crux

Few updates.

Finally got the drive line vibration problem solved post lift with the help of a Tom Woods drive shaft and SYE kit.

While I was under there the OEM differential were not quite up to the tasking of having a durable / reliable vehicle. This is where Ruff Stuff Specialties really helped out with a set of covers both front and rear. The difference between OEM and these after-market covers is substantial. Now we can be more confident when out sustaining various trails that the vehicle will be less of a weak link.

Only took a few photos post install as I was balancing a few different efforts at the same time. Hopefully we can keep making little improvements on the vehicle either adding functionality, or durability in the process.

NH_Jeep_XJ

Looks good ! Those diff covers look bullet proof !

Glad to see you have your lift finally completed as well as the residual effects resolved !

I am currently working under my XJ and there is a noticeable difference in how much space is under yours at the rear axle vs mine at the moment.

But This is also as to why I plan on only installing only a 3" Lift for my initial lift. As I'd said, I had wanted to reuse my existing 15x7 Grizzly wheels which somewhat limits my choices in tires anyway. But helps me keep the costs down which is one of my priorities on this project.

Is your lift still at around 6" ?

Has it settled anymore ?

The good thing though is that as long as you don't jump your Jeep,

You won't have to ever worry about having to replace those Bilsteins.

crux

Total lift after a few weeks and flexing the suspension with about 400# in the back is around 5.5" with the RE3.5" kit. Still have 14 gallons of water back there in the photos for additional weight.

I just bought 5 of the Jeep grizzly wheels right before the lift and had mounted some 31" Yokohama Geolanders on there so swapping out tires was not going to be an economical option going any larger. With the 31" I can nearly go to full lock before I get minor rubbing on the LCA. If the LCA was bent in or had minor offset on the rims there would be no issues.

The Jeep drives like an all terrain sports car, although I'm being a bit nicer to it recently after pricing out replacements and the recent investment into this vehicle. Only difference is that the Jeep sits up a little higher than stock, perfect if your over 6'. With the SYE and driveshaft I could swear that I have more rear wheel HP than with the stock setup. I know it sounds odd as the motor has not changed in the least, but there is more power transfer to the rear judging by the seat o the pants test. Tom was a great guy to deal with and expect the driveshaft to out last the vehicle.

As this vehicles intent is for utility in working local trail sustainability efforts I hope to add some frame stiffeners and armor on the underside along with upgraded bumpers that tie into the main body. Another unique feature that is a consideration is a roof rack capable of holding 5 + bikes for shuttle runs.

NH_Jeep_XJ

Hearing as to how you're hauling that much water makes me think of Years ago, I was staying at my Parents other place in Taos and took a mountain bike ride one afternoon on the trails in the Kit Carson Natl Forest during the hottest part of the day.
Man, I've never been so thirsty in my life !

I can imagine that you are feeling more power and it isn't just your imagination at work but moreso reflective of the driveline losses inherent in any drivetrain, especially one that is 15 years old.


The Bilsteins indeed make your Jeep perform like a sports car !
That's why you can't compare Bilsteins to most of the other shocks out there. Mine are almost 10 years old now and still kicking A$$.
The racing heritage is a testament to Bilsteins design.

You do get what you pay for.

1ABrian

Nice dependable clean looking ride with some tasteful mods. good job!!!

azalxj

crux, kinda looks like the southwest.. are you in AZ?