dk97

I am new to the jeep world and previously only owned Ford 4x4 diesels, please excuse my ignorance. I was recently given a 97 Jeep XJ 2x4 2door with I6 4.0L, auto. (I didn't realize Jeep made non 4x4s). It is bone stock and well taken care of with 98K miles. I would like to use it as a play vehicle for hunting and camping, no hardcore mudding, crawling or climbing. So on to the question at hand.

Would you make this a 4x4?

If yes,
1. what's a conservative estimate on the cost? (assuming a good donor was found)
2. Lift...3", 4.5" , 6"?
3. Tires...31, 32, 33s?


If no,
1. Sell it?
2. Lift it...3", 4.5" , 6"?
3. Tires...31, 32, 33s?

Thanks for your feedback in advance.

mobilecherokee4

if its just for playin at the huntin camp and gettin around in, just leave it 2wd and lift it 3'' and get a good locker for the rear

UserID6095

Thats work! I know someone who has first hand will chime in but seems like it would be easier to sell it and purchase a four wheel drive version with said sale money.

Is four wheel drive what you ultimately want?

mobilecherokee4

well for mud riding yes but if its just mild to moderate mud and dirt at the camp then a 2wd is ok

mobilecherokee4

you need a 4x4 for mud riding, but your 2wd will do fine in mild to moderate mud and dirt at the camp if you lock it and lift it some

dk97

I've only had 4wd trucks but its not necessary that this be 4wd. It will only be used for light mud and off-road when camping and hunting. If I leave it 2wd what size lift and tires? I like the look of 33x12.5 ( have them on another vehicle).

UserID6095

4.5" will look good on 33" tires. Your not going to be out rock crawling so trimming should not be an issue. You can go less lift with a 33" tire just add some custom fender clearance to the equation.

dk97

thanks for the feedback.

So I know there are several threads about which lift is better than the next. Given this will just be used in light off-roading - which 4.5 kit would be best?

mobilecherokee4

rough country has a great 4.5 lift, check them out, and if you do wanna buy one of their lifts call them personally and add this extension number to it (121) trust me you can get a deal if you talk tothis guy, just talk about xj's for a minute and you should be good