SO... lets say that you just bought a 2001 XJ its already lifted on a RC 4.5, and is running 32x11.5. you have dana 30 and 35. No other modifications are known. And you wanna have a nice setup for a DD with a setup that will allow you have some pretty decent off-roading when the time comes let's say Mud and or some type of moderate trails, not so much Rock climbing). you have roughly 3500 dollars to spend what would you do? Hypothetically speaking of course. lol! ( keep in mind this guy is mechanically inclined but has a limited access to tools and what not...

 

Recovery points front and rear, and shackles and straps, to get you out of trouble.

Rocker protection so when you slide into a tree it doesn't screw up the whole car

4.10 or better gears if you haven't done it already

Auto-lockers to help you pull up a hill and through the snow

Bumpers and tire carriers and whatnot with the money left over

 

Good advice. I've been looking at these really hard. Along with Austin lockers. Still looking at a winch, lots of options.

 

Good luck with those bumpers.

They have a history of bad service. Do a search. But, it's your call...seems they go through highs and lows, but for me it's too hit or miss to invest money in them.

A couple of links:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f177/...ducts-1258542/
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f9/buy...roducts-55361/
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f27/l...s-them-981924/

Don't get me wrong, they look killer. Also, I have no personal experience with them. But just thought I'd make you aware of the problems this company has had. Do your research and be informed before you pull the trigger.

 

You can mount recovery hooks without the whole bumper, they are cheap and easy, and they make you learn stuff about the car

 

Good to know, I'll definitely do my research. It's good to have a resource such as this to bounce your ideas off of other people.

 

Head swap to get rid of the crack-prone 0331 head.

 

Great links, thank you for the info.

 

Definitely sliders and skid plates. Recovery points, bumpers if you can swing it.
You can go a lot of places with the under side protected a way to get pulled out. With $3500 you could get bother bumpers and a winch if you go with Smittybilt bumpers/tire carrier and a decent winch with money left over.

 

Dump the D35 and swap in a Chy 8.25 from a 97-01 XJ are all 29 spline differentials. The 35's are known for being on the weak side if you plan on off roading it much fine for a DD. Then the first thing I would do is install new gears 4.56's (for 32/33" tires) and lockers front and rear on the 8.25 before its installed.


In fact you might consider looking for a 97-99 XJ that has a good drivetrain in it for a parts XJ. Then y6u could swap both differentials while your at it as the 00/01 D30 came with the low pinion D30 weaker and less clearance than the HPD30's in earlier yrs.


Check to make sure it has an SYE installed in the TC.


Then bumpers with recovery points, rocker slider's, skid plate for TC/Gas Tank for sure. Recovery straps and a winch if money holds out and for sure a Hi-Lift Jack is a must with the lift and can be used as a winch if needed.