Need some help deciding
 

I have a 96 XJ that is not my daily driver currently, but with kids growing up, it might be soon.

I currently have no lift, but have went low COG with trimmed fenders and 30 inch tires.

Since I might be DDing it soon, I want to make it with a bit more pizzazz plus it would make my trail-riding a bit more fun.

I am planning on doing this myself, so am tossing up a Clayton Offroad 4.5" shortarm, or for a bit more $$, but quite a bit more work, going longarm.

Re-gearing my front and rear (8.25) will be in the works later this year (am thinking 4.56).

So, what are some thoughts here?

What size tires are you going to go with?

Probably 33s initially bumping up to 35s after regear and new shafts fore and aft.

Nevermind. After discussing with some friends and local guys, going with the clayton long arm.

That is the way to go and the correct height 4 1/2" (for a COG setup IMHO) I am at for my lift getting ready for a long arm kit. I currently run 33 & 35" tires on 2 sets of rims. My rear 8.25 29 spline and the D30 I use stock axles with in order to have a shear pin effect if you would, to break instead of the gears or lockers. Axels are cheap and easy to change and to carry a set of spares on the trail, to date haven't broken one yet.


I don't run the 35's on the road as they are a set of used ones I bought and sipped with an iron so trailer with them on, the 33's I drive and off road.

Good choice on going long arms in the first place. I went with a short arm setup and regretted it shortly after. Wishing I would have just bit the bullet and forked up the cash for long arms in the beginning.