here is my first jeep. i want to do alot to it but i dont know where to start. I was looking at a RC 3" lift but i dont know if i want new leafs or AAL. got two kids so i dont have money to blow. also looking at throwing some 31s for now under there on some steelies. any suggestions on where to start and other musts on there.

 

i would clean it up, trim the fenders and bumpers and then pick out your lift.(full leafs are better because it looks like you have alot of sag already) then get wheels after the lift so you can see what size tires you will need.

jeep looks like a good starting point!

 

Definitly a 3.5" Rough Country Lift, 32's on Cragar Soft 8's, Bumpers, sliders, rack. Lights and many other cosmetic touches to make it unique. Things such as bumpers, sliders and a roof rack, possibly even a snorkel can be handmade if your on a budget. Other things like painted diffs, shocks or liner can add some cool flare Good Luck Man!

 

Former 88 and 96 FSB guy myself. Clean up the fenders. Get the front ones or remove the rear. 3-4 inch lift should be perfect for keeping it family and having fun with it. 31's sound good. There are so many resources available here and on the net. Good luck. All XJ's started where you and I are at right now.

 

got bored and painted the bezel.

 

 

I'd go full leafs. XJ's are notorius for saggy rears. Sure may be a hair more expensive, but worth it in the long run. My best advise is to check out the Jeep builds section and see what others have done.

 

I second the full leafs. I've got a donor Jeep that's got aal and after only a year and a half its already a bit saggy.

 

Hello from another Ford owner (four F-Series trucks and a Bronco half cab, all 80-86).

I'd definitely go with full leaf packs in the rear for reasons already mentioned. If you plan on wheeling it, go for skids (t/c, gas tank, LCA axle mounts) and recovery points. If you're on a budget, try searching for diy budget boosts (such as ZJ Up-Country V8 coils, TJ shocks, and a bastard pack in the rear). One thing you'll find (which I love coming from a Ford background) is that there is so much interchangeability between the platforms. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

 

I think im just gonna suck it up and get the full leafs. If im gonna do it i gotta do it right. im going to take off the side molding tonight and the rear flares and prep for liner.

 

It sucks to spend the extra dough but I think you'll be happier in the long run. My wife didn't really want me to do but after I told her what it would do she was like well there's no since in doing twice the work. Can't wait to see the liner.

 

Ha, i know that is the hardest thing convincing the wife. I just bought an 89 Bronco and when i drove it home the motor blew. When i got this jeep she was like "this motor better not blow up. i dont want this thing being a money pit".

 

Bastard pack and I would order some fatbobs coils. $150 should be good to go for 3"

Sent by my pet chicken

 

what is a bastard pack?

 

A bastard pack is the joining of stock xj and a donor spring pack alternating each one. usually an S10 or Dakota work well. Ride is rough, but is softened a bit with new longer shocks.