This has been a great build. I just set and read it all. I have a 2" lift on mine and I like it being low. Your build has inspired me to add some stuff to mine lol.

 

looks great! subbed

 

Thanks to both of you!

 

I just picked up a surco rack with the same mounts you have. Did you have any problems with the mounts not sliding wide enough to hook both sides up to the stock rails?

 

I like your swaybar disonnect holder. I might be borrowing your idea. Great build

 

I did not. The trickiest part (and it wasn't that tricky) was to make sure the crossbars were square so the rack sat square. I think I was left with about an inch on each end.

 

Thanks! Feel free to use that idea.

 

Ok. I appreciate the info. Have ur mounts ever come loose?

 

That was a concern of mine at the beginning, but after having the rack installed for over a year now with me swapping tires and using the jack/shovel/axe and putting cargo up there, I have not seen any signs of the rack or mounts coming lose.

 

That's great to know! Thanks again!

 

I've spent some time thinking about my future plans - lockers, lights, gears, cb. I've been really attracted to the e-lockers, but they are a bit pricey; however, they still fit the budget. I even came across one on sale recently and was about to make the purchase until I started thinking some more. I said, "Self, how many times will you use it? I know you want it, but you have a winch and have yet to use it on the XJ - you just aren't getting stuck." So, I decided to save the $700+ per locker and continue running open until I get tired of winching.

So, right now on the road map includes 4.10 gears (Rusty's combo special), two fog lights (PIAA) on the bumper, two driving (KC 5x7) and two flood lights (KC 5x7) on the front of the rack, and then two floods (KC 5x7) on the rear of the rack. I'm hoping to get those done in the next 3-4 months as funds and time become available.

 

I love this build!! I am in the process of looking for an XJ and my original thought was 33's, but now I'm thinking 31's will be enough to start. I want it to still be able to be driven on long trips.

 

I have 32's and have went a lot of places. No rock stuff per say. But as for trails and some sand. I follow my buddy in his TJ and 35's. Go 32's and you might be happy as well!

I drive mine on long trips without issue. Pulled 6% grade hill that is miles long (10?).

 

I do enjoy the 31s over the 33s I had on my TJ. They are lighter and still big enough to go on the trails I do. I am, however, considering going to 32s (if I have the money) once I run the life out of these tires, but I don't want to go any bigger than that. The 3" lift + 31s makes a versatile combo that is still practical. Also, I'm still running the stock 3.07 gears with my 31s and it's too high - I'm considering 3.73 or 4.10. Just a thought to keep in mind when you're considering your XJ and tire size.

 

On my YJ I had 33" on 3:07 and took out the spiders gears first trail. Nothing crazy either. So, I follow.

Price range is very close on 31 vs 32's.

You really need to re-gear. That poor motor! lol

I have 32's on 3:55 gears. I have 4:10's waiting to go in.