Another new XJ

[BWCA_XJ]

Hi all . . . I’ve been lurking on the boards and thought it was time to introduce myself and ask a question.

I have a 1999 XJ that I purchased from the original owner with only 46000 miles on the clock. It spent its first 9 years in Grand Junction, CO and is now with me in the Denver metro area. It’s an SE has manual door locks and windows, 4.0l, NP231 and the 8.25 rear end. But it also has cruise control, 16” wheels and rear heat/air. It has the really cool gauge cluster that only has a giant gas gauge and speedo, but a scan gauge II has helped with everything other than the oil temp.

I will try and post some pics tonight.

I am looking to do a relatively mild expo build, starting with an OME 2” lift. I guess my question, at this time, has to do with the particular lift. With this lift will I have to address any driveline concerns? I understand that with only 2” I am not changing the geometry too much but should I be looking at a SYE and new driveshaft or will a small t-case drop do the trick, if driveline vibes occur? I know the output shaft on the NP231 is the weak spot and I would hate to make it worse by dropping the t-case.

Also, since I have the 16” wheels I was looking to go with a 245/70/16 (roughly a 30x9.50x15). Will there be rubbing of the control arms with a tire this size? Can I go with a 245/75/16?

Sorry for all the questions. . .

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[troy]

Welcome to the expo!

I'm fairly new to the site myself. I find the expo style fits my tastes a little more than the rock climbing dominated forums.

I have a '98 XJ with OME lift and 16" rims. To answer a few of your questions:

245/70/16 will not rub. I originally ran this size and they seemed a little small on the truck.

245/75/16 will rub with just the OME setup. It won't rub in daily driving, but for off-road use it will rub occasionally. I ran a set in this size for a year and it was tolerable. One thing to keep in mind is gearing. XJs with stock 3.55 gearing and 31" tires seem to always be in the wrong gear and feel underpowered.

I'm running 255/70/16 and the OME lift. It is a good compromise between size and gearing for me.

I did have vibes with just the OME lift. I installed grade 8 washers and longer bolts to replace the t-case skid studs. It took about 1/2" to get rid of the vibes. Overall I think an SYE is the better fix, but the spacer is an option if you are on a budget.

 

[wADVr]

For the last 9 months or so I have been running 245/75R16s on stock 16" alloy wheels. Only driving on forest service roads i ran this with only 1" lift (OEM upcountry) For medium trail usage I added another inch ( 2" total) to help with articulation clearance. It rubs on the control arms at full lock but thats it unless fully articulated where then it only rubs the plastic inner fender liners. If I had tubular control arms such as Rubicon express, JKS ect they wouldnt rub. And a little trimming of the inner fender plastic and it would be perfect. I have no vibes from the DS that I can detect but it does put the engine out of its optimum RPM range for MPG_my mileage went down from 20-21 to 16.5.

You will be suprised how much you can to with this setup. Ive only had one BAD situation due to too much snow and too little tire.

 

[IXNAYXJ]

Ive only had one BAD situation due to too much snow and too little tire.

Really, do tell? :ylsmoke:

-----Matt-----

 

[BWCA_XJ]

Thanks for the replies

Well, the OME HD 1.5" lift has been ordered from Quadratec and should be here in about a week. :wings:

Now the big decision is, if necessary, to do a SYE or a t-case drop. I've gone cross-eyed from reading all of the information on the internet about the subject yet am having a tough time deciding. I had a t-case drop on my 94YJ (4" lift) and 99XJ (3" lift) with no problems whatsoever, although the 3rd time is a charm. . . I highly doubt I will ever be doing any really hardcore offroading- this is a DD with an annual road trip from Denver to the Quetico/BWCA each year.

As far as tire size I think I may stick with the original idea of a 245/75/16 or take troy's advice and try a 255/70/16.

:smiley_drive:

 

[saburai]

Welcome!

Pictures please:victory:

 

[Big Daddy Chia]

Thanks for the replies

Well, the OME HD 1.5" lift has been ordered from Quadratec and should be here in about a week. :wings:

Now the big decision is, if necessary, to do a SYE or a t-case drop. I've gone cross-eyed from reading all of the information on the internet about the subject yet am having a tough time deciding. I had a t-case drop on my 94YJ (4" lift) and 99XJ (3" lift) with no problems whatsoever, although the 3rd time is a charm. . . I highly doubt I will ever be doing any really hardcore offroading- this is a DD with an annual road trip from Denver to the Quetico/BWCA each year.

As far as tire size I think I may stick with the original idea of a 245/75/16 or take troy's advice and try a 255/70/16.

:smiley_drive:

For 1.5 inches you wont need either. The SYE is only needed when you at about 3inchs or taller. Tcase drop is a waste of money

 

[wADVr]

My vote would be for the slightly taller and narrower 245/75

Matt dont make me get all Cherokeekid on you here, this is a tech thread :littlefriend:

 

[BWCA_XJ]

Attached are some pictures pre-lift. Sorry, I am still not the most computer literate when it comes to posting pictures.

 

[wADVr]

Nice wheels, here is upcountry equiped XJ with 245/75R16s:

 

[IH8RDS]

As far as the SYE goes, install the lift, then see how it rides. I have seen 6" lifted XJs that did not need an SYE, but on the other hand I have seen a 2" lift that needed it.

The SYE is a very good option either way. I have an SYE and I use the same drive shaft in the front and rear with no issues. It allows you to also pull the rear drive shaft and drive out with front wheel drive. It can save your life if you are out in some remote area and need to get out.

 

[saburai]

Nice Jeep!

Very clean!
Here are the pictures you posted the links to:

 

[BWCA_XJ]

Thanks for posting the pictures.

I think I may end up doing the SYE regardless. I like knowing that I have addressed one of the weaker spots in the Jeep drive train. Plus if I ever plan to go higher I have that addressed

T&A -

I really like the looks of the 245/75/16's but am looking to avoid any fender trimming if at all possible. On your Jeep was that due to adding the new bumper or for clearance purposes?

 

[saburai]

Sye

Thanks for posting the pictures.

Your welcome!

I think I may end up doing the SYE regardless. I like knowing that I have addressed one of the weaker spots in the Jeep drive train. Plus if I ever plan to go higher I have that addressed

Another nice thing about having a SYE is having the drive shafts the same...

 

[wADVr]

I only trimmed because of the bumper. I could have easily fit the tires without trimming. I dont have the sway bar hooked up for trail use and it doesnt rub even articulated and having the wheels turned full lock L or R. It does rub the inner plastic but not enough to worry about and thats fully flexed out. I only notice it because of the clean plastic. I must give credit to the 1" extended bumpstops that the Up country suspension package provides.