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hi there folks just bought my first jeep its a 1993xj looking to lift it up any comments on just going with something cheap simple but enough for some woods trails and a little mud (couple ft) but still want the daily drivability..anyone with some knowledge would be thanked...tires sizes would also help me out ..anything that would pertain to a decent lift and tire size..and where can I find a cheap rocker panel...
3 inch and 31's. That's what on my dd. and i probably hit tougher trails and wheel more than most people's woods rigs in my daily.
i'm at 4" and going to 33" from 31". have fun
I am 4 in rear and 5 on front (heavy bumper levels it out) running 31's I have stock gears, sye kit and have had a blast with my dd, without loosing a whole lot of dd comfort... Well, other than my wallet seems empty...
Nate
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3" and 31s is the most bang for your buck. But if you go to 33s then you need to go to 4.5" or more. It kind of depends on your budget. But I wouldn't go more than 33" on a daily driver.
Trying not to be biased as it is my setup but i think 4.5" lift with 31s would be best for you.
Once you go taller than 4.5" on most xj's the mods start to become more extensive and expensive. Past 4.5" it will most likely require a sye, driveshaft, and steering mods. As well as the kits are more pricey, several owners seem to be happy with the Rough Country 4.5" short arm (no personal experience though). Plus that size enables you to work with it later on if you do want to go bigger.
My reasons for the 31s are gearing, steering, brakes, and price. 31s are far cheaper than 33s, as well as more common for finding replacements. The added weight of bigger tires will take its toll on your braking distance. The added size will also hinder the steering as you will most likely need a steering box brace, and possibly wear your box faster. And finally the gearing on these xj's are a little too high for 33s when highway driven, 31s will handle it a lot better.
To save money in the long run, I'd say buy a lift kit with the most lift you think you will ever want....even then you'll still wanna lift it more later. As far as tires go 31's are good for 2"-4.5", 33's are good for 4.5"-6.5" and 35's are good for 6.5"+. Not saying you can't fit 35's with 3" lift but will require lots of mods, also not saying you cant run 31's with 6" of lift, but would look funny.
Jeepers, its an addiction. Just a few months ago, I said "i only want 4 inches or so" Now I'm trying to justify the cost of driveshafts, steering parts, SYE install, etc so I can get to 6.
4" will give you the capability of 90% of the off road rigs out there and still have the road manners you want out of DD. I've put mine thru quite a bit (4.5" lift, currently on 31s, but trying to sell them for 33") and its never batted at an eye at what I've pointed it toward. I don't have lockers either... put a locker up front (or do both) and you've got a serious trail rig that you can drive to church on sunday and you shouldn't have any problem keeping up on the trails.