We'll I hope I get to see your new setup when it's all done! Also random question.. I have a 01 sport and it's front bumper has the black plastic outer edges.. Do you know if those can be removed to reveal the rest of the paint matched bumper underneath?

 

The stupid black plastic on the bumper

 

they can but I don't like the look much personally.

 

I want to cut it like this since I'm cutting off my flares.. Just didn't know if the plastic ends come off and the rest of my Blue bumper is under them or not

 

mine was green underneath

 

Awesome! Thank you for all your help btw... This is my first project so I'm new to everything heh I appreciate all the help man

 

Here is a very old photo of my XJ the day I bought it home and unloaded it off the trailer. 3" junk lift 31x10:50x15" tires on 15x8" wheels with 3.75" of BS (this is important for fit). The front bumper looked like this with the ends removed it is a 99 and should be the same as your 01. The fenders have been trimmed some.

 

Mine now looks like a baby version of yours haha just missing a lift now

 

Make sure when you do this, you add an inch to your measurement to account for the compression of your bumpstop.

 

You said you were planning on a 4 1/2' lift (without flares) here is mine with a Rustys 4 1/2" lift based on his 3" kit. Running 33x12:50x15" tires lots of upgrade parts. With a 4 1/2" lift you will also need an SYE for the transfer case to be installed and a new rear driveshaft, also adj u/lca's and a dbl. shear track bar is a good idea.


Going from a 3" lift to a 4 1/2" cost a lot more money if done properly that's why I used the 3" kit to base mine from and reused the most costly parts.