4. Completely stock, now i want to get an 8" lift throw some 31's on it. a nice brush guard/rack and winch n such. What do I need to do mechanicaly to get this thing ready for something like that?

Basically what i need to know is where do i start?

 

First off, welcome!

You don't really need 8" of lift to fit 31" tires. It will look a little goofy. Most run 3" lift and 31's but if you really want 8", you'll be emptying your wallet dry. You will need a long arm kit that has 8" coils/leafs, a slip yoke eliminator kit and new rear driveshaft and maybe even the front driveshaft lengthened as well. That's some $$ there.

As for brush guard/winch, do a search here and you'll get some hits. There are too many bumpers/winch combos to list. ARB bullbar is popular as are the warn winches/milemarkers and some other winch brands.

State what kind of wheeling you do and if this is your daily driver. WHat's your budget also?

 

i would avoid the 8" lift, stick to around 3-4" like mudd suggested.

for the bumper what is your budget, i can suggest some if i have a price range to work from.

-Kyle

 

troll

 

am i missing something

-Kyle

 

just guessing, i apologize if this is a true question, but have never heard anyone ask such a ridiculous question pertaining to xj's anywhere.

 

haha, well i dont know if i would go that far, i have seen some pretty ridiculous XJ tech in my day.

-Kyle

 

3 is what i am probably going to go with, budget really isnt a problem for me. give me a brand that is good that is all i really care about though. As for muding i havent been able to get to the trails yets. They are about an hour away form where i am.

 

look into the RE 3.5" Superflex kit with full rear packs. pair this up with OME shocks and you will be set.

-Kyle

 

Ok cool. Now i want to throw 31's on it in the future. Should i make some engine mod's/ upgrades before doing so?

 

for 31's you will be fine. other then maybe some wheels with less BS you shouldnt need anything else.

-Kyle

 

yea don't go above 3-4" without tires at least 33's or bigger. you won't have to regear or anything. from what i can tell you're mainly sticking to mud right? get tires that are designed for stuff like that. don't go with at's because they don't clean out that well. i used to run them and it was like having slicks after a while. go with something like bfg mt's or toyo open country. another question is if this is your daily driver?? that'll also affect what you plan to do to your jeep. you don't need to make any engine mods, but one thing i would strongly recommend would be to do something with your airbox because it tends to suck up a lot of water and mud. since you have a 2000 you shouldn't have as much of a problem as us with older xj's have when mudding. whenever i hit a puddle and/or pit water tends to splash on my distributor and my engine sounds like **** until i clean it off. otherwise have fun and good luck with all your mods.

 

why would you not regear with 33+? have you ever driven 35's on stock gears?

-Kyle

 

i say do exhaust and intake to make the 4.0 breath better. I am running 31.5's with a 3.55 gears and the intake/exhaust combo made a noticeable difference and it wasn't all that expensive.

 

sorry i meant you won't have to regear if you go up to 33's. and yes. i've driven my friends pickup with 4.10's and 44's and there's a big difference.