Bought my 1997 Jeep xj about 4 months ago and love it. I have started to do a few simple modifications while i'm saving up for a lift kit. I bought it with 130k and it runs great. I plan on either a Rubicon Express 4.5'' lift or a Rough Country 4.5'' X series lift, I still haven't decided. Help!!

The first Mod i did was to replace all four blown factory speakers with kicker speakers and a Kenwood head unit. I also installed a basic CB radio that I have wired directly to the battery.





I installed 3 rocker switches in the center console.



Installed tow hooks and cheap Auto Zone fog lights. Did the H4 headlight upgrade and it was incredible. So worth it and the Putco harness worked fine, all i had to do was lengthen it about 8''. (Wrangler in the background is lifted 4'' with 33's.)




I haven't wheeled her yet but i feel like this axe could come in handy. And it looks BA in my opnion.



Also did the mag light mount on the door. Works fine



Will post soon on what lift I decide on, if i ever can make my mind up lol.

 

Welcome, cool Jeep! I'd go with Rubicon Express over Rough Country for the lift. RE's quality is way nicer. Looking forward to seeing this thing built up!

 

Well I decided to go with Rough Country X-Series 4.5'' lift kit. It was my first ever lift install and me and my brother got the whole thing done in about 3 days! I'm glad I went with rough country the ride is about the same as stock. The only problem we ran into was the dumb upper shock bolts. We punched them out and fished new bolts in. So far I would for sure recommend Rough Country to a friend. My brother has a 4'' Rough country lift on his wrangler and has held up great for over a year.

Installed using no Air tools at all. Big cheater bar was needed on the leaf spring bolts



Here it is right after the install (No rear shocks yet) lol



While my brother was sleeping I took the tires off his Wrangler and put them on mine! Tires are 33x12.50x15 with 3.75 backspacing. Looks great imo



Next to my other brothers Cherokee



Very Happy with how things turned out. Should be ordering Goodyear MTR 33x12.50X15 Tomorrow morning!

 

Very nice looking XJ, hope to see some action photos. Good start with the lift. Tires and gearing next?

 

Well, Trimmed the fenders, got new tires and wheels. and took it out for the first time. alot of pics, but who doesn't love pics? Tires are 33x12.50x15 Goodyear MTR on 15x8 3.75 backspacing pro comp steel wheels. Black rock center Caps. Also went put the Armaflex on the fenders.





















Rock sliders will probably be coming next.

 

Love to see you having fun out there, I would go with a steering up grade. You won't believe the difference it makes with larger tires on your rig. especially if you take it wheeling a lot.

 

I have done a little more since my last post. Rear bumper with tire carrier, neon injectors, bored throttle body and home brew cowl intake. I also installed a flowmaster super 40 and a turn down after the muffler. Also did H4 head light and harness upgrade and new front winch bumper.

I followed Eric's XJ write up pretty closely for the intake.



And here is the tire carrier.