poorboy

I have a 1997 Jeep XJ. I am planning a trip out west to show my wife all the cool stuff she has not seen yet and do a little trail running. It is my main excuse for upgrading my Jeep.

I still will use it for a daily driver after this trip.
I mostly used it for hwy driving and playing a little on the farm (in Missouri). It never will have big (over 31") tires!

I'll get the numbers out there just so you know.

Dana 30 HP in front, an open 8.5-29 spline in the rear.
4.0 I6, Ax-15 5 speed, 231 transfer with 3.07's.


Here is what I am thinking.

Rough Country Shackle Relocation Kit 1.5" lift
1.5" Coil spring spacers
New rear springs (mine are ********)
Jeep Dana 30 Axle High Steer Kit Flips
new shocks
Swaybar Front End disconnect Link kit
a set of 30-31" mudders, like BFGs
a set of diff covers
a set of sliders (rust problems)
lockright in the front (easier to install)
Spartan for the rear (easier to install)
home made front and rear receiver hitches
normal checkup/maintenance stuff

now for the questions

with no hubs in the front; what will it act like in 2 wheel drive on the street?
Because the front is always "IN"
I had a Bronco back in the day with front and rear posi. But that was posi.

with those size tires; will the lunch box type lockers last?

what mods am I missing?

I respect the know how on here. Thanks for the help.

Mloganrhodes

I like your plans! With HP front axle don't you have vaccum disconnect? I do with mine and through research I've found that when not in four wheel you'll never noticed it.

schirm

Your lockers will last and they will drive just fine in 2wd on road. Your jeep will be very capable with what you plan on doing. I don't take for granted what a locked jeep on 31s can do. Don't forget armor such as side panel protectors, bumpers, skids, etc... Then you'll be able to take your jeep anywhere.

poorboy

yep am going to put on some panel protection and skids. trip planned. now I just got to do the work.....

poorboy

mine does not have a vacuum disconnect. it is the newer vision

alloutperform

ok you seem to have a good plan my only main suggestion is a tire choice... for a true all around tire the goodyear duratrac is THE BEST jack of all trades tire i have found.. i am a one man performance and offroad shop and have never had a complaint after selling a customer them.. i run them on my pick up.. lockers will be fine maybe look into the manual hub kit.. a trip like that it will save you big on fuel and take a little stess off of axle joints and such with that front locker

alloutperform

plus those kits give better than stock axle parts, not a bad thing. also if you have the 8.25 rear the powertrax is a much nicer rear locker than the spartan.. you will hear and feel the spartan the powertrax is completely seamless..