Menzenski
Formerly Mambeu
So I'm kind of in a rut regarding my XJ. Right now it's got an RE 2" kit, 31" TrXus M/Ts, stock 3.07 gears in a disco D30 and a c-clip D35 (the worst axle combination ever to appear in an XJ, I believe), and hacked fenders. I think I'm nearing the point where my driving skills have about caught up with the capability of my XJ, and I'm getting ready to go bigger. I know I'd need things like an SYE and better armor with any of the options I'm considering.
I'm toying with a few options.
1) I have a D44/9" combo in my driveway; the price was too good to pass up, even though I wasn't ready for them yet. I'd need to have the D44 re-tubed (cast mounts), and I'd do a full buildup if I put these axles under my Jeep: gears, full Detroit lockers, upgraded shafts, et c. Upgrade the lift to aboult 5 inches and throw some 35s under the XJ.
2) Swap axles, but to a D30 (non-disco) and D44 out of an XJ. Build these axles, put in 4.88s and run 33s with an upgraded lift.
3) Find a set of stock axles (D30 and 8.25 most likely) with 3.55 or 4.10 gearing and just throw them under the Jeep, and worry about a long-term solution later.
4) Just carry a couple spare shafts for the D35, and continue wheeling it.
Right now, I'm leaning towards just wheeling what I've got, and taking my time to build the D44 and 9".
Any comments are appreciated. Just keep in mind that I'm a college student, so funds are pretty tight. I've got a steady job, 40 hours a week during the summer and 30 during the school year, but still, building my 1/2 ton axles properly would cost about half a year's salary.
I'm toying with a few options.
1) I have a D44/9" combo in my driveway; the price was too good to pass up, even though I wasn't ready for them yet. I'd need to have the D44 re-tubed (cast mounts), and I'd do a full buildup if I put these axles under my Jeep: gears, full Detroit lockers, upgraded shafts, et c. Upgrade the lift to aboult 5 inches and throw some 35s under the XJ.
2) Swap axles, but to a D30 (non-disco) and D44 out of an XJ. Build these axles, put in 4.88s and run 33s with an upgraded lift.
3) Find a set of stock axles (D30 and 8.25 most likely) with 3.55 or 4.10 gearing and just throw them under the Jeep, and worry about a long-term solution later.
4) Just carry a couple spare shafts for the D35, and continue wheeling it.
Right now, I'm leaning towards just wheeling what I've got, and taking my time to build the D44 and 9".
Any comments are appreciated. Just keep in mind that I'm a college student, so funds are pretty tight. I've got a steady job, 40 hours a week during the summer and 30 during the school year, but still, building my 1/2 ton axles properly would cost about half a year's salary.