LCFRJEEP

So this is my 1997 XJ Sport with 154k. I practically stole this thing from the previous owner. I use it as my DD to and from work which is just over 100 miles there and back. I am a firefighter/paramedic by trade so I need something that is capable of getting me to work w/o issue. In its stock form it had the original worn out suspension and crappy 225's. I live in West "By God" Virginia and have to travel over a mountain to get to my work. The WV roads are typically very undermaintained in the winter so I need something with great capabilitities on and off road.

When I made my decision to lift my XJ I shopped around quite a bit but settled on a 3" lift w/ full leaf packs from Rustys Offroad. The price was right and Rustys seems to be all about the aftermarket for the XJ. Once the lift was purchased I had to figure out tires. I wanted bigger but not res in that too big that it would destroy my GPM's. I settled on BFG AT's in a 30x9.50R15. I found out that the 30" tire is a dying tire size and a lot of businesses are not selling tires in that size.

The lift kit proved to be quite a PITA!! The front went on pretty easy but the rear was another issue. First I snapped off all 4 bolts that mount the rear shocks to the body and both front bolts on the leaf springs were seized to the sleeves in the stocj leaf springs so I could not get them to back all the way out. I ended up having to cut them both off, use the rear bolts on the front and buy new Grade 8 hardware for the shackle end of the new leafs. Then I had to take my XJ to a repair shop to have the new rear shocks put on since I snapped off the original bolts.

I just got it back today from the shop with the new rear shocks on a the new 30" BFG's and I must say it was quite a sight! It looks tough!!! The 3" lift and 30's are a fantastic combo! I will add a few more photos later today. Thanks for looking!

LCFRJEEP

Here are some more pics I took today. I am getting ready to replace my rear drive shaft u-joints and put on my new Rustys T-case drop to correct my bad drive line vibs. Enjoy!

usmccherokee

lookin good so far man! I have the same color except its a 2000, still looks alot like it tho. I like how it looks lifted, definitely gonna have to do that with mine

og0nz

i have a 97 sport 4 door also. the 3 inch lift looks good! i didnt think u would get any driveline vibes on just a 3 inch lift?

XxXJ99xX

Looks great, Would make me want to order a 3" lift but since I just got new 235's Im gonna stick with the 2". Love the BFG's though, there amazing tires. Are you going to buy front tow hooks for recovery points and a rear Hitch for rear recovery? Cant wait for a few more updates.

LCFRJEEP

Thanks man! I didnt think I would have any issues with vibs either but with the full leaf pack out rear its like gaining 3.5-3.75" of lift and I think my u-joints were original to begin with so they were tired. Just gives me a reason to replace them with some new hardware. One less thing to worry about! I had a 95 XJ with 3" AAL lift and never had a vib to speak of!

LCFRJEEP

2" and 235's looks good too man! As far as tow hooks for the front yes! its just a matter of when. The rear is most deff getting the trailer hitch. Todays fun will be the t-case drop and u-joints. I will get some pics of that as well.

LCFRJEEP

So I got the new u-joints put in the rear drive shaft today and the new Rustys t-case drop put on. WOW!!! What a difference! All but completly eliminated the drive line vibs I had! I will have some pics tomorrow. Upcoming projects to include: painting my fender flairs, painting my rims and replacing my exhaust manifold. Lots of fun to come!

XxXJ99xX

Sounds good, Are you going to be ordering an after market header or just go with something thats OEM? Also what color are you going to be painting you're fenders and rims?

LCFRJEEP

I bought an aftermarket header off of EBAY. Not a name brand one but it gets the job done. My fenders and rims are gonna be black. I havnt decided if im gonna do my rims in a flat black or gloss black. I really like the flat black look.

XxXJ99xX

Sounds good. I think the black would look good but use a different type because everyone uses flat black, but thats IMO