Fightin' the urge...

[cshontz]

I don't even know why I'm posting this, but inchitis is highly contagious during and immediately after trail rides (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cshontz/sets/72157600187617118/). I've never really wanted alot of lift or big tires, and I also tend to argue that our vehicles are at their best when we leave them the heck alone. But off-highway adventure is in my blood, and I always find myself wondering -

Can I increase my Jeep's ride height just another inch without compromising its comfort and practicality?

I already know the answer to this, but I puzzle over the question anyway. Does larger meat yield blissful, off-highway nirvana? Why would I want to run larger tires? How will it improve my four-wheel drive vehicle?

To be more specific, I'd consider going from a 2" OME w/ 245, to possibly a 3.5" RE w/ 265/75R16 tires instead.

Pros


Larger tires would allow me to drive over larger rocks, and through more deeply rutted trails unhindered.
Firmer springs would allow me to pile on more overlanding crap. without excessive sagging.
It'd look cool.


Cons


Larger tires would cause more rubbing issues.
More severe driveline angles and altered suspension geometry would accelerate wear and tear, and decrease ride quality.
Larger tires would have a negative impact on fuel economy, and would hinder acceleration without proper gearing.
Increased ride height would have an adverse effect on handling and increase the center of gravity.
Pedestrian impact zone would change from kneecaps to abdomen, and height increase would hinder small furry animal avoidance.
The more you do to a Jeep, the more you have to do to a Jeep - creating a paradoxical cycle of debt.


It is clear that I must fend off Jeep envy, and be more confident in my masculinity, even if I'm running the most tame looking junk in the group. The fact is - it works. It gets me to where I want to go, and then some. What I lack in ground clearance, I gain in technique. I passed the test. I will diminish, and go into the West, and remain Galadriel.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/487279064_6ca6824011.jpg

This post is a cshontz joint.

[crawler#976]

I think you'd be very pleased with the change to a 32" tire and the additional lift. What you've proposed is very mild, and I doubt if you'd have very many issues, yet the gains in off highway performance would be considerable.

Mark

[OverlandZJ]

Is that a dent in the rocker panel?! :sport_box

Agreed, i'v been chasing the ride i had in the Black XJ for the last couple years with the latest XJ. Been through 4-5 suspension setups and lowered it, Currently around 6" and the LongArm's have brought me close now...but it can get costly as you are well aware.

Leave it alone..it's a real classy ride as is and does what you need of it.

[Westy]

You have one real nice, clean looking cherokee.

Do you have a rear locker? This will get you more places than bigger tires and more lift will and not negatively affect gas mileage, driveline angles, etc etc.

If you opt out on the lift, a set of rock sliders may also be a good choice too.

[cshontz]

Is that a dent in the rocker panel?! :sport_box

YES. I am incapable of owning a Cherokee without getting a dent there.

My blue 95 that you recall got a dented rocker while I was in posession of brand new Tomken sliders that were at home in my garage!

My white 96 got a dent there because I used poor judgement and picked a more technical line while stock.

Having learned my lesson, I've been totally careful with the 01 and have not taken an unnecessary risks to keep it nice. Here is where I got the dent.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/112/250986129_f5be77b979.jpg

When I got out of the Jeep and saw that, I swear I heard Nelson Muntz laugh.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.wowinsider.com/media/2007/05/insidernelson.jpg

[durango_60]

You are approaching a very slippery slope. I had the same feeling yesterday wheeling Choke Cherry Canyon in Farmington NM. I was with my buddy in a 80 series with 5" of lift, 35"s and super flex. At the end of the day, where do you need/want to go that your rig can't take you?

[LUISJG]

i had so much fun with my XJ with 3 inch rustys and 31 inch tires that if i was to do it again on an xj , I would do it the same.


never needed more,,always did find a way to cross obstacles.
fuel economy was great..i miss that thing!


maybe some rock rails will be good though ,,I did banged my cherokee few times on the rocker panels.

[goodtimes]

I believe you can modify a vehicle to suit your needs better than it does from the factory. But you must first define your needs, and build/modify it with those needs as the litmus test of "do I or don't I need *whatever*". But do not let a lift manufacturer or retailer define those needs for you--you must do it yourself.

If you are honest with yourself, you may find that leaving it the heck alone is really what you need...in which case you just saved yourself a bunch of money that you can spend on a cool trip (or three). Or you may find yourself spending lots of $$$ on the jeep instead of on a trip.....the answer lies within your own mind (and wallet). Oh, maybe your wifes, too.

[vengeful]

I think you ought to do it Chris.

Another advantage to a suspension lift is that you're less likely to dent those pesky rockers! :D

It was nice meeting you at Rausch on Sunday, and it looks like you hooked up with a good group of rigs. Looks like you had a good time! Hopefully next time we're both down at the same time, we'll actually get to wheel together!

[cshontz]

Well, I've done it before - slightly taller even. My 1995 XJ had RE 4.5" and 32x11.50's. The tires were too big for the vehicle. I had vibes, but no tc drop or fixed yoke conversion (which I already have on my 01). I'm a bit too much of a preservationist to trim again, and I'd definately be pushing it with 265's ... unless I can bump-stop 'em just enough that I still have compression, but not so much that they'd eat fender. My 245's do it now for that matter.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/41/115093371_1e50cf7fe7_m.jpg

Also, there's the problem that I'm an OME fanboy. I swear by the brand (at least for Jeeps) and how it interacts with the terrain. I'd hate to replace it with a system that just feels dead under my seat. Sure, I can run OME shocks, but thats only part of the equation. Usually, you can't test-drive an aftermarket suspension like you can a new car - so once you find one that works, you stick with it to be safe.

This was my 95. Best picture I had online. This isn't a pose, its a result of the parking brake not holding, and rolling down a hill at a local junkyard. Got very lucky - this could've been way worse. :D

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/28/49848550_7171bb37d1.jpg

[cshontz]

Bah. Stupid idea. This thread is temptation in itself, and should be destroyed.

:lurk:

[kcowyo]

I already know the answer to this, but I puzzle over the question anyway. Does larger meat yield blissful, off-highway nirvana?

Don't make me get all Yoda on ya and whatnot......

http://www.the-planets.com/star-biography/yoda_biography_2.jpg

[0utback]

Size isn't everything and won't solve every trail problem. It will however get you deeper into trouble when trouble comes your way.

I have a stock 05 Rubicon (which run a 31" vs a 29" on a standard Wrangler) and my plan is to go to a 33" tire as funds allow the process to unfold. But no larger. The extra ground clearance may help in situations as follow below, but then again, may not :snorkel:

Here some pics from the 6th May that may or may not help with your personal debate...

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g229/ghostrider7362/DSCF3776.jpg

My 05 Rubi on the stock 31's sunk in what became a bog. The surface looked ok and we had been making good going until I hit this sink-hole. It just suddenly dropped in and planted itself. Lockers did no good. This stuff is bottomless, slimey, sticky, and stinky once you break through the turf. The rear end was sunk right down below bumper height and the front axle had sliced into the turf in such a way that it wasn't going forward or backward - sort of like being glued into place.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g229/ghostrider7362/DSCF3780.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g229/ghostrider7362/DSCF3782.jpg

Here's how we got it out after failed attempts at tugging, shovelling and more tugging with a Cherokee...

http://s57.photobucket.com/albums/g229/ghostrider7362/?action=view&current=DSCF3786.flv

Stock is great, for awhile, but a bit taller is better - for awhile. But then it's a matter of needs vs wants vs reality vs trends. You have to know when to quit the build and when to stop the Jeep and turn around. Not all roads need to be travelled ;)

For me the 31's are turning out to be too small for my needs. But anything larger than 33 is beyond my interest or desire. Sometimes a bigger size will be of benefit, as in the case presented. A larger tire may have helped me from sinking so deep, or they may have dug me in further. You can't predict nature's tricks or be prepared for all of them. In my case now, it is all a matter of money vs needs & wants. The Jeep is hungry :chowtime: and waiting for feeding time :D

[\\'anderer]

The answer lies within this 2 part question. This is a personal question only YOU can answer.

1. Where have you NOT been able to go because you did not have enough lift, and 2. Is going to those places worth the lost money and ride quality?

Remember the lifted jeep will look cool, but you spend most of your time inside the jeep and cannot see the lift anyway!!!:safari-rig:

[\\'anderer]

BTW if you do decide to lift it, the RE 3.5 is a nice kit. I would recommend it.

[The Swiss]

I had my WJ at 2" for 75'000 with a simple budget boost. No regrets what so ever driving or wheeling her, but there too was the "urge", specially after weekends wheeling where my 'lil puppy was tapping along with the big dogs with 37" tires and actually doing amazingly well.

Then I added OME HD springs. What should have netted out at just a little shy of 4" lift, turned out to be more like 4.5"+. Never got it to work that I liked the feeling in the steering and the way it was handling. I could have dumped way more money into it, go to a long arm set up yadayadayada, but really did not feel like going down that road. So I dropped her down to about 3"+, the lowest I could ride with the longer shocks (the bump stop bottemed out 1/2" before the shock bottemed out) That set up worked extremely well on the road as well as off, the long shocks offering an amazing droop (the rear coil spring fell out once or twice when fully flexed :D).

With about 115,000 miles, several driveline components showed severe signs of wear; not sure if the lift or some mud that made their way under the rubber boots and went undetected were the culprits. Anyhow, my firm plans for my Commander now are to put in the 2" lift and to stay there!

So, I would say, fight the urge, stay at the lift hight you are ...

[BigAl]

Bah. Stupid idea. This thread is temptation in itself, and should be destroyed.

:lurk:

You should have stopped after bullet item #3, what else matters;)

Seriously, I go out with a bunch of cherokees of all sizes. Those on 31s always blow me away. I think they usually have a 3-4.5" lift. They flex nice, hill climb circles around me, keep the trails interesting, and travel at 65mph with no issues. If I was going to start over. I'd get a cherokee on 31s.

[xjclassic]

Don't do it. Keep it where it is.

[jim65wagon]

Do it. Resistance is futile...You will be assimilated...
:Mechanic:

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Size isn't everything and won't solve every trail problem. It will however get you deeper into trouble when trouble comes your way.

I'll have to remember this next time I even Think about finding a date on Craigslist!

See!......you can learn sooooo much at ExPo!:o

Thank You ExPo!:sombrero:



.

[CLynn85]

Man, when I saw this title I thought it was referring to buying a new JK.

I'd say keep it where it is. It has a nice stance and looks to be plenty for the types of travels you encounter. Have you ever reached a point where the size of your truck was a limiting factor and had to turn back?

[vengeful]

True. There's really no reason to go much higher than you already are. I think your Heep (sorry, old habits are hard to break) looks great as it is. If it works for what you want, then that's fantastic.

I do suggest getting some armor on that thing though, before you do some more serious damage to it, and lose functionality of one of your doors, or rip a hole in your oil/tranny pan!

[PhulesAU]

:iagree: The simplistic view.... If it ain't broke , don't fix it!

[BlueGerbil]

Going higher then the 2" OME on an XJ will open a can of worms:

You need:

new trackbar
new lower control arms
longer (stainless steel) brake lines
perhaps a slip yoke eliminator
new bumpstops


Would I do it? YESSIR!

[cshontz]

Well, it has been several months and I'm thinking about this again. I'm not losing sleep over it or anything, I just... you know... I'm a Jeeper. :rolleyes:

My thoughts are - the 2" OME w/ 245 tires has been adequate for the exploring I've been doing in Pennsylvania. Its also a nice daily driver and is reasonably practical.

However, I do want to become more well-traveled. I greatly enjoy technical terrain, and 3.5" w/ 265 tires would open up some lines for me. Its a matter of preparedness.

Here's a picture I found of a similar Jeep with 3.5" and 265's. What do you guys think? This?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1241/999824637_268a82f6f8.jpg

Or this?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1141/977455528_b6661de66a.jpg

[adrenaline503]

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9605/jeepqg6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

For once I have some real first hand experience. Above is my '96 Cherokee with a 3.5" RE lift on it. It caused some vibration problems which should be a problem since you did a SYE. Also, the 3.5" inch was actually closer to 4.5", then when I added my bumpers (custom4x4 winch front, swing away tire rear) it settled out to 3.5" a few weeks later. I got the full kit, full leaf packs etc. Its a great kit, never squeaked and gave a much firmer ride. I would go for it since you have the SYE already, thats the hardest and most expensive part of the total install. If you have any questions let me know. Oh, those are 30.5 tires.

[OverlandZJ]

The 1st pic sure looks good.

I dont know if i would want to replace the OME suspension, how would you get the additional lift?

If it were me and had the bug, i would consider 1" coil spacers and an extended shackle. Anything more and your going to need additional items as Gerbil mentioned. Your rig is one of a kind Chris... resist.

[kodiak1232003]

don't do it.

yours is fine.

become a better driver.

watch a few camel trophy videos, and realize what they did with basically stock vehicles (open diffs)

that is all

-Brian

[ExpoMike]

Sure the first picture with the 265's looks great but is it worth the can of worms to get that look. You have said that your current setup has worked very well for you and gotten you where you want to go.

Moving up to 265's you are going to have rubbing issues, especially with the 97+ ARB bumper. Your rig is very close to mine and mine has taken me everywhere I have wanted to go.

My advice is getting armor to allow you to slide over things that a little bit bigger lift might have cleared. Lockers and gears will make a hugh improvement as well.

Spend your money wisely, young Jedi... :costumed-smiley-007

[cnskate]

don't do it.

yours is fine.

become a better driver.

watch a few camel trophy videos, and realize what they did with basically stock vehicles (open diffs)

that is all

-Brian

Camel Trophy cars had open diffs? amazing

[kodiak1232003]

Camel Trophy cars had open diffs? amazing


yup.

all they had were HD springs, mud-terrains, and skidplates.

granted, i've never pulled a diff cover on one of them, i have, however, had several several ex-drivers and a bunch of rover sites atest to their "openness".

this is on the disco's, not sure on the backup D90's and 110's

[cshontz]

Ah, the ExPo spirit - the embodiment of reason. I seriously love you guys. My mindset is improved today, and once again, I'm content with the Cherokee's current configuration. You guys really helped restore my perspective. Next time it happens, I'll just dig up this thread.

I'm constantly exposed to modified vehicles, and I'm fairly active on the Jeep forums. Combine that with a little chemical imbalance, and its fairly easy to lose sight of the ball. ;)

:088:

[FourByLand]

don't do it.

yours is fine.

become a better driver.

watch a few camel trophy videos, and realize what they did with basically stock vehicles (open diffs)

that is all

-Brian

They were also driving Land Rovers. I say lift it.

:shakin:

Here was my 2001 somewhere in Tucson.

[cshontz]

They were also driving Land Rovers. I say lift it.

:shakin:

Bad form! ;)

[xr8dxj]

Your XJ is awesome. And it would look bad-*** at 8"! :wings:

[IH8RDS]

I know this was said before, but built it for your purpose.

I have always been a low CG guy. I have allot of armor on the underside of my Cherokee. I would always keep up with the more heavily equipped vehicles. If I got stuck I would literally drag myself over the rocks with my winch. Over the years I have done allot of damage to the under carriage. If I would have just put bigger tires on, I could of easily traveled over allot more. 31" tires and 4" lift work well on a Cherokee, but 33" tires and 4.5" to 5" lift make a huge difference. If you are sticking to fire access and unimproved roads you will be fine with what you have.

With a SYE already installed you are one step ahead of the game. If you want to do some more challenging trails put on a slightly bigger lift, rock rails and at least one locker.

But really do what you're comfort level and anticipated purpose of your vehicle:confused:

Don't let this happen to you're rails:

http://www.dso4x4.com/ih8rds/projects/rail%20damage.jpg

Shortly after, I installed these. Damage was already done though.

http://www.dso4x4.com/ih8rds/projects/Sliders/Sliders4.JPG

[xr8dxj]

I fully understand the lower CG thing. There are a few times while on the trail I wished my XJ was a tad shorter!

I'm actually looking for a second project XJ that I will keep relatively low. I've been informed I'll be restationed in Germany in mid '09 and the lift laws in Europe are apparently a little more stringent than Colorado.

My "plan" as I peruse Craigslist is a post '97 Cherokee Classic. In white of course. I want a snorkle, ARB front bumper, ARB mesh floor roofrack, TNT Customs rock rails, & an Armorology rear tire swingout bumper. A 2" lift (if EU/DE laws will allow) and I'm thinking Goodyear's Silent Armor pseudo-speed rated tires in the 31"~ish range for the Autobahn's rain & snow.

Anyway "the color scheme" would be the Cherokee Classic's all white with the ARB bumper, TNT Customs rock rails and the Armorology rear bumper powdercoated to match the ARB roofrack's Millennium grey powder-coat finish.

For those of you unfamiliar with the Armorology rear XJ bumper here are a few pics! Obviously this XJ isn't mine... it's too short!
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/longtab/armorology0.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/longtab/armorology1.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/longtab/armorology2.jpg
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/longtab/armorology3.jpg

[FourByLand]

Bad form! ;)

:26_7_2:

[Big Daddy Chia]

I see it this way. I only went with 3.5 inches of lift and 31x10.50 bfgs. I have taken it off roading once so far and it did great, I went the same places as the guys with IFS on 33's or bigger. I went the same place as guys with solid axles and 35's. I dont plan on making this a hard core rock crawler. Not now any way. Heck even when I had my old Xterra, I would keep up with the jeeps, and it only had 2 inches of lift and 31's. In my opinion its not necesarrily about the rig as it is about the driver.

My old X and My Cherokee.

[cshontz]

I agree with everyone's points. In fact, despite being slightly bipolar, I'm one of the biggest advocates of low cog and minimal suspension modification. Honestly, I enjoy being told I won't make it, and then being asked if I'm locked.

Folks invest so heavily in modification that they lose sight of what is capable with a stock platform. Modification obviously has its place, but it is not a replacement for technique.

Besides, its more fun when there is at least a little doubt. ;)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/33/48880301_ce4b2c6469.jpg

[WJinTRSC]

I say go for it. I personally think that a 2" lift is really beginner and capability improves DRAMATICALLY w/ a 3" kit. I don't think you'll be disappointed w/ the ride at all, but the tires will change the gas mileage a bit, unfortunately. Just remember to extend the bumpstops a bit and maybe play w/ wheel spacers to avoid rubbing. Sway-bar disco's also make a BIG difference in performance offroad while maintaining a sweet ride w/ good handling on road. Good luck. My best is advice is research research research, which you've done and will continue to do.

I love the jeep!

[cshontz]

I personally think that a 2" lift is really beginner and capability improves DRAMATICALLY w/ a 3" kit.

I value your input, but if you are implying that ride height is proportional to experience, then I must heartily disagree - not just for me, but for anyone. Don't subscribe to that misconception. I do agree that 2" is potentially limiting on technical terrain, but 1) I haven't been limited yet, and 2) it being perceived as beginner isn't a good enough reason. ;)


I love the jeep!

Thanks - likewise! :beer:

[IH8RDS]

Folks invest so heavily in modification that they lose sight of what is capable with a stock platform. Modification obviously has its place, but it is not a replacement for technique.


I disagree. I drove my XJ on the trail for years before I lifted it. It did OK, but... It dramatically increased with improvements to the suspension. Then I got a winch and armored up... even better. Then came the lockers. amazing.

Stock Cherokees have there capabilities and places. A stock Cherokee can go to 98% of the roads on the continent. But I know that I could not take my stock XJ where my modified XJ can go now. It is not technique. Trust me. Its physics. Stock XJs are lower then the average stock 4x4. I used to get hung up all the time when my Cherokee was stock.

I have not lost sight because I modified my jeep. I just refined it. It evolved. That is the reason I installed ARB's. I run unlocked first. If I cant make it after a couple tries. I flip the switches.

These are my opinions. I have been on the trails now for over 20 years. I would not go out to the places I go in stock form and not expect some sort of damage. Body or mechanical. The stress that has to be exerted on a stock vehicle to bump over an obstacle at higher speeds as opposed to slowly crawling up and over with better approach and departure angles sold it for me.

Sorry I went a little long winded. I think you have made up you mind. You are the one who owns the title so do what ever you want

I still say lift it though. :26_7_2:

[cshontz]

I disagree. No you don't. I intended for my "modification has its place" comment to cover everything you just said. I'm just too damn vague. :o

EDIT: I can't agree with you and me at the same time, if you disagree with me. That's paradoxical.

[WJinTRSC]

I value your input, but if you are implying that ride height is proportional to experience, then I must heartily disagree - not just for me, but for anyone. Don't subscribe to that misconception. I do agree that 2" is potentially limiting on technical terrain, but 1) I haven't been limited yet, and 2) it being perceived as beginner isn't a good enough reason. ;)


Thanks - likewise! :beer:

Yeah, I understand what you mean, and No I certainly don't consider you and your jeep to be in the "beginner" category. I now see how I could easily be misunderstood. I guess it's all about personal ability and comfort w/ a vehicle really, but IMO, there's only a minor change to the vehicle w/ 2" or less. I'll be the first to say there is a lot gained w/ a 2" kit from stock, but RELATIVELY speaking, w/ 3"+ on XJ's/WJ's/ZJ's and a few others, the ability for significantly larger tires and greater articulation begins at 3". Driveline issues shouldn't appear for you until 4"+. Yes, it will be more wear/strain, but not excessive w/ a good quality lift done right(aka PLANNED PROPERLY), which I'm confident you will only exemplify.
By beginner, I think I was referring to most people kinda get their feet wet w/ lifts/major vehicle alterations by going w/ a 2" OME or BB and use it to learn. Then they realize their vehicle's potential and decide what they really want long term and for their own intentions. My apologies to make such generalzations. It's not negative; but as you said, you've now thought about what you could do w/ just one more inch and slightly larger tire. I don't associate you w/ some "Newb" just cuz you gotta 2" OME. Quite the contrary; your Jeep is what my WJ was intended to become, but I couldn't find one and came across mine as a good deal. Now, I love it!

As before, Good luck and thanks for the compliments!

[WJinTRSC]

I have not lost sight because I modified my jeep. I just refined it. It evolved. :26_7_2:


That there what he said. You refine it; you start w/ a base(what you bought) and then figured out what you needed/wanted and added to it. I agree that some folks lose sight cuz they go for the BIG lifts. Those are the "Go big or go home" guys but few of them actually use their vehicles that much. We're talking adapting a vehicle and improving; not just building for the sake of building and I think that your xj will only further evolve to your liking w/ a bit more.

If you're into camping, you get a good tent/sleeping bag/clothing/.... so when the weather gets nasty, you're ready. Who wants to be held back from an awesome time cuz of a cold night? And in the same sense, who wants to be held back from going down that road cuz of a couple rocks/holes/logs/whatever's in the path. So, if you keep finding yourself "cold" when you go out, it's time to buy a new "down Jacket" and stop being uncomfortable.

I really hope I'm making a little bit of sense here and I'm sorry for being longwinded.

[cshontz]

You're making perfect sense, and I agree. I was only trying to emphasize the importance of technique, not to entirely discount the value of modification. This refinement you guys are talking about is exactly why my current Cherokee has 2.5" less lift than my last one.

[cshontz]

Folks invest so heavily in modification that they lose sight of what is capable with a stock platform. Modification obviously has its place, but it is not a replacement for technique.

My apologies if this was inflammatory. I feel it was misinterpreted in the last several posts. Looking at it again, it does sound like a sweeping generalization, but that wasn't my intent.

More specifically, I feel that many off-road novices modify hastily without putting enough thought into mods and emphasis on technique. That's not directed to anyone here or in ExPo - in fact, it didn't even cross my mind, but I should've used more care. :)

:beer:

[IH8RDS]

No worries here. I just wanted to add my 2 cents. I am a firm believer in hitting the trails before any modifications. I took my brand new jeep directly from the dealership to Francis Peak in Utah the same day I bought it. I have seen people modify just to modify because it was cool. No real reason. I'm a little guilty with some of the choices I have made, but I am better for it. I'm glad I settled down before cut the top of the Cherokee. lol. I like expedition travel more now then I ever did rock crawling.

So, what lift are you getting :hehe:

[cshontz]

When I first started, I modified my 90 YJ, not too hastily, but without doing my own research. A trusted friend said I should get a Pro-Comp suspension. Nuff said. ;) I stayed friends with him, but learned a valuable lesson.

Then my 95 XJ was a little better. Got a 4.5" RE with add-a-leaf and block, but I think this was before they offered the packs. Installed 32's, 4.10 gears, and a Detroit. But I threw money away on Tomken products, and I installed two sets of Hella 550's on my roof, that were as bright as the sun, but were completely unusable due to glare.

Then my 99 TJ was much better. I only regret two Powertrax No-Slips instead of ARB's. The two No-Slips were okay, but at this point in my life, I'm meeting women, making babies, enduring long commutes, and getting pretty soft in my old age. I really miss that Jeep - that was a regretful sell.

Now with my 01 XJ, I've lost interest in wheelin' for the sake of wheelin', but I still love exploration and discovery, and I love unexpected challenges. I've been carefully scrutinizing over this Jeep to make sure it stays within my strict comfort and recreational parameters. So far, so good. :)


So, what lift are you getting :hehe:

I think I'd go with an RE 3.5" Superflex with OME shocks. That would perform very nicely and easily support my gear. However, I'm going to try to refrain from doing so until I know I'll need it (out west?). The local off-road park has trails that can very easily stop the Cherokee in its tracks, but I don't go there much anymore. Aside from the occasional fallen tree, I've been hard-pressed to find really demanding terrain on the state forest roads. :D

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/110/300637358_a7147292d1.jpg

[cshontz]

When I first started, I modified my 90 YJ, not too hastily, but without doing my own research. A trusted friend said I should get a Pro-Comp suspension. Nuff said. ;) I stayed friends with him, but learned a valuable lesson.

Then my 95 XJ was a little better. Got a 4.5" RE with add-a-leaf and block, but I think this was before they offered the packs. Installed 32's, 4.10 gears, and a Detroit. But I threw money away on Tomken products, and I installed two sets of Hella 550's on my roof, that were as bright as the sun, but were completely unusable due to glare.

Then my 99 TJ was much better. I only regret two Powertrax No-Slips instead of ARB's. The two No-Slips were okay, but at this point in my life, I'm meeting women, making babies, enduring long commutes, and getting pretty soft in my old age. I really miss that Jeep - that was a regretful sell.

Now with my 01 XJ, I've lost interest in wheelin' for the sake of wheelin', but I still love exploration and discovery, and I love unexpected challenges. I've been carefully scrutinizing over this Jeep to make sure it stays within my strict comfort and recreational parameters. So far, so good. :)


So, what lift are you getting :hehe:

I think I'd go with an RE 3.5" Superflex with OME shocks. That would perform very nicely and easily support my gear. However, I'm going to try to refrain from doing so until I know I'll need it (out west?). The local off-road park has trails that can very easily stop the Cherokee in its tracks, but I don't go there much anymore. Aside from the occasional fallen tree, I've been hard-pressed to find really demanding terrain on the state forest roads. :D

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/110/300637358_a7147292d1.jpg

[IH8RDS]

LOL

My first lift was a Pro Comp. :oops: Now its a conglomerate of different parts. JKS/Rusty's/Super flexy leafs still to be identified. (Bought used) The only thing left is the ProComp coils. I just bought individual parts that worked for my goal.

http://www.dso4x4.com/ih8rds/projects/painted2.JPG

I also bought Hella Black Magics. Nice lights. Too expensive and cant ever use them on the road because they are to bright for oncoming traffic. But hey they look black when you turn them off :confused:

I already installed 4.56 gears so I am committed. I have to install 33" tires now. I need 1" in the back and adjust my ACOS about 1.5". I already have to much invested in the front suspension to go long arms, but if I did it all over again long arms would be at the top of the list. I hear the ride quality the better then stock.