xjbowhunt

Stock 2001 XJ 4dr 4x4 Sport 4.0 Auto 30sx15 fading red paint.

I know this gets beat to death, but I’m looking for help. Many Thanks!

I would like to put a lift on my XJ, I’m thinking 4.5. This will be my daily driver and transportation to and from a cabin with some trails. Most of the trails are maintained by USGS and US Forest Service, some are 4x4 only, some are on private property and not maintained, lots of ruts, and get up to about 18” of snow. There are some streams, maybe 2 foot deep. So not that hardcore of an environment.

I have done some research, but the more I look at it the more confused I get, and there always seems to be one item I not thinking about, like SYE or gears, trimming, steering, sway bar, ect…

So please take pity on me and point me in the right direction. I think I want a 4.5 and 33s. Money is an object, but I want to do it right.

1) Can I get it done for under 1k without tires?

2) Or with tires for a little more?

3) What brand and which lift?

4) What else do I need?

5) What am I missing?

THX

ixanay_on-the_exjay

Daily Driver, 4.5" Lift, and "Money is an object" Realistically these three phrases don't work well together but I'm sure many folks here can help you as much as possible.

With your year and lift height you will be looking at definitely needing an adjustable track bar and SYE, and maybe adjustable control arms. The hack n' tap SYE's are reliable and cheaper than a full kit if you're willing to do the extra work. Can you do all these things for around 1k? Probably, but you will get what you pay for. You will also need to be prepared to pay for the almost certain maintenance that will pop up after installing a lift and larger tires (more wear and stress on bushings, seals, bearings etc?). Just something to seriously consider.

I would have another $500-1k set aside for when things break. You'll be glad you did. Since it will be your DD you'll need to be realistic about whether you'll be able to do the work yourself and keep yourself on the road for work, school, whatever. If you're paying someone to fix what you break then you can expect those costs to double, at least. These are easy things to gloss over when you're dreaming about your beautiful XJ to be but are serious considerations that you shouldn't take lightly. Ask me how I know.

This thread has probably everything you'll need to know about lifts and tires.

2drx4

I wouldn't run a 4.5" lift on a DD without long arms.

So I'd say your budget is unrealistic.

Welcome to the forum. Read some build threads and see what guys have wound up spending or ultimately doing. Modifications cause issues, and you will need to determine if you have the budget and willingness to deal with that.

4.3L XJ

To have the right lift on an 01 that is a daily driver, I don't think 1K will do it. It can be done if you do your own fabrication and gather parts etc but the SYE you will need kills the deal. I could do it if I didn't run the shocks I have, which put me over that amount. Also it will depend on if you are doing your own work. I would suggest saving up twice that to do it right