Ender

I finally got the new shoes on! It was really cool doing it myself, never done it before. I didn't get to do an alignment however b/c the one at school was broken, if they don't fix it soon I'll just shovel out the money for it.
Here's some updated pics!!!!





I'm really happy with the white letters out, looks good against all that CHROME! Oh baby, she's lookin' good! I love the way they ride too, very quiet and smooth.
Some people were complaining about keeping them balanced... Since I put the weights on myself, I was sure to use "long-arm" weights which dig in a little better, shouldn't be an issue.
Thanks again guys for all your votes!

1ABrian

Looks good buddy. I have used those on my lifted Grand cherokee and love them on and off road. Whats your next upgrade??

Ender

Hmmmm, my next upgrade? Well once I have the $$$ I'm going to replace the motor mounts, as many bushings as I can (especially the control arm bushings), tranny mount, and new suspension (especially the leaf springs, they're pretty saggy). From there, we'll see.

Ender

*UPDATE*

I'm going to Big Bear on Monday (12/20) to take my baby out on her first REAL wheelin' trip. I've spent so much time fixing this and that and I feel she's finally ready for a true test.... I'm going with a buddy of mine (NinjaFalco) and he has same set-up as I do which is no lift and 235/75/R15 BFG A/T's. I'm so excited, I'll be taking plenty of pics AND videos for you all to see when I get back. WISH ME LUCK!!!

BHK Jeep

sounds like a good time...can't wait to see the pics.

2001XJDAVEJ

Can't wait to see the thing lifted man. good looking Jeep so far, no go get some mud on those tires.

Ender

This has been one issue I have not decided fully on... My XJ is mostly a DD, and I LOVE the stock look, however I do want it to have good performance off-road (especially for the zombie apocalypse). With that in mind how many inches should I get?
I have thought about a 2.5" lift and also put some thought up to 4" lift...
What do you guys think?

2001XJDAVEJ

Well I chose a 4.5 RC lift just cause it allows me to expand pretty easy and I think it was well worth it. but their 3" lift isn't too bad either. you can check out my build to see how it looks.

bikerider

I think if you like the stock look, a 2" lift could be pretty satisfying. I have a 2" on my 87 and 235s and it looks pretty good. Keeps things less complicated for me (spare in stock location, stock gears,etc.) Whatever you choose, I'm sure it will look great. You have good taste when it comes to modifying your rig.

Ender

Thank you sir, I like what you have to say. So many people love to jack their XJ's up to the sky, which is cool if it's a trail rig, but mine is a DD and I LOVE the stock look. 2" is sounding good to me, thanks again!

2001XJDAVEJ

Yeah with what you've said a budget lift would be good and you wouldn't have to worry about a SYE. Check out roughcountry.com they have the 3" I was going to put on when I was planning on keeping it simple.

Ender

^^Cool thanks, I always hear people buying rough country lifts, seems to be the most popular around here....

Ender

Went to Big Bear right before Christmas to go on the OHV trails... was going to be there only ONE day, ended up being THREE... Long story short:
My buddy and I BOTH got stuck in some mud, a Toyota 4Runner 4X4 tried to pull us out but couldn't so we had to leave or XJ's there over night. Luckily the people in the Yota let us stay in there cabin while their buddy came up the mountain with his 86 Chevy Diesel truck to pull us out!
The next day we got our XJ's out but on the way back to the cabin my water pump fails and throws my belt off so I have to drive without power steering or headlights.
I barely park with coolant overflowing everywhere (obviously I overheated) By this time it's around 8pm so NAPA in Big Bear is closed so we have to stay another night in this person's cabin.
The next morning I call NAPA, LUCKILY they have a water pump for my XJ IN STOCK, so I go pick it up, my buddy and I install it while its snowing. As we're leaving Big Bear my TPS goes out so my XJ wont shift untill it reaches RED LINE!!! At this point I'm VERY fustrated.
Thank God my XJ is a champ and makes the three hour drive back home, screaming at high RPM's the whole time!!!
That's my Big Bear Adventure.... Here are some pics:

bikerider

Sorry to hear about all the breakage. I've been there a time or two. That's cool that you guys had a place to stay and somebody to help pull you out.

Ender

Yea, the people that picked us up were very cool, one of the guys was saying he has been stranded in his truck for two days before and he didn't want that same fate for us...
Off-Roaders definitely watch out for each other..