Best mod I ever made to my XJ

[goatherder]

I experimented with a few different lift / tire options before I finally came up with this end result. This has produced what I consider to be the ideal combination of ride height, wheel travel and handling.

Flares are Notch Customs XJ Flares; these things are made from REALLY STOUT fiberglass, and are thru bolted and glued to the fenders. This is a BIG mod; took me about a week and there is considerable cutting and welding involved. But totally worth it, IMO, as it allows you to retain a lower center of gravity and still have bigger tires and good wheel travel.

Tires are 31 x 10.5 x 15 Duratracs on Ultra 15x8's. Springs are Dorman replacement leafs and Moog progressive coils, both ordered off Amazon for...pretty damn cheap. They are heavy-duty replacements and add 1.5-2" to the ride height. Anyway, here are some pics:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/Uglyoldpirate/1997 Jeep XJ/IMG_1086_zpsfscuztdt.jpg

 

[goatherder]

Here's some install pics:

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://s36.photobucket.com/user/Uglyoldpirate/embed/slideshow/1997%20Jeep%20XJ/Flare%20Install"></iframe>

 

[JSwanson]

looks good! I love my duratracs I have 13000 miles on them and no complaints still plenty of tread.
BTW the short bus is awesome!

 

[Anak]

Tires are 10.5 x 15 Duratracs on Ultra 15x8's.

31's?

 

[goatherder]

duh...yeah.
31x10.5-15

thanks.

 

[DailyJeep]

I love it!

So you're still on stock control arms? And what shocks are you using?

I've been toying with a similar approach. 1.5/2" lift via springs coupled with high clearance flares like yours or Napiers and running a 32" tire.

 

[Se7en62]

I too am looking to extend my 'droop', rather than raise my COG any more. Right now I'm on the OME 3.5" HD lift and am not going any higher. Instead, I plan to cut the fenders to clear the 285/75R16's and bumpstop as needed. Then for extra downward travel, I'll upgrade the UCA's, LCA's, Track Bar, and Shocks to provide as much downward articulation as possible (without going to long-arms.)

 

[Comanche Scott]

Dog doesn't look so happy about the mod. :elkgrin:

 

[Van_Homan]

The flares look great