Ok, on your front, your current shocks should be fine. If you have stock short arms. IF you have aftermarket short arms, or drop brackets, then the 16.5 shocks will be better. But remember you will need to extend your bump stops to run the larger shocks. Also your brake lines will need extended.

Your current front shocks need about 1.5 " of extra bump to keep them from bottoming out. Hopefully you already have it.

 

i think my front brakes were already extended for some reason bc i don't see a problem with them when i am up in the pic they have about 6-7 inches left. and for the bump stops i am in need of them bc i am upgrading to 33'3 and have my fenders cut already bc my passenger side 32 was rubbing so i don't really kill my fenders yet. plus long arms my come with my tax return so idk

 

I don't think so.

But if If I break, I will then go bigger.

according to all of my re-search. the ford 9" is the only option for 38's in the rear but its too wide. I will not go 60's on account that many of my trails are not wide enough. And they are a tank of an axle. Definitely no.

Toy axle no better than Chr
dana 44 no better
8.8 no better

Just easier to build

 

You can always get a different back spacing to narrow it up

 

Yes you are right on that. I thought about it.

Truthfully on down the road I probably will. But as you know I will be fighting it the whole way

 

there are 57" wide ford 9's out there.


and i bet to differ, the 8.8 is much stronger than the 8.25

 

That's what I was thinking... Plus you get disc brakes with more and better aftermarket support with the 8.8...

 

There are more parts available with the 8.8. And if you get a newer exploder you get the discs.

So yea they are better. But strength stock is fairly close I believe.

If I break my 8.25 then I will most likely make the switch. I lose 1 5/8" under the axles though. Which is 3in of tire. basically half of what I gain from 38's. A lot to consider. So at that point why not just go 35's have the same gc under the axles as 38's with an 8.8. Could keep the stock axles, could get gears, fenders could stay somewhat stock. A lot less work.

Damn! Then there is the poser aspect of it. I was fantasizing about a flat fendered xj with 38's riding low on black solid bead locks.

Oh the drama! LOL

 

I may have just talked myself out of 38's LOL

 

you should really look into some shackle relocation brackets..

 

That's why you have the axle narrowed. Also a Dana 44 can withstand 38s also

 

Everyone will throw tomatoes at me, but.....
How about a Rock Jock 60?
http://www.currieenterprises.com/ces...jrockjock.aspx


You can get 'em in XJ length

 

I just followed that link and built my front end, just the front. 7995

 

6" lift and I have 10" travel front, 12" rear. More than enough. Welcome to the dark side. Also, this thread is silly. Don't have to dream about a low rider xj on 38s, it's been done. Chromos 44 and a super 8.8 combo I'd rock 37s before getting uncomfortable, big 38s idk. Gotta be careful.

 

well i had 2 inch blocks in the back for a while but i took them out bc of the ride quality and bought the 2.5 shackles and added RE shocks in the back and it is an amazing difference in ride and in flex. the flex part on here really don't show it but on the trail it is great so i may down thr road but i am good for now. i need to level out the front it is about an inch lower then the back