I recently purchased my first XJ, a bone stock 2001 Anniversary Edition.


Jeep XJ by fox.adam, on Flickr

What would you consider to be the minimum upgrades to allow for comfortable daily driving and yet have it be relatively capable?

I'm considering going out to Moab in a couple of years with some friends. I'm okay with having to skip some of the more technical trails, but I want to be able to have a good time with out totally ruining what will be my daily driver for the foreseeable future.

I'd like to keep it to 3-3.5'' of lift and 31's or 32's. I'm not against trimming a little if its necessary, but would like to keep the stock look to the fenders and flares. Obviously they're will be other necessary upgrades, but will this be enough lift?

 

3-3.5" and 31's makes for a really good daily driver and makes for a pretty capable vehicle overall. You would be surprised what you could do with that combination and a few skid plates.

 

I've never been to Moab but id think lockers would go a long way as well. And some skid plates and rock rails to protect the rockers.

 

4.5" lift, rear locker preferably selectable and 33" tires. If you don't want to trim fenders on that nice looking rig, stick with 31" tires. Tow points and a winch should be included.

 

Front tow hooks, rear tow hitch, skidplates, sliders, 3-3.5" lift, 31" tires, sway bar disconnects, a little bit of trimming.

 

If you like the ride as is, leave it as is.
I would not want more than 3" to 3.5" just because its keeps most of the stock appeal and ruggedness of the XJ.
Just look at all the HELP me threads on XJ;s with 4" and higher lift.
There is even been threads where 99-01 models need a SYE (Slip Yoke Eliminatior) due to slight design changes with as little a 3" lift.
Even with a 3" lift my XJ rides like my F350 pickup. That is to say ROUGH.

Go with the minimum, like an XJ Upcountry 1.5" lift, and equivalent 30" tires and lock it up. Spartan LBL seem to have a good reputation in the front and rear and you wil have a vehicle that can go exploring and still be a joy and reliable to drive, and retain reasonable MPG too.