DD crossing point of no return ???
 

Ok, sometimes the line between a DD and a dedicated wheeling rig gets vague. I want to keep mine as a DD, yet capable off road. So I was wondering what all of you consider too far ? You know, when it's not really feasible for a DD. A well mannered DD, capable of long trips. Something I won't have to fix and work on all the time. Something that is comfortable, A/C, nice clean interior, stereo, all factory controls functional. I've been reading a lot of the builds. It's a shame to roll one or tear it up, I can no longer afford that. I use to say, it aint a jeep till you roll it, and if you don't roll one, then you're not really challenging yourself. I rolled my CJ5 twice, but it wasn't hard to fix. Never really wheeled my ZJ. From what I've seen, when you roll an XJ, it's pretty much game over,,, you just crossed the line !!! Sometimes I think maybe just keeping this one a sharp mall crawler !

Anything over a 3-4" lift to me exceeds a daily driver. Any vehicle you have difficulties getting into after being lifted no longer is capable of daily driving.

A Cherokee or Grand Cherokee that gets lifted to 3-4" of lift is still low enough that you can run a 31 or 32 tire and still maintain decent gas mileage and be a good daily driver.

You can daily drive it as long as you want. As long as it is setup properly. An xj with a long arm 6 inch on 37s, with all steering, driveline, gearing etc setup correctly will drive nearly like a stock jeep. That is of course IF all is done right....i know a couple people that do this and they are perfectly happy

It's no longer a practical DD if you're getting pulled over every week :)

This is where the line gets blurry. My junk is falling apart in front of my eyes and its been difficult to find the time to keep up with it. Negligence, rust, wear and tear; these Jeeps aren't getting any newer.

I am currently experimenting with my XJs to see which one I like better as a DD. One is bone stock. The other is lifted 4.25" on 31s. They both drive really good but the stock one does have a smoother ride and is a lot easier to get in and out of. However, my lifted one is a manual trans and is geared accordingly. I have a feeling its going to win the MPG contest which is the most important thing to me as a DD. Its also nice knowing that if I see a trail on the way home, I can go up it without having to worry about getting stuck like I would in my stock one.

My point exactly ! I'm not really capable of crawling under mine as often as I'd like to. Right now, I have a ton of goodies to put on mine, and just haven't felt up to it ! Not that I don't have the skills or tools. I can do pretty much all of it. I just don't want to have to keep doing it! That's pretty much how I want mine, low basic maintenance! The fact that these bone stock jeeps are still going leaves a lot to say about not changing too much,,, it works.

You know, when you stop and think about it, they're pretty much perfect for outdoor activities as is. That is unless you're going to BFE, (miles off grid) to get away from the hoards. I'm thinking along the lines of a complete resto to OEM specs on most of the drivetrain, removed rear sway bar, doing the rear disc brake upgrade, ZJ steering tierod upgrade, upgraded battery cables with 136 amp alternator, JK shocks, revamped QUIET exhaust, with a good quality lift of 3" or less, I'm leaning heavily towards Rancho 1.5" leafs with boomerang shackles and Moog CC782 coils up front, with adjustable ACOS to level it out. Keeping the 235 75 15s, KO2s eventually. Upgrading the headlights, and all others with LEDs, 4-hole injectors, new header and 2.5" exhaust. The rest will be appearance and comfort. I have a 242, so I bought an Aussie Lokka for my rear !!! Keeping my 3.55s for long trips and economy. Later, may add, sliders, front, tc case and fuel tank skids. Last will be better bumpers.

You can have an 8" lift and 40" tires and still daily drive it if everything is done and setup properly.

Depends what your activities are. My jeep is at 2 inches of lift and some the places i go would damage her, and they arent anything all too hard at all. Its my daily so i go on something else haha

Sadly, my only activities of late, only consist of a rocking chair on the front porch with my dog, and numerous Dr's appointments !!!

Then, I'd have to put on a cargo roof rack, to store a step ladder to get in, but I how would I get out !!! Have to put the ladder in the back ! I just had a hip replaced !!! LOL IMHO, that would get old fast, plus be a cop magnet !!!

There is nothing illegal about running a big lift and tires, how would it be a cop magnet? Sure with that much lift it wouldn't be the most practical thing to daily drive and work out of but practicality is different for everyone. Are we talking about what is practical to daily drive or what is capable of being daily driven?

Practical, especially for me ! The cops around here would be all over you like a duck on a junebug!!! You don't think it would draw thier attention ? I'd rather just blend in and roll through quietly,,,