Front end replacement mods? (help)

Just got xj on road and front end needs help. All bushings are dry rot and cracked. Some items may be past tense anyway.

If I were to add new front end parts one at a time (over time) on a stock (will add 2" lift soon) 90'xj, in what order should I add them and what can I add now that will work with a bigger lift later? (And what am I foolish for adding now before bigger lift?)

Its a D30 front diff. and if I can get 2 1/2" lift I may try 31's.

Many thanks,
Ken

It depends on what you are planning to do for the 2-2.5" lift?

If you are keeping the stock control arms, those 4 bushings can be replaced @ aprox $10 each.

The stock track bar frame end is part of the bar & is not replaceable (not sure about the rubber bushing at the axle end.) JKS makes a nice adjustable bar for XJs... #OGS 126 @ aprox $200.


For the steering: The two tie-rod ends and the upper drag link end are replaceable, but the drag link axle end is not. Add a new stabilizer if yours is worn out.

That's about it in front, other than the shocks & coil springs and/or spacers

klonestar: I'm going thru something similar and here is what I have found:

http://4wd.com/newsite/shop/productlist.asp?model=cherokee&cat=14&catid=491&mid=y&kid=561
- stock UCA's $14.99ea
- UCA bushings $4.99ea

http://4wd.com/newsite/shop/productlist.asp?sort=&cat=14&model=cherokee&catid=491&mid=y&kid=561&pg=2
- LCA bushings $5.99ea

http://4wd.com/newsite/shop/productlist.asp?sort=&cat=14&model=cherokee&catid=491&mid=y&kid=561&pg=3
- stock LCA $21.99ea

http://4wd.com/newsite/shop/productlist.asp?model=cherokee&catid=490&cat=14&kid=490&mid=n
- stock tie rods and end $look

You may want to check quadratec too. Very similar parts and prices between them and 4wdh.

With that said, unless you are going over 3" you can get away with the factory stuff. It's pretty inexpensive and it has lasted so far...

If, on the other hand, you want to go 3+ my experience is go with a good mfg system (I went RE 6030) that provides new springs, LCA's and the like, and then replace with stock what ever else needs attention.

I hope the links help if you decide to go stock, otherwise take my opinions for just that, opinions.

Good luck.

Rich

Thanks all that is a big help! Just to double check the adjustable track bar does work with stock set up? (just dont want to get something that only works w/big lift)

Thanks again,
Ken

Be sure and check your ball joints and axle U-Joints. Mine were shot (89 w/ 250K miles) along with the rest of the stuff.

Nevada City Sparky said:

Be sure and check your ball joints and axle U-Joints. Mine were shot (89 w/ 250K miles) along with the rest of the stuff.

Click to expand...

Thanks. The ball joints were checked and said to be fine. I put new ujoints (outer) on both sides. Along with shocks, brake pads and a new steering stabalizer.

klonestar said:

Thanks all that is a big help! Just to double check the adjustable track bar does work with stock set up? (just dont want to get something that only works w/big lift)

Thanks again,
Ken

Click to expand...

That part # (OGS 126) is for XJs with 1-3.5" lift . Their #OGS 125 is for 4" + lift.

woody said:

That part # (OGS 126) is for XJs with 1-3.5" lift . Their #OGS 125 is for 4" + lift.

Click to expand...

Ok got ya! Thanks.