Expedition XJ build??

[XJxplorer]

I am going to be picking up another xj soon and I am trying to figure out how I want to build it(suspension wise)....

I'm torn between the RE 3.5" or the 4.5"

On my last XJ I had the 3.5" kit and LOVED it, but with this build up I am going to be adding a front bumper/winch, rear bumper w/tire carrier, rock sliders, roof rack, and loading it up with all my expedition gear. I figure an added weight of around 600lbs+....

Rubicon express kits lift the vehicle more than they say, too. My 3.5" kit lifted it almost 5.5" so I'm guessing the 4.5" kit will be around 6"..

I'm wanting to keep the COG low and but I guess with all that added weight it will bring it down a little, right??

 

[XJxplorer]

Oh and not to mention the skid plates, too.....

 

[efuentes]

Maybe you can try an JSK ACOS, they are adjustable coil spacers, they work great.

http://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/m...OS&Store_Code=JKS01&Category_Code=Coil_Spring

Saludos

 

[BigAl]

Longarms are comng down in price This spring I put a BDS on my buddies cherokee, the on road ride quality is great.

 

[OverlandZJ]

My first XJ had the RE 4.5"...and sat at 5". It was perfect with a set of 32x11.5's. The Jeep handled well on the highway, and ran moderatly technical trails as i wished...in all honesty it was the best setup XJ i ever owned.

:safari-rig:

 

[Scott Brady]

I would favor the shorter lift and smaller tires (31's), unless an axle swap is in the plans. Cherokees are exceptionally capable with a 3" lift and 31's. If the goal is longer desert trips, focus on higher speed and road performance.

 

[cshontz]

It depends on your interpretation of "expedition" but I would think a build with smaller tires and lower ride height would offer better longevity, efficiency, and still offer good off-highway performance. The XJ platform strikes a balance around 3" and 31" tires in my opinion - a configuration that allows you to retain most of the OE components, and driving characteristics with minimal compromise while significantly improving mobility and payload.

Keep in mind, there is no wrong way to do it. The nice thing about the XJ is there is so much aftermarket support, you have your bases covered no matter how much you build it, as long as you're thorough. Just wanted to offer my thoughts on XJ expeditioneering.

:safari-rig:

 

[XJxplorer]

Most of my trips right now will be long desert trips.....

In a couple years I plan to move to Colorado or back to Oregon so I want it to be capable for the terrain up there, too....

I went pretty much anywhere I wanted to go with 3.5" and 31's but my main concern is that with all the weight added it will lower it about an in, maybe more....

 

[stomperxj]

Or you can do like I did and get the 4.5 6130 kit with the 3.5" springs in it. that way you get all the good extra stuff of the 4.5 kit (UCAs Track bar, Brake Lines etc..) but with the lower height. I also upgraded to the HD trackbar and put Bilsteins all the way around. 5150s up front and 5100s in the back. It rides great. You can then sell the t-case lowering kit and the shackles to re-coup some of the cost, or keep the shackles for later if you decide to go higher...

 

[smbisig]

not to hijack the thread, but i am in the planning stages of purchasing and building a expedition vehicle using the xj as a platform as well.

my co worker has recently installed 255/85/R16 BFG MT which measure at about 33.3 inches. Has anyone used these tires on a XJ? would the 4.5" RE lift accomodate this size tire?

what i am planning to do is to use OME 4" TJ front coils, OME 3-3.5" rear Spring Pack, and the RE 4.5 kit minus the front and rear springs.

if need be, i will uses an air bag system for the added weight in the rear and to retain the Old Man Emu ride.

 

[XXXpedition]

with the 6" lift my 33" were just about fitting. i still needed to do quite some fender trimming, because of the extreme articulation of my suspension.

i guess that depends on how extreme you wheel it. but if you don't wheel extreme enough to need all the cutting, i personally would question 33" tires - except it's just for the looks.
i had a dana 30 front and dana 44 rear with lockers. they can handle 33s but nothing bigger - but then you had to go with a much higher lift too. 33s will be pushing the dana 35 with lockers. the chrysler 8.25 is good but has locker limitations.
another disadvantage with 33s is that you have to regear the diffs.
if you don't 4x4 extreme, i'd go with 3-4" and 31-32" tires