Want opinions on frame stiffeners....

I know this would probably be better in the modified forum but I wanted opinions here because the SoCal board knows better what type of terrian we run.

That being said, I would like to know if I really need stiffeners.

The XJ is my daily driver. I am not going to be doing any hardcore rock crawling. Most of what I do will be just tooling around the desert. I chase for an off-road race team and I am planning on doing a Death Valley trip. Otherwise I am planning on only doing some desert camping and mostly fire road stuff.

I went to a local well known off road shop and they wanted $1000.00 for stiffeners and sliders/tube steps, installed.

I just can't justify spending that much money. I can do all of the work myself. I'm just not sure I can find the time or energy.

Anyway, it's a '98 with a BDS 4.5 lift, 32 11.50 15 BFG all-terrains. I'm still waiting on the SYE and drivesaft and the Detours tailbone system....

Thanks.

Nope, you don't need them.

If you were going to bigger tires and planning to abuse the rig, I would have a different opinion.

When I have the money for stiffeners Im probably going to be going with these..

http://www.hdoffroadengineering.com/collections/frontpage/products/xj-frame-stiffeners

do it a little at a time youll notice a difference but really theres more people wheeling with out them than with so dont stress it and have fun

I would start with doing the frame stiffeners first... You can build from there at your own pace.. Look into Ruffstuff's kit..http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/chassis-channel-reinforcement-p-291.html
or TNT for their kits..http://www.tntcustoms.com/page.asp?pageid=59 You will need an angle grinder with flap disc's, and welder to install.. Then later down the road you can have Hellbilly build you some rock rails...

My jeeps don't last long enough to support using stiffeners,and it sounds cool to here the sheetmetal move.......SANTA

Clean-RC said:

I would start with doing the frame stiffeners first...

Click to expand...

So you are saying I need them?

Original_MudButt said:

So you are saying I need them?

Click to expand...

I would suggest them based on that you are going to use the jeep for chase... IT will help stiffen the body up so that later in the jeeps life the doors will still line up.. Everyone keeps forgetting that these were not designed for what use them for...

4xSanta said:

My jeeps don't last long enough to support using stiffeners,and it sounds cool to here the sheetmetal move.......SANTA

Click to expand...

ahmen

I've got some heavy weight angle I eventually will do some sort of stiffener out of, just gotta find the time.

Frame stiffening was the best mod I ever did on my jeep. I've got TNT's, T&J's, and TMR stiffeners. I can now actually feel my suspension work instead of my whole jeep flexing. You need them IMO.

I just bought the HD offroad ones, but I have yet to put them on

4xSanta said:

My jeeps don't last long enough to support using stiffeners,and it sounds cool to here the sheetmetal move.......SANTA

Click to expand...

Yes if you don't do any preventative work you will have to do replacement work.

cal said:

Yes if you don't do any preventative work you will have to do replacement work.

Click to expand...

This could be correct......SANTA