Xj ome
- Thread starter mc2az
- Start date
DO the SYE and add it to your build budget. You will need it sooner or later as your needs change and it can't hurt to have it. It also simplifies your life if you need to pull a rear driveshaft due to a failure and not having to worry about ATF coming out of your t-case.
Finally, many of the late model XJ's were more temperamental at lifts as short as 2 inches with rear driveshaft vibes. Not knowing the value of your time, the amount of effort that will go into tracking down vibes at various speeds, trying shims and t-case drops, and ultimately doing the SYE anyway makes doing it now cost effective.
Also, the techs at ARB in Renton WA are great people and would be happy to help you with questions about OME lifts. www.arbusa.com
Finally, many of the late model XJ's were more temperamental at lifts as short as 2 inches with rear driveshaft vibes. Not knowing the value of your time, the amount of effort that will go into tracking down vibes at various speeds, trying shims and t-case drops, and ultimately doing the SYE anyway makes doing it now cost effective.
Also, the techs at ARB in Renton WA are great people and would be happy to help you with questions about OME lifts. www.arbusa.com
Just re-read your use and build goals and have to agree with other posters that the roof mounted spare is not a great idea.
Unless you plan to sleep in the rig, think seriously about leaving the tire in the stock location. A 31" tire/wheel will fit. If not, run with the rear seat down or removed. Finally, mount the tire to the floor itself and build a flat floor above it for storage.
If something needs to go on the roof, it should be light duty stuff like tents, Therm-a-rests, folding chairs, etc.
Heavy stuff and things that suffer in weather, should be inside. I know you're in AZ but keeping your Hi-Lift clean and dry is a surefire way to make sure it works when you need it.
My rig weighs in at 4560 pounds and nothing is stowed above the window line and it works really well. Weight balance is about 53/47 and it handles nicely.
Finally, the XJ already suffers from lackluster fuel economy. Add the roof rack and it has, in my prior use, about an 8-10% negative effect.
Unless you plan to sleep in the rig, think seriously about leaving the tire in the stock location. A 31" tire/wheel will fit. If not, run with the rear seat down or removed. Finally, mount the tire to the floor itself and build a flat floor above it for storage.
If something needs to go on the roof, it should be light duty stuff like tents, Therm-a-rests, folding chairs, etc.
Heavy stuff and things that suffer in weather, should be inside. I know you're in AZ but keeping your Hi-Lift clean and dry is a surefire way to make sure it works when you need it.
My rig weighs in at 4560 pounds and nothing is stowed above the window line and it works really well. Weight balance is about 53/47 and it handles nicely.
Finally, the XJ already suffers from lackluster fuel economy. Add the roof rack and it has, in my prior use, about an 8-10% negative effect.
mc2az
Observer
Crap! I knew it would happen. Stop reading all the rock crawlin stuff over at NAXJA and finally post my ideas on EXPO and you guy's would bring me back to reality. JOHN90XJ really got me thinking about what do I "want" & what do I "need".
Can I still go over there and look at the pictures though? Really, I didn't think when I first posted today that I would get such a great response, and what's really cool is you are all leading me pretty much in the same direction. It's funny, now my build "TONIGHT" will be much more informed and vastly different than past "builds".
Thanks Guy's. I hope you'll let me hang out here awhile and maybe re-light this thread in a month or so.
Can I still go over there and look at the pictures though? Really, I didn't think when I first posted today that I would get such a great response, and what's really cool is you are all leading me pretty much in the same direction. It's funny, now my build "TONIGHT" will be much more informed and vastly different than past "builds".
Thanks Guy's. I hope you'll let me hang out here awhile and maybe re-light this thread in a month or so.
winkosmosis
Explorer
Don't forget skid plates
Don't forget Rubicon Express and Rusty's. I have experience with both and can say they both served me well.
I concur with those that recommend 31 x 10.5. They are a good balance. I've run the Con, Fordyce, Deer Valley, and everything else with 31's. It takes work but can be done. I ran 31's from 1991 to 2009. I've recently stepped up however to 33 x 12.5 KM2's. You know why? Because a LOT of the organized runs these days require 33's or bigger. Can you imagine rating one's ability based on tire size?
As far as the spare tire, why are you thinking inside or roof? A tire carrier is the only way to go. Even a used stock unit is a better idea - http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pts/1231751641.html.
Where are you located?
I concur with those that recommend 31 x 10.5. They are a good balance. I've run the Con, Fordyce, Deer Valley, and everything else with 31's. It takes work but can be done. I ran 31's from 1991 to 2009. I've recently stepped up however to 33 x 12.5 KM2's. You know why? Because a LOT of the organized runs these days require 33's or bigger. Can you imagine rating one's ability based on tire size?
As far as the spare tire, why are you thinking inside or roof? A tire carrier is the only way to go. Even a used stock unit is a better idea - http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pts/1231751641.html.
Where are you located?
mc2az
Observer
I transferred to the Phoenix area late 08 from FL. I just kinda wanted to gain some room inside for travel gear & tools (plus my dog jumps from back to front a lot when not loaded). I really like the bumper/tire mount option but $$. Maybe in my future though, your right, not gettin any younger and looking "UP" at that thing may be intimidating not too far off.
As for the 33" clubs.....Man I spent too many years in the Idaho wilderness to know about the sins of solo travel, but I don't want to see if my jeep can do what "his" can or if I can follow "that" vehicle through a wash with elephant sized boulders. Don't get me wrong guy's I was there and had a blast when I was doing it. I still watch all the vidoes and build shows and dream.
Now I want to get "OUT" there and enjoy what Arizona has to offer. Not carry a box for my wife to "climb" in the jeep & spend all week fixing what I broke last weekend. That's what I like about EXPO. I want to do more short weekend Expeditions. I wish I could find a club with this philosphy and not turn it into a competition.
As for the 33" clubs.....Man I spent too many years in the Idaho wilderness to know about the sins of solo travel, but I don't want to see if my jeep can do what "his" can or if I can follow "that" vehicle through a wash with elephant sized boulders. Don't get me wrong guy's I was there and had a blast when I was doing it. I still watch all the vidoes and build shows and dream.
Now I want to get "OUT" there and enjoy what Arizona has to offer. Not carry a box for my wife to "climb" in the jeep & spend all week fixing what I broke last weekend. That's what I like about EXPO. I want to do more short weekend Expeditions. I wish I could find a club with this philosphy and not turn it into a competition.
ExpoMike
Well-known member
I agree 100% with RRO. Stay away from them.
As for DPG, I really don't understand why you are staying away from them? So one person doesn't agree with Dirk's beliefs so his business must be bad. What? When it comes to some straight shooting info about OME and XJ's in general, DPG is a great resource. He has a lot of good info on his site. If you're not interested in Christan Life, don't click on that page. There are a bunch of other pages with info.
I have also bought from Jeepin Outfitters and my experience was less then stellar. First order didn't get places, after a few emails, got things sorted out and reordered but it did delay my build waiting on parts.
As for Rubicon Express, they make great products and I would have likely gone with them but I wanted a 3" lift and many of their advertised lifts come out much higher the shown. Like their 3" lift commonly comes out at 4-4.5" and I did not want to go that high.
Good luck.
While it may work for Dan, hanging that extra weight 3' south of the rear axle can have some negative effects on handling, as well as being in the way whenever the hatch is opened and finally blocking vision.
For the number of times you will need a spare tire, bury that thing. Keep your life simple and not monkey with it every time you get in the back of your rig.
Root Moose
Expedition Leader
I've dealt with Dirk a number of times over they years. Bought some small bits last month even. He's great to work with, conscientious, honest. I couldn't care about his religious views and they do not align with mine at all. That doesn't mean I won't do business with him.
I've dealt with Jeepin Outfitters a number of times. Top notch. I've even had Jennifer take an order for me while driving on some freeway somewhere in Texas. Made for a funny call (she's a hoot).
I've dealt with Jeepin Outfitters a number of times. Top notch. I've even had Jennifer take an order for me while driving on some freeway somewhere in Texas. Made for a funny call (she's a hoot).
mc2az
Observer
XJ Mike, I'm with you, don't click if you don't want to see it.
I also like your setup, Hybrid to suit your needs. After some more research with the "Team" idea's in mind. I can't find anyone but OME who sells a complete 2" rear leaf pack. I have not had good luck with AAL's & the reviews are not all that positive from others either. I'm lookin at 2" OME rear & 2" coils from somewhere and the best shocks my remainder funds can afford. Looks like it's not as critical "where" you get it, as it is you "get it right".
I also like your setup, Hybrid to suit your needs. After some more research with the "Team" idea's in mind. I can't find anyone but OME who sells a complete 2" rear leaf pack. I have not had good luck with AAL's & the reviews are not all that positive from others either. I'm lookin at 2" OME rear & 2" coils from somewhere and the best shocks my remainder funds can afford. Looks like it's not as critical "where" you get it, as it is you "get it right".
Root Moose
Expedition Leader
Couple of things to think about...
You don't necessarily have to run large tires to make use of some of the higher end suspension systems. For long range driving use you are looking for ride quality. In my opinion there are three ways to get good ride:
1.) minimal lift and cutting sheet metal to make whatever tire size you need/want fit. I really like the aftermarket fiberglass fenders that are out there nowadays. If I had my time over...
2.) drop brackets
3.) long arms
I'm a fan of 31" to 33" tires for our usage. I run the metric equivalent of a 32" tire with a TNT long arm lift. ~4.5" of lift. I'm keeping the Jeep low and practical for every day use. I just recently got it sitting on it's springs and am actaully a little concerned that it is a little tall. I'm using RE springs and they have a reputation for being taller than advertised. I hope to lose ~1" or more as the suspension settles.
35" and larger tires need a lot more work on the Jeep to run them "properly". Things like steering geometry and braking systems need to be addressed IMO.
As far as 33" tire clubs are concerned, I'd hope that they are sensible about that kind of rule. If you are on 31s and locked at both ends and lots of armour I don't see what the big deal is - unless you are doing some crazy trail to destroy your rig (JV?).
Stick the tire inside for now. It'll fit in the stock location. IIRC anything up to a 32" with fit and small 33" tires (i.e. BFG) should fit as well. When budget allows stick a rear carrier on.
$0.02
You don't necessarily have to run large tires to make use of some of the higher end suspension systems. For long range driving use you are looking for ride quality. In my opinion there are three ways to get good ride:
1.) minimal lift and cutting sheet metal to make whatever tire size you need/want fit. I really like the aftermarket fiberglass fenders that are out there nowadays. If I had my time over...
2.) drop brackets
3.) long arms
I'm a fan of 31" to 33" tires for our usage. I run the metric equivalent of a 32" tire with a TNT long arm lift. ~4.5" of lift. I'm keeping the Jeep low and practical for every day use. I just recently got it sitting on it's springs and am actaully a little concerned that it is a little tall. I'm using RE springs and they have a reputation for being taller than advertised. I hope to lose ~1" or more as the suspension settles.
35" and larger tires need a lot more work on the Jeep to run them "properly". Things like steering geometry and braking systems need to be addressed IMO.
As far as 33" tire clubs are concerned, I'd hope that they are sensible about that kind of rule. If you are on 31s and locked at both ends and lots of armour I don't see what the big deal is - unless you are doing some crazy trail to destroy your rig (JV?).
Stick the tire inside for now. It'll fit in the stock location. IIRC anything up to a 32" with fit and small 33" tires (i.e. BFG) should fit as well. When budget allows stick a rear carrier on.
$0.02
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mc2az
Observer
OK I'm going to really show my stupidty here and ask anyway...what does IIRC stand for?
Another thing I like about XJ Mike's setup is it appears to be something that could be achieved over time and through research of one's "Needs", start out with the basics and build from there.
I used to do some Dual Sport Motorcycle riding and learned about trade offs. No one bike or set up was good for everything. With that in mind I strongly subscribe to the "MODULAR" philosphy in my life. Here some thoughts I've had.
Quality 2" & 31's for DD duties and forest road expeditions.
Rack "ON" for weekends- "OFF" for DD (I'm not that old yet, I can get help to get it back on) this also means KC's on the front bumper.
"Receiver" winch. Mounted(front or back) when needed- outta sight when not.
I want to thank you all for your opinions and ideas, this is great!
Another thing I like about XJ Mike's setup is it appears to be something that could be achieved over time and through research of one's "Needs", start out with the basics and build from there.
I used to do some Dual Sport Motorcycle riding and learned about trade offs. No one bike or set up was good for everything. With that in mind I strongly subscribe to the "MODULAR" philosphy in my life. Here some thoughts I've had.
Quality 2" & 31's for DD duties and forest road expeditions.
Rack "ON" for weekends- "OFF" for DD (I'm not that old yet, I can get help to get it back on) this also means KC's on the front bumper.
"Receiver" winch. Mounted(front or back) when needed- outta sight when not.
I want to thank you all for your opinions and ideas, this is great!
Root Moose
Expedition Leader
IIRC := "if I recall correctly"
Big 10-4 to doing things incrementally.
Big 10-4 to doing things incrementally.
Root Moose
Expedition Leader
Oh, another thing...
About NAXJA...
There's a huge amount of data over there - try to get used to using the search. It can save you a lot of time and money. It's a fab resource.
Don't get too annoyed/discouraged/put-off with the stuff over there that does not apply.
Signal to noise ratio has gone down a lot the last few years but the information is there if you persevere.
About NAXJA...
There's a huge amount of data over there - try to get used to using the search. It can save you a lot of time and money. It's a fab resource.
Don't get too annoyed/discouraged/put-off with the stuff over there that does not apply.
Signal to noise ratio has gone down a lot the last few years but the information is there if you persevere.