help on first 1:1, trail rig

[TLTCrawlin]

Id like to run 31s-33s. I want any good truck, has to be 4x4, straight axle is not needed. Id like to spend only 1500 or less, for a stock truck. I have been looking at some chevys, but Ive heard newer chevys have the most expensive lift kits ever (true? or did I hear BS)

Im open to chevy, ford, toyota, jeep, anything that doesnt require a motor swap, axle swap right now, reminding you its my daily driver/have some fun at the property.

[trickedoutTLT06]

one of the older rangers!!



or a 93 GMC sierra

[Etype R]

I put 33's on my stock 89 toyota pickup, just had to trim a little sheet metal....

[Destroyer]

XJ

[Thorsteenster]

like it matters if your only spending 1500 or less. you need to find somthing in your price range then decide if its a good deal, and/or truck for you.

[Destroyer]

http://www.rustysoffroad.com

www.tntcustoms.com

http://4wd.com

http://quadratec.com

naxja.org <---Lots of good info/reading

[TLTCrawlin]

http://www.tandjperformance.com/products.htm
Gotrocks told me about that site ^, ill prolly get stuff from there, now its just on getting an XJ.

It does matter thorsteenster, I obviously cant afford something 2000 dollers, and the reason im posting is cuz I want a good offroader for my first offroader, if I knew which was the best for my money I wouldnt have posted!

[Destroyer]

Warn 8000 will work for an XJ. General rule of thumb is wehicle weight * 1.5.

http://www.4wheelparts.com/PDT57613.aspx

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by TLTCrawlin

Thanks

not sure on rims, lift, bumpers

For a lift Ill need like 3" susp with a 2" body (or 3" body?)

First off, XJ's are a unibody, body lifts are not possible.

I ran 33's on a 5.5 with no rubbing, so you'd probably be safe w/ a 3 or 3.5 for 31's.

[freetimecrawler]

There's a huge aftermarket for the XJ. You can slowly build it up as you can afford it. And if you're a decent driver? is pretty capable stock.
Also, look for the Pioneer model XJ, or one with a factory towing package, they have the Dana 44 rear.

Edit: If your rear leafs are in decent shape? you can get a 3" lift for about $200 with add-a-leafs for the rear, and new springs for front and shocks all around, 3" will give you enough for 31's with np.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by TLTCrawlin

Forgot about it being a unibody, oops. How much does a 5.5 cost ya/what brand did you buy?

I went Rubicon Express 5.5" Extreme duty. http://www.rubiconexpress.com/Produc...=8A32392138766

Cost about $1200 after shocks, extreme duty adj. trackbar, and Gen. 2 adj. diconnects.

[jetboat]

Ive got 31's for my xj with a rusty's 3" (which if you get lucky they actually send you the 3.5" instead, thats what happened with mine) Just make sure you spray everything and I mean everything with PB blaster starting about a week or 2 before you plan to lift it (when you get one) Week spot on the xj is the rear axle, the older ones had the dana 35 and the newer had the 8.25, the 97 and newer rears are slightly stronger, if you run open diffs 31's and are easy on the skinny pedal you should be fine, when it does break upgrade to a rare dana 44 or a ford 8.8". I would recomend Nates4x4.com for the bumpers, takes about a month to getthem but they are made to order and awesome, mine came so well welded I can use them as air tanks (which I plan to). Since the xj is unibody make sure to tie your recovery points in to the "frame" as well as possible.

[freetimecrawler]

I would also suggest to add to your "wish list" A Lock-Rite locker for the rear, about $250, and easy to install. But try and find an XJ with a Dana 44 rear.

Here's the complete history of the XJ if you feel like learning more about them.

http://bcxja.com/jeep-xj-history.html

[Etype R]

silly jeeps and their need for a lift just to clear 31's.... Toyotas don't need lifts

[TLTCrawlin]

I decided not to get a winch yet, ill just have my buddy brandon, that has a 93 chevy pull me out, he is always up to go out to wheel, he took hsi truck to moab last year, and maybe I can take my own rig in a few years

XJ cherokee pioneer
1500-2000

Rubicon Express super flex lift w/ add a leaf 4.5"
$800

chassis stiffener from T&J
$300

Lock-rite Locker
$250

32x10.50x15 tires
$400-500

Anyone know any good magazines, that has XJ products in it?

[freetimecrawler]

Originally Posted by Etype R

silly jeeps and their need for a lift just to clear 31's.... Toyotas don't need lifts

I wouldn't of needed one either if I wanted to cut a little. But that will be after she's not on the road much anymore.
Not to mention, a good driver will get about most any place with 31's that he'd get with 33's.
You probably won't also find a Yota not full of rust around here for his price range.

[Destroyer]

You may be looking at a SYE kit and new driveshaft, depending on your lift. It's a 50/50 shot, I've seen XJ's vibe w/ only a few inches of lift, and then others with 4+ not need 'em.

[TLTCrawlin]

I think I might just be going 31s for now. to keep prices down on all the parts til I get a job.

So 3.5" lift and 31s?
Just wanted to stay thanks for all your help guys! I really want an XJ pioneer for sure. I will either get a pioneer or wait til I get a pioneer!

[Destroyer]

If you cant find a D44 rear, try to find one with the 8.25. It is a good bit stronger than the D35, especially if it's the 29 spline.

Here's an axle guide:

• 1984-1989 Dana 35, non c-clip, ABS or non-ABS.
• 1990-1996 Dana 35, c-clip, ABS or non-ABS.
• 1991-1996 Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 27-spline axleshafts.
• 1996-2001 Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 29-spline axleshafts.
• 1987-1990 Dana 44, non-abs, 30-spline axleshafts.

[H3RESQ]

Originally Posted by TLTCrawlin

I decided not to get a winch yet, ill just have my buddy brandon, that has a 93 chevy pull me out, he is always up to go out to wheel, he took hsi truck to moab last year, and maybe I can take my own rig in a few years

XJ cherokee pioneer
1500-2000

Rubicon Express super flex lift w/ add a leaf 4.5"
$800

chassis stiffener from T&J
$300

Lock-rite Locker
$250

32x10.50x15 tires
$400-500

Anyone know any good magazines, that has XJ products in it?

Buy some used tires for $200, ditch the chassis stiffener$300, This will give you $500 for a good used winch.
The chassis stiffener isn't neccesary for such little lift unless your going to REALLY beat the **** out of the XJ and if so who cares about the chassis.
The first time your "buddy" can't come and play you'll have a LONG evening in the woods or an exspensive tow bill.
A winch is worth every penny.

IMO: the 1st and 2nd purchase should be a winch and locker, then worry about lift and tires.

An XJ with stock suspension and tires will get further than one without lockers/winch that has suspension lift and 33's anyday.