i'm workin with 3k. i'll probably put about 2 into the stock xj, so i've got a grand left over. still thinkin an 80 dollar lift and bigger tires?

 

It's up to you, with a thousand you could get a 4.5 but prolly not 31's with the left over money. If I had 1000 I'd get a 2 inch boost, keep stock tires, get a front bumper with d rings, a hitch with a d ring reciever, a basket (but I already have one), and then put the rest towards a winch.

 

I've got a buddy that's way into fabrication so we plan on building all that stuff ourselves. Though i've also thought about just buying them. Any thoughts on where to get bumpers? What kind of 4.5 lift?

 

Quadratec has good stuff, JCR too. And as for the lift it's really up to you. But if I could I'd fab all the bumpers, but that's just me

 

Look at www.4wd.com They have some good prices and almost always have what you want in stock. I would look at a 3" or 3.5" lift. Look for a set of decent tires that are 31" tires. If you are not planning on going off road all that often get some tires that are meant for more road then trails. They are cheaper and will give you good traction and drive-ability. I went with a Rubicon Express ( currently closed sadly ) Super-Flex 3.5" lift. I absolutely LOVE it. With shipping it cost me about 800 but I had it shipped faster then standard. I also went with a different company for shocks. For lifts look also at BDS. They are pretty cheap but worth every penny. All told for my lift I went with close to 1k including tires for my jeep and my lift.
Think about what you will be doing with this and go accordingly. If you plan on doing more street then go with a simple lift and more street tires. Be warned though that there will be hidden costs to lifting any vehicle. You never really know what will be there waiting for you when you do finally lift it or modify it.

 

here are some Jeeps for you to check out in your utah..
1988 Jeep xj limited
http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/ctd/2194706341.html
1996 xj sport
http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/cto/2168049408.html
1999 xj sport
http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/cto/2220593864.html
1990 xj
http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/cto/2234969108.html

 

i may have to take a look at a few of those jeeps. As for 4wd.com they've got a distribution warehouse in utah that i'd be able to pick up parts in person.