As for the rest, think practically. What kind of wheeling do you do? Do have need the bumpers more, or do you need the lift? Do you need to run a 5.5" lift? For 33s, you don't, but maybe you need that ground clearance in your wheelbase.

My opinion is to do bumpers and sliders first to protect my investment. I can wheel easier trails without a lift and still be challenged. If I lift first, I'm gonna be worried about severe damage on those tougher trails.

 

I'd do what Tim (new kind of clown) did 4 in. bs, and 3.5 inch of lift, but id run 8 inch wide wheels if you want to run flat flares. If you go higher than about 4 inches of lift 33s will look small with bushwhackers.

 

X2 on the 8" wheels. When the Comanche gets new shoes...

 

Thanks for the replies fellas. I'd definitely stick with the 8" wheels. I think those w/ the 33's would look good with the flats, trying to visualize the flats on Mr. Clown's rig. I have to have flares for inspection...good ol' PA, but I love the looks of the flatties. Going flareless just doesn't look clean-cut enough for me anyhow

As for clearance, I definitely need good clearance for some decently rocky trails. I'm afraid with a 4.5" kit that the 33's will be stuffed on the trails, but seems to be a really common setup with the XJs. I will keep hunting and summon my Jeep friends for their input as well.

I think I'm going to start with the bumpers first thing and go from there. I also plan to herculine/rhinoline the entire interior and rockers. I guess I need to start a build thread

 

I have the same thing, but I am real easy on the gas when it starts bouncing. I know its gonna break, but it still works so I'm not changing it for an 8.8 yet lol

 

Sounds like you've done some research and you're also open to ideas. I think you'll do well here

33s are totally doable on a 4.5" flattie build. It'll give some up travel without raising your Center of Gravity too much. I actually rolled the Cherokee in those pics (deer), and I'm planning to put 35s under my Comanche without lifting it.

 

Oh, I've been on this forum for HOURS before I even registered, or before I even bought my XJ. Spending too much time on here during work

I wanted to know what exactly I was getting into and how deep into the rabbit hole I want to go. Definitely open to ideas and have tons of them flowing right now. I'm pretty sure I wanna go with the flatties anyhow. For now though I need to fix the rust and corroded freeze plugs (ugh) and other maintenance items before modding. Also got a slightly leaky radiator that probably is gonna be replaced in the near future.

Sorry to hear about the roll! But you're still here on the internet to post about it, so that's all that matters! Before I got my Ranger (traded for the XJ), I hunted for that perfect Comanche for two years. Couldn't find a one that isn't rusted to hell in Central PA. But around here there is a strong XJ following.

Anywho, back on topic, would you agree that long arms would be preferred to short arms w/ drop brackets? I read that they tend to get caught on rocks more compared to long arms. I guess it really depends on how hard you're wheeling, right? I'm not sure my use will completely justify the extra cost with long arms. I just want it to be done as proper as possible.

 

Long arms are definitely preferred. I'm in Frederick, MD now (from Cleveland, OH), and I drove over three hours to Philly to get my Comanche. I was looking north to NYC, south to Charleston, and west to Ohio for 6 weeks before I picked this up for $600.

 

One full roll, and back onto the roof where it stopped. That was back in February.

 

3.5 33s 3.75 inch backspacing and flats

 

I like it too. Gonna do it this summer.

 

What are "flats"?

 

Bushwacker flat fender flares.

 

Or garden edging if you're cheap. Usually doesn't look very good, but some people don't mind. I do love the flats, though.

 

Where at in Pa are ya?