Fightin' the urge...

[WJinTRSC]

I have not lost sight because I modified my jeep. I just refined it. It evolved. :26_7_2:

That there what he said. You refine it; you start w/ a base(what you bought) and then figured out what you needed/wanted and added to it. I agree that some folks lose sight cuz they go for the BIG lifts. Those are the "Go big or go home" guys but few of them actually use their vehicles that much. We're talking adapting a vehicle and improving; not just building for the sake of building and I think that your xj will only further evolve to your liking w/ a bit more.

If you're into camping, you get a good tent/sleeping bag/clothing/.... so when the weather gets nasty, you're ready. Who wants to be held back from an awesome time cuz of a cold night? And in the same sense, who wants to be held back from going down that road cuz of a couple rocks/holes/logs/whatever's in the path. So, if you keep finding yourself "cold" when you go out, it's time to buy a new "down Jacket" and stop being uncomfortable.

I really hope I'm making a little bit of sense here and I'm sorry for being longwinded.

 

[cshontz]

You're making perfect sense, and I agree. I was only trying to emphasize the importance of technique, not to entirely discount the value of modification. This refinement you guys are talking about is exactly why my current Cherokee has 2.5" less lift than my last one.

 

[cshontz]

Folks invest so heavily in modification that they lose sight of what is capable with a stock platform. Modification obviously has its place, but it is not a replacement for technique.

My apologies if this was inflammatory. I feel it was misinterpreted in the last several posts. Looking at it again, it does sound like a sweeping generalization, but that wasn't my intent.

More specifically, I feel that many off-road novices modify hastily without putting enough thought into mods and emphasis on technique. That's not directed to anyone here or in ExPo - in fact, it didn't even cross my mind, but I should've used more care.

:beer:

 

[IH8RDS]

No worries here. I just wanted to add my 2 cents. I am a firm believer in hitting the trails before any modifications. I took my brand new jeep directly from the dealership to Francis Peak in Utah the same day I bought it. I have seen people modify just to modify because it was cool. No real reason. I'm a little guilty with some of the choices I have made, but I am better for it. I'm glad I settled down before cut the top of the Cherokee. lol. I like expedition travel more now then I ever did rock crawling.

So, what lift are you getting :hehe:

 

[cshontz]

When I first started, I modified my 90 YJ, not too hastily, but without doing my own research. A trusted friend said I should get a Pro-Comp suspension. Nuff said. I stayed friends with him, but learned a valuable lesson.

Then my 95 XJ was a little better. Got a 4.5" RE with add-a-leaf and block, but I think this was before they offered the packs. Installed 32's, 4.10 gears, and a Detroit. But I threw money away on Tomken products, and I installed two sets of Hella 550's on my roof, that were as bright as the sun, but were completely unusable due to glare.

Then my 99 TJ was much better. I only regret two Powertrax No-Slips instead of ARB's. The two No-Slips were okay, but at this point in my life, I'm meeting women, making babies, enduring long commutes, and getting pretty soft in my old age. I really miss that Jeep - that was a regretful sell.

Now with my 01 XJ, I've lost interest in wheelin' for the sake of wheelin', but I still love exploration and discovery, and I love unexpected challenges. I've been carefully scrutinizing over this Jeep to make sure it stays within my strict comfort and recreational parameters. So far, so good.

So, what lift are you getting :hehe:

I think I'd go with an RE 3.5" Superflex with OME shocks. That would perform very nicely and easily support my gear. However, I'm going to try to refrain from doing so until I know I'll need it (out west?). The local off-road park has trails that can very easily stop the Cherokee in its tracks, but I don't go there much anymore. Aside from the occasional fallen tree, I've been hard-pressed to find really demanding terrain on the state forest roads.

 

[cshontz]

When I first started, I modified my 90 YJ, not too hastily, but without doing my own research. A trusted friend said I should get a Pro-Comp suspension. Nuff said. I stayed friends with him, but learned a valuable lesson.

Then my 95 XJ was a little better. Got a 4.5" RE with add-a-leaf and block, but I think this was before they offered the packs. Installed 32's, 4.10 gears, and a Detroit. But I threw money away on Tomken products, and I installed two sets of Hella 550's on my roof, that were as bright as the sun, but were completely unusable due to glare.

Then my 99 TJ was much better. I only regret two Powertrax No-Slips instead of ARB's. The two No-Slips were okay, but at this point in my life, I'm meeting women, making babies, enduring long commutes, and getting pretty soft in my old age. I really miss that Jeep - that was a regretful sell.

Now with my 01 XJ, I've lost interest in wheelin' for the sake of wheelin', but I still love exploration and discovery, and I love unexpected challenges. I've been carefully scrutinizing over this Jeep to make sure it stays within my strict comfort and recreational parameters. So far, so good.

So, what lift are you getting :hehe:

I think I'd go with an RE 3.5" Superflex with OME shocks. That would perform very nicely and easily support my gear. However, I'm going to try to refrain from doing so until I know I'll need it (out west?). The local off-road park has trails that can very easily stop the Cherokee in its tracks, but I don't go there much anymore. Aside from the occasional fallen tree, I've been hard-pressed to find really demanding terrain on the state forest roads.

 

[IH8RDS]

LOL

My first lift was a Pro Comp. Now its a conglomerate of different parts. JKS/Rusty's/Super flexy leafs still to be identified. (Bought used) The only thing left is the ProComp coils. I just bought individual parts that worked for my goal.

I also bought Hella Black Magics. Nice lights. Too expensive and cant ever use them on the road because they are to bright for oncoming traffic. But hey they look black when you turn them off

I already installed 4.56 gears so I am committed. I have to install 33" tires now. I need 1" in the back and adjust my ACOS about 1.5". I already have to much invested in the front suspension to go long arms, but if I did it all over again long arms would be at the top of the list. I hear the ride quality the better then stock.