Wisardd1 said:
I have a 91 XJ that is completely stock. I am an experienced Jeeper and have a well built YJ that has seen multiple trips to Johnson Valley, Fordyce Creek, Dinky Creek, Los Coyotes, amongst other difficult terrains. I know absolutely nothing about XJ's and don't want to go through the hit and miss like I did with my YJ. So, what I am asking is what are the premium, do it once upgrades that will make this XJ capable and Rock Ready, but maintaining daily user status. Thank you for any suggestions ahead of time. And remember, this is from bumper to bumper.
Pandora's box has just been opened.
Since you are a neighbor, I'll recommend kindly a search first on what part of the suspension you are looking for.
As for a good build up, it really depends on how hard you want to go offroad. If I wanted something street/dirt-able I'd go National Springs in the rear, 4.5" coils up front, either a TnT long arm or RE drop brackets with adjustable control arms, high pinion 30 (if 33" and under) or a 44, high pinion 9" rear, lockers, beefed discs all of the way around, a 4:1 transfer case (Teralow/Stax/Atlas/Klune Underdrive), engine driven OBA, steering reinforcement at the axle (high steer) and mount, armor armor armor, etc.
If you are building up, or looking to build up an XJ, you might want to show up to one of the club meet and greets in Fullerton early next month. There are plenty of rigs there to check out and all sorts of different ideas and theories. Heck, if you see me in the neighborhood feel free to pull me over and discuss ideas, but I'm far from the expert.
No matter what you decide to do, research it first (this is a solid source of info) and make sure all of the different components work together well (some skids, drop brackets and rock rails won't work...).