MayerMR

Hey guys,

Long time no see! I just purchased a 1987 Jeep Wagoneer. This will be my third XJ and first four door. I just sold my '75 International Scout II to get something a little more practical to use as my daily driver...maybe I did...maybe not. My current daily driver is a 2014 F-150 and damn it's just too reliable and not fun. Plus it hurts my back with it's ****ty damn seats!

Anyway, I've never been a big off road guy, but with this truck, I would like to do a little lift (2-2.5") since I am aware that the truck has a tired suspension and bad brakes. I've been doing lots of reading, but I'm still a bit confused and I'm hoping you fellas could offer me some assistance. As mentioned before, I intend to use this truck for a daily driver with a few off-road jaunts when I hit up the deer lease, etc. But mostly on road.

So far I've compiled a list of things that need to be done immediately:

• New front brakes
• Jeep Liberty rear brakes from a junk yard (why bother replacing the old drums?)
• Old Man Emu 1.75'' lift springs (already purchased)
• Old Man Emu transfer case drop (already purchased)
• .75-1'' front spacers
• Old Man Emu rear helper springs for low mileage stock springs I already have OR Old Man Emu/ARE 2" leaf springs
• rear shackles?
• Rear axle seals
• New Gabriel Shocks - Autozone

And things that I'd like to do before long:

• 4wheelparts Trailmaster TM9 $39.99 wheels
• New tires (I just plain like the look of 31x10.5R15 BF Goodrich A/T K0 (are the K1 better in some way?)

So fellas, I have to admit, I'm confused as hell about the Old Man Emu/ARE thing. Have they moved production to China and they are crap now? Are they now called ARE or are they OME still? Where the hell can I get OME leaf springs? They seem to be sold out everywhere for the XJ? Can I just use the ZJ ones?

I still have a set of "low mile" used XJ stock springs that I've been carrying around for years - is there any way for me to tell if they are any good since they are off the truck?

Ok, so drum roll, here are the pics of the truck!





This is the *exact* look I'm going for:


Thanks in advance for your feedback and advice!

S/F,

-Matt

XJwonders

Welcome to the forum. Are u able to take a picture of your rear axle?

bullettooth2008

Welcome From England.

MayerMR

Thanks for the welcome. Not just yet. I'm having it shipped from New Jersey to Dallas. But most certainly will when I receive it.

I'd like to know what the axle is as well!

S/F,

-Matt

XJwonders

It SHOULD have the exclusive Dana 44.

MayerMR

Just out of curiosity, what was the deciding factor one which Jeep got which axle? Why is the 44 considered exclusive on the Cherokee? Both my front and rear on my '75 Scout where 44's...granted it was a heavier truck.

XJwonders

reportedly only 1987-1990 Cherokees with towing package installed at the factory would have Dana 44 but literally every one who found them, said it came from a 1987. So it really appear only 1987's had Dana 44's

But people have also reported the XJ wagoneers had Dana 44's too as well as Limited versions but not verified

MayerMR

Well that would certainly be nice. It's an 87 Wagoneer Limited, so with any luck it'll have the 44 under it! Assuming the front is probably a 30?

XJwonders

every single XJ came with Dana 30 front. Ha. Except for Venezuelan ones. They had HP44 but with d30 outers.

MayerMR

Well dang, you certainly know your XJ's!

Can you tell me what you think of my plan for a lift?

OME 1.75" springs w/spacers (already purchased)
Gabriel Shocks - front/rear
Stock springs from a low mile XJ (already have) + OME Helper Leafs

Also need to do new brakes; any suggestions for front brake rotor/pad upgrades?

I was planning on going to a pick-a-part this weekend to get parts for the Jeep Liberty rear-disc conversion; or do you suggest just stick with the rear drums for now?

Thanks man!

-Matt

XJwonders

liberty discs won't work on a d44. May need to look more Into that.

MayerMR

Glad you told me that; makes it an easier call.

And your thoughts on the lift set up?

XJwonders

That depend on your plans for the jeep? Where are u gonna take it to? Off-roading, highway, etc

XJwonders

oh what size tires u want to run

MayerMR

Mostly daily driver, hence the OME springs; want something comfortable. Light off-roading, mainly to our hunting lease, but solid 95% on road.

I will be using BF Goodrich A/T KOs in 31 10.5 R15, always wanted those tires on something and finally will!

I really appreciate your help!

S/F,

-Matt