Reds00xj

All right finally getting this show on the road and hopefully when I'm done off the road. Im looking to make my XJ a good trail runner as well as be a dependable DD. Not looking for a hardcore rock crawler or mudding beast. Too $$$. So heres the run down.

2000 Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
4.0 l6
Auto (AW4)
4x4
168,xxx miles
NP231 (TC)
Dana 30 (F) and Dana 35(R)

So basically stock. What im looking to outfit her with are...

3" Rough Country Lift. (Already have)
Steering Stabilizer. (On the way)
JKS QD's. (Next purchase)
31 or 32 inch tires. Still undecided on size and brand.
Cragar steelies.
Bumpers front and rear.
Winch on front and tire carrier on back.
Bumper mounted lights.
And for last a overland or any good brand tent for the top.

Questions are.

Is there anything im missing for suspension to run all this equipment?
Will i need to regear or swap in different axles?
How will everything change the characteristics of the Jeep?
What Backspacing do you recommend for that wide stance I personally like.

Also any advise or recommendations would be appreciated. New to the whole Jeep modding thing but I think I will fit in just fine. Lovin the XJ. Pictures will be posted in a few days of vehicle and parts. Ill update as much as i can.

xjboy14

First off


And for some of your questions.....
Anything else needed for suspension? This depends on what you have leafs, springs, shocks, hardware, bumpstops, maybe extended brake lines (i have a RE 3.5" and put on yj brake lines) with a 3" you really don't need a SYE yet, not till usually 4 or more, sometimes its good with 3.5" depending on what you are doing.

Regear or swap axles? with 31's you will be fine with stock gears unless you want new or upgrade or feel slugish on starts when you have 31's. If you go 32's
I wont know as much but shouldnt make that much difference. Although i have d30 and c8.25 and with 30" tires i could burn out but 31's wont but still have a good start and power.

Backspacing? I see you live in texas but i dont know the laws, you should probably check to see if you cant stick out too far. I live in PA where this law sucks. but i would recomend 3.5-3.75" BS for a wider stance but i wouldnt go much more than 4, and 15x8 is probably a good choice for what you are running, (15" wheels seem to have more options too) Personally i just bought cragar soft 8's, 15x8 4"BS and i can't wait to get new tires to use them, i am running 31's but want 33's.

Characteristics.? What are you trying to go for, what do you prefer? bumpers, tires, wheels, paint, roof racks, flares, rock sliders, armor, quarter guards, spacers, anything can have a slight change to how the jeep will look and most of these you will see a difference

Hope some of this information helped out.

Reds00xj

Here are some pics of the suspension lift i picked up. Rough Country Series II with new leaf packs. Also picked up a dual stabilizer kit. Dont care if its overkill or not needed. Rather have it in case than not have it at all. Next purchase will be some disconnects and possibly a T-Case drop kit. Hopefully its not needed as well but id rather be safe than sorry. First build ever so im trying to cover my bases. If you guys have any recommendations feel free to let me know.

Reds00xj

So heres the stabilizer pic while i have a chance to post

Reds00xj

Ok I would like to get the QD's, T-Case drop kit and the extended brake lines all at the same time. So my question is who makes a good T-Case drop kit that is a reasonable price and what brake lines would you recommend? Braided or rubber? And I've researched bumpstops but am not to sure which i should look at and would i even need it for a 3 inch lift? Im looking to build a low COG jeep. so I'm really looking for less lift and more tire. But not too much to where i look silly and cant daily drive it.

Reds00xj

Alright I just ordered my adj. track bar from rough country and it should be here in about 3 days. Will post pictures once it arrives. Might order some extended brake lines and QD's later. But the funds i have after the lift, stabilizer and track bar are enough to keep gas in my XJ.

Reds00xj

So i wanted to go 3" then i fell in love with 4.5 so i sent back the RC 3" lift and stabilizer. and am being set up with a RE 4.5 super flex kit to have professionally installed. would like to run 32 or 33 inch tires. But those will be later on down the line. also will do a SYE and driveshaft mod once money is in place. also on the fence for gears. 4.56 or 4.88's. will update when i can. thanks for looking. any advice is welcome and appreciated.

Moparboy01

Sounds like a good build. I would get rid of that Dana 35, regearing one of those is totally not worth it. Find a decent 8.25 rear end.

rzldzl

31" tires, no need to regear

ColdWarrior

Just out of curiosity why did you decide 4.5 over 3?