^ Looks like a fun night.
From experience I suggest, before getting back on highway always check for reeds/grasses around exhaust/converter/muffler. It can quickly dry out and catch fire.

 

Headed to Carova beach/trail on Monday. Hope to bicycle into False Cape also, it's so nice there.
Once tourist season arrives, wheeling is limited..

 

 

Wheelin

 

NC/VA

 

Hey once I get my lift set up we'll hafta meet up and you can show me around those beaches. I have a 2in bb but negative arch in the rear sprins...dont wana break my DD just yet.

 

My daily driver is getting all scratched up on those trails..
The trail in the video is being 'developed' into houses, this may be the last season for wheeling that spot.
Once Easter is here, much of the fun wheeling cannot be accessed. I stay on Hatteras Island instead. It requires a permit to drive on the beach.

 

I suggest getting rid of the lift blocks, they add stress and strain to the leaf packs and will cause them to prematurely fail/break. Blocks can also cause wheel-hop and axle-wrap.

 

Nasty scrapes there man. Yeah im gonna pull the trigger and get a 4.5 zone lift with new leafs in the next week. What is wheel hop and axle wrap?

 

Here is a link to help explain axle wrap; http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/susp/axlewrap/

Are you familiar with what it is going to take to lift 4.5" ? On short arms it will ride harsh and stiff. Will need drop brackets or long arms for a decent ride.
Also re-gearing axles to match tire size.
Longer e-brake lines and brake lines.
Slip Yoke Eliminator SYE and driveshaft.
Replace stock steering system.
Lots of gas money.

 

Thanks for the link, that might explain some of my tire wear.

Yeah Ive read a lot. The cost from 3 to 4.5 is pretty much thousands. I was set on the 3 inch for awhile but the ultimate goal was always 4.5. And I have the funds to get the whole set up eventually. I have the 30s right now and those tires will last another couple years so that will give me time to build up funds for the bigger tire upgrade. SYE will come after the lift so the driveline life will be extended. Its going to cost a lot more but I dont think I would be happy with the 3". Certainly gets you places, my 2" does now, but id rather do the lift once, the way I want the end result to be, and the right way. I never expected a ferrari ride out of the xj and with my current spent shocks and springs anything would be better.

 

OK, just wondering if you were versed and realized the cost difference.
The SYE will need to be done at same time lift goes on. Or drive it with the rear driveshaft removed until SYE is done.
Also, could lift 3" or 3.5" for the 30" or 31" tires. Then when ready for 33"s just install bushwhacker flat flares.
Or, the flat flares at stock height can fit 31"s.

The main problem with short arms at 4.5" lift is the high angle of arms at ride height. When the suspension droops, axle wants to tuck under jeep and resists returning. CAD, control arm drop brackets remedy this and greatly improve ride.

 

Lets hop to my build thread so we dont chew up this local one.

 

Yea, I have been gnawing on this thread, seems to still be in hibernation.
Have a link to your build?

 

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/97-country-blue-tank-207612/