if you dont want to trim you can get a oem replacement or replace it with a used one,or you can get it re-arched but im not sure about how good that works

 

I'm on the side with the man down under.. Learn to wheel it stock, protect it, lock it and then decide what tires to get when you have completed lifting it. I can get my daughters stock ZJ almost anywhere I can get My XJ, it just takes longer.

 

Locking it is last on my list... way too expensive.

 

TIRES !!!

 

My 31's rubbed with a 2" lift, but I had 3.75" back spacing

 

I had the same question, tires or lift first, I just saved and did them both at once. Spent a lot of time on craigslist and got my lift for $100, wheels for $80, bought my tires new... But all my CL parts were from other XJ owners, point I'm making is you gotta start somewhere, somebody else has been in your shoes before too, save money to do it and finds those parts cheap. Wheel it stock then decide what you want. I'm happy with where mine is now, it's armor and bumper time, then more mods. The main thing is get out and use it, good luck!

 

Sweet, now we have more info of your requirements I agree with your idea's.

I've built my truck on the cheap & have been lucky coz I'm in a club where all our members try & help as much as possible, plus I've now helped other new members with their XJ's.......If you fit a 3" lift you'll be able to fit 31x10.50x15" tires(fit 2" front bump stop extensions - I used 3"dia nylon blocks & fitted inside the coils at the bottom. fit 2"wide x 1"high x 6 or 7"long thick wall steel rectangular tube & drill holes thru it with longer bolts to extend back bump stops down). Also I would advise you to move the front brake line mounting brackets down where they bolt onto the chassis inner fender, this means you don't have to buy longer brake hoses. You will need to adjust the steering stops on the front axle hubs coz the tires will rub on the lower control arms especially on the passenger side on full steering lock. In Australia we only got Auto's, so we can cheat by getting a 2nd hand front drive shaft with double carden joint & imported from USA the Hack'n'Tap for the back drive shaft conversion & it cost me about $210 all up(cheapest way to do SYE).......Now getting bacvk to Body Armour, you've got to fit it ASAP. Your truck looks to good to not look after it.......I've wheeled my XJ very hard * it looks like it too*
I'm running an Aussie locker (Lunch box) in the front coz I distroyed the spider gears & it was cheap, easy to fit....I forgot to tell you to fit Rubber Flare Extentsions on the front flares if you fit 31's .....I've probably been a pain but I have been lucky enogh to build a good working truck for very little $$$$$$......Good luck, AL

 

Yeah, I guess its better to protect what ive already invested money into, instead of upgrading, and beating the **** out of it.
Thanks for the good advice

 

I say lift because 2-3in with stock tires won't look bad.

 

Agreed. The lift is very minimal.