Fitz's Overbuilt XJ
02-23-2017, 06:36 PM
#63
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Thanks all! Kyle, that's pretty much what I've come across too. Just sounds like the best auto locker for the application. I don't really NEED one at all, but I WANT one!!! 
I'm not so much worried about DDing on it. I don't see that being the issue, I just wonder how snow driving actually is. But I'll just take it to a lot and see how it is once snow comes and I have one installed.
Yeah, I actually just emailed him before I hopped on here and saw this. Most likely gonna make it happen. The reviews I found for the 3.5"s are just too good to at least not try them or the 4.5"s.
I don't think they're shown under the XJ category. I think they are "technically" TJ coils or something. Eric mentioned them to me before I ordered the 3.5"s like a year ago, but I was "convinced" I wasn't going higher. Oh how things change! 
I dont have any experience with the powertrax or any lunchbox for that matter. I plan on throwing a spartan in the rear of mine pretty soon though.
Hit up Roni and ask him what he thinks about daily driving on his lunchbox, he should have put quite a few miles on it by now.
Hit up Roni and ask him what he thinks about daily driving on his lunchbox, he should have put quite a few miles on it by now.
02-23-2017, 07:50 PM
#65
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Thread Starter
To add to the metalcloak coils, I think it might just be their 4.5" TJ coils. Because the 3.5" coils are listed for both TJ & XJ. I talked to a couple people who had the 3.5" coils, and they all said it was pretty spot on at 3.5". I'll take my chances, and just adjust the rear if needed.
MC 3.5" coils, 22.5" free length
MC 4.5" coils, 24" free length
All considered, I think the 4.5" coils will be pretty spot on. I'll find out more when I hear back from Eric.
MC 3.5" coils, 22.5" free length
MC 4.5" coils, 24" free length
All considered, I think the 4.5" coils will be pretty spot on. I'll find out more when I hear back from Eric.
02-23-2017, 08:00 PM
#67
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Thread Starter
And for anyone who is curious about RE coils.... straight from their website...
RE1300 Front 3.5" 240 lbs/in
RE1310 Front 4.5" 164 lbs/in
RE1345 Front 5.5" 184 lbs/in
RE1358 Front 7.5" 213 lbs/in
The 5.5" at 184 lbs/in is perfect, but why the 4.5" are so low, and the 3.5" so high, I don't know.
I think my OME coils are like 160 or something close. This sounded good at first and they ride nice, but they give too much body roll. Whole reason I looked into different coils to begin with.
Last edited by TFitzPat87; 02-23-2017 at 08:02 PM.
02-23-2017, 08:42 PM
#68
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Year: 88
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 renix
Just to add something about RE springs I had the 5.5 springs in 184lbs. After a few hard trail rides, if found that the springs settled a ton..and seemed that the spring rate dropped off considerably. I opted to go with the BDS springs..partly due to having a heavier rate, but also they have an awesome warranty and customer service.
02-23-2017, 10:16 PM
#69
::CF Administrator::
Alright, not sure how many of you guys are actually catching any of this... but since I'm working on getting gears on order, I've been doing my locker research. I'm really only looking to lock the rear for now (maybe limited slip the front in the future). I'm kind of set on a PowerTrax No-Slip as I'm not looking to spend a fortune. What ya guys think? My XJ see's a lot of pavement, and all types of weather. I've come across all the "They suck in snow" posts, but considering I'm not a moron driver, and have been in the snow quite a bit over my life, I'm not too worried about it.
On another note... Eric from Metalcloak must have seen my post because he PM'd me. Totally forgot they offer 4.5" coils too. He said if the 3.5" are new (never installed, which they are) he'd swap them out for me. So now I'm debating on that. Really like the idea of the Dual Rate coils on a DD.
Damn weathers nice for a couple days, and I'm already in full-blown XJ upgrade mode. Back down into freezing temps this weekend.
On another note... Eric from Metalcloak must have seen my post because he PM'd me. Totally forgot they offer 4.5" coils too. He said if the 3.5" are new (never installed, which they are) he'd swap them out for me. So now I'm debating on that. Really like the idea of the Dual Rate coils on a DD.
Damn weathers nice for a couple days, and I'm already in full-blown XJ upgrade mode. Back down into freezing temps this weekend.
The power Trax no slip are supposed to be the mildest auto locker for on road driving from what I've read, I doubt you should have too much of a problem on road. If you decide you want something up front check out the powertrax grip pro, it's a full case gear driven limited slip similar to a Detroit but about $100 less. I have no personal experience but they seem like a nice piece, plus you can get it in 3.73 up so you won't have to pay for a new carrier too. As for coils I can't imagine how anyone can stand driving a lift Jeep with light spring rate coils like the RE ones, my IRO coils are around 210 I think and I like them alot, dont even need a swaybar.
I dont have any experience with the powertrax or any lunchbox for that matter. I plan on throwing a spartan in the rear of mine pretty soon though.
Hit up Roni and ask him what he thinks about daily driving on his lunchbox, he should have put quite a few miles on it by now.
Hit up Roni and ask him what he thinks about daily driving on his lunchbox, he should have put quite a few miles on it by now.
Yeah, I found it odd originally too. Was just doing some digging, and it seems like it varies. Some people mention no difference in height, and I've seen as much as 1.5" lower. I'm sure spring rate and quality play a roll too.
And for anyone who is curious about RE coils.... straight from their website...
RE1300 Front 3.5" 240 lbs/in
RE1310 Front 4.5" 164 lbs/in
RE1345 Front 5.5" 184 lbs/in
RE1358 Front 7.5" 213 lbs/in
The 5.5" at 184 lbs/in is perfect, but why the 4.5" are so low, and the 3.5" so high, I don't know.
I think my OME coils are like 160 or something close. This sounded good at first and they ride nice, but they give too much body roll. Whole reason I looked into different coils to begin with.
And for anyone who is curious about RE coils.... straight from their website...
RE1300 Front 3.5" 240 lbs/in
RE1310 Front 4.5" 164 lbs/in
RE1345 Front 5.5" 184 lbs/in
RE1358 Front 7.5" 213 lbs/in
The 5.5" at 184 lbs/in is perfect, but why the 4.5" are so low, and the 3.5" so high, I don't know.
I think my OME coils are like 160 or something close. This sounded good at first and they ride nice, but they give too much body roll. Whole reason I looked into different coils to begin with.
FWIW, I'm running the RE 5.5 coils, and I like them. Smooth on the road, and even better off road. Out in Johnson Valley, I saw a variety of terrain, some whoops, rocks, sand, ruts, you name it...handled it all in stride...
Just my .02
02-24-2017, 06:06 AM
#70
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Thread Starter
^^^And there you are! Hahaha! Thanks for the info. It's weird because I'm not coming across other companies with such a difference. I'd personally rather get something in the 180ish range. BTW, I was cracking up for a quick minute when I read "idjit". I say it like that all the time. Usually with a special little "F" word in front. 
I actually ordered some goodies last night!
But like the rest of you guys... (Jeepology, Xj88, and Wonders) I'm holding out on telling you guys what that is until I have them in hand. Nothing crazy exciting, but still holding out! 
I actually ordered some goodies last night!
But like the rest of you guys... (Jeepology, Xj88, and Wonders) I'm holding out on telling you guys what that is until I have them in hand. Nothing crazy exciting, but still holding out!
02-24-2017, 12:24 PM
#71
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
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Very nice setup, I just went with a 3.5 Inch RE kit and love it. That being said, I will still be going higher in the future and have similar plans as you. Thinking 33's and 4.5 ish lift. Again, nice rig!
02-24-2017, 01:54 PM
#72
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
That RE 3.5" lift probably has you pretty close to 4.5" already. Just go grab some 33's and trim a tad if needed.
02-24-2017, 08:07 PM
#73
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Ya, I'm going to wait a year or so to see how it settles. Then I'll decide if I need to lift or not. I'm trying to keep it is road friendly and capable as possible. It's probably still going to be my daily driver for the next couple of years. We'll be moving back to Michigan in a year or so. Looking forward to the trails there.
02-25-2017, 01:20 PM
#74
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
Ya, I'm going to wait a year or so to see how it settles. Then I'll decide if I need to lift or not. I'm trying to keep it is road friendly and capable as possible. It's probably still going to be my daily driver for the next couple of years. We'll be moving back to Michigan in a year or so. Looking forward to the trails there.
On another note, my oil analysis came back from Blackstone already. Based on what they said, I'm thinking I must have a small leak in the head gasket. I actually only pushed this oil change to 5200 miles because of weather. Most oil changes have been done at 3k.
Anyone know any other reasons I might be getting small amounts of coolant in the oil outside of the head gasket?
Here's what they said, so I'm not too worried about it. And it's gotte be minimal like they said because I'm not seeing white smoke from the exhaust. (sorry it's not bigger) had to convert from PDF to JPG, and it made it smaller for some reason.
02-27-2017, 01:24 PM
#75
CF Veteran
Thread Starter
This showed up at my work today! Probably wont get it installed until I do gears, or maybe before. Haven't quite decided.
My main focus will be figuring out the tiny bit of coolant thats getting in the oil. Anyone know if there's a way to determine if it's just the head gasket, or if it's a crack in the head (fingers crossed it's not). I just want to get it taken care of. I don't want to do a head gasket job, and it turn out that doesn't fix it. For what it's worth, I've only ever noticed any coolant loss in the winter months.
I definitely don't plan on giving up on this XJ because of this. I'm just gonna keep my OCI's low (3k) and try and dig into it when the weather stays warm. And obviously keep an eye on fluids.
Any and all info is much appreciated.
My main focus will be figuring out the tiny bit of coolant thats getting in the oil. Anyone know if there's a way to determine if it's just the head gasket, or if it's a crack in the head (fingers crossed it's not). I just want to get it taken care of. I don't want to do a head gasket job, and it turn out that doesn't fix it. For what it's worth, I've only ever noticed any coolant loss in the winter months.
I definitely don't plan on giving up on this XJ because of this. I'm just gonna keep my OCI's low (3k) and try and dig into it when the weather stays warm. And obviously keep an eye on fluids.
Any and all info is much appreciated.