I'm 4.5" of lift and 33's and now that I did my lift, tires, and sye, I can't decide what I should do next. I put in a stock front driveshaft for the rear and I'm thinking about getting it lengthened at a shop because the slip in it is sticking out about 4-5 inches (even though guys on here run my same set up and are fine). There's that and I also want to bedline the interior because I drive doorless a good amount. I also am thinking about a hi-lift jack but to properly use it I should have an aftermarket bumper (also for tow points because there's a good chance I'll be getting stuck). And you guys will probably say re-gear but I don't have the money for it yet, it will come later.

So on a tight budget and going back to college soon I won't have as much access to all the tools I need. A hi-lift jack is also almost useless without a good spot to jack the jeep up.
What next?
-front bumper
-bed line interior
-lengthen ds

 

grab a measuring tape and go to the junk yard. Cherokee driveshafts came in different lengths iirc. or shim your axle toward the SYE if you haven't already. retubing it for the sake of a few inches sounds too expensive too me

I'd do the front bumper. recovery points, header panel protections, winch mount, and a stout bumper tied into the frame will help stiffen the rails

 

The driveshaft I got for the rear is just a front ds from another xj. So shims would probably help like you said. And I was leaning towards the same thing with the bumper. It will help a lot on the trails

 

I've used my Hi Lift on the stock bumpers many times, on my XJ, my MJ, and my buddys XJ. Haven't hurt a stock bumper yet with the Hi Lift.
I'd get a Hi Lift, then front and rear recovery points (aftermarket bumpers are great recovery points, and if you're going to get a front bumper, get a winch bumper).

 

Ya, I was looking at L&L winch bumper. The tow points will come in handy a lot

 

If you order an L&L, be prepared to wait a while for it. I'm still waiting for mine, but from the L&L bumpers I've personally seen, they're worth the wait.

 

Well worth it

 

trust me. if youre good and stuck. this ain't workin

 

Well, I avoid mud as much as I can, so I don't usually get stuck too bad anymore. All I'm saying is the times I have had to jack it up when stuck, it worked fine. Thats how I break the bead on tires to change them too, and between me and a couple friends, we change a lot of tires.

 

So driveshaft should be good for now? How long have you guys been waiting for your L&L bumpers?

 

I've been running mine extended a few inches past where it's supposed to be.. the whole time. if you're really worried go get another one from the junk yard and definitely shim your axle. I know they come in a few different lengths I just cant find the chart.

 

Ordered mine June 8.

 

Okay, I know the chart you are talking about. I'll have to make another trip to the JY for something a little longer. Also what have you guys heard about rigidco and Aj's offroad bumpers. Those are some other bumpers I am looking at. I would like it to look like this

 

Damn it's been awhile. I also just found this package at Nates. Kind of boring though. http://www.nates4x4.com/ProductDetai...M1%5FXJF%5FXJR

 

Here's what I'm running its tough.

http://www.custom4x4fabrication.com/index.html