I just bought a 1992 xj with both front axle u-joints in need of replacement. I plan on putting 31" rubber and a moderate lift on this stock unit with the plans of using it as a hunting/fishing buggy.....it will see some terrain but not a rock climber. Will the stock axles/U joints be sufficient or do I need to beef them up?
If I ever rebuild the engine (240,000 kms) I would likely try and get it to around 210 - 220 HP as well.
thanks bz

 

No problem at all with 31s

 

94 and earlier XJs came with the 260x based shafts, which are "good enough" with 31s with a reasonable driver for a hunting/fishing rig. The 95+ XJs got 760x based shafts; a decent upgrade without spending much $$. It all comes down to knowing when to reconsider the situation. You may think you'll never play in the rocks (tire bound up, steering turned sharp to one side), until you run into that one situation where you do. Keep your wits about you; brains over brawn. Part of brains includes having appropriate recovery points and gear so your not forced into a HAVE TO situation.

 

but if you have a limited model, with antilock brakes, you will have full shafts with larger 297 joints

 

I don't believe it to be a Limited. the Vin decoder brings it up as a Sport package. I have a lot to learn, and love it. Cheers.