Wondering what you all think

[ej1096]

This is my first post here and I was wondering something from the guys that overland with their XJ's or anybody who's been there and done that. I have a 98 XJ its my second, Gave my first one(93') to my step dad. Anyway, I want to make it an expo rig. My plan is to keep it lower so I dont have to deal with drive line and steering geometry as well as keep it more street friendly. I'm thinking 3". I already trimmed the fenders so I think 31's for the tires. I would also like selectable lockers of some sort both front and rear. Then skid plates and rock sliders. Some specs on my Jeep: D30 Front, AW4 Trans, 231 T-case, Chry 8.25 Rear.

Now my question is this, do you guys have any advice on set up Do's, Dont's or wish I would have's with Overlanding an XJ? Keep in mind my "Overland" will be limited to the US and maybe southern Canada. I also plan on a trailer of some sort. I know space is a limitation compared to other rigs out there.

Thanks in advance

 

[sorryaboutthestd]

Do it, I am doing the same thing. Parts are cheap for the XJ. There is a huge aftermarket and a mild lift and expo friendly mods won't break the bank too bad.

Space being what it is look at "sleeping platforms" on this board, there are a couple that would workout well for two travelers.

Good luck.

 

[MuckSavage]

X2....Do It! I'm doing the same thing. However, no trailer for me. My XJ is a towed for the RV & carries a tent when I solo.

 

[ej1096]

Thanks For the replies, I hope you guys are able to build yours. I have been gathering a build list. its going to be a slow build not much $$$ these days. Anybody have advice on building an overland XJ? Things that they have done and lessons they learned? I know its kind of a loaded question but I am just looking for general stuff to keep in mind and experiences people have had.

 

[OBX Seafari]

Lift

Don't cheap out on your lift or shocks. For the 3" I reccomend a Rubicon Express and Pro Comp ES9000 shocks

 

[Waytec]

I big suggestion is look for a local Jeep Clubs web site. Jeepers are always changing and up grading so good deals can be found on used pars and sometimes abused. Also with the local clubs you can find someone that is fabing up a part for a XJ and is building 5 or more at once to try to get his for free I got my sliders for $200 installed and they are heavy duty.

I have a Rubicon Express 3.5 lift and am running 33s with allot of cutting. I will building a roof rack for it this winter due to no one makes one for what I want and I have access to a bender. For over landing i.e. long drives where lockers are not needed, selectable are the way to go. If you have a D35, D30 I would suggest a electric locker very simple operation and only 2 weirs going into the case. if you have a C8.25 ARB is the only company building a selectable. With the ARBs you are into a lot of upkeep issues with the air. Moisture in the air is a big issue here in Canada.

Personally in the off road clubs I belong to I suggest a winch before lockers. Lockers tend to get you buried deeper before you realize you are stuck. learn to wheel on open diffs then lock them.

Here is my XJ. It is a little more hardcore then most on this site but is build to go deep into the bush where there is no road.

 

[ExpoMike]

Opinions will differ greatly but a couple things I have learned/researched over the years are as follow;

1. Research your lift really well. Many companies (like RE) advertise a " 3" " lift only to find it actually is closer to 4.5" when installed. For me, I want exactly what is advertised, not more or less. Old Man Emu (OME) is very good about getting you exactly what you as for and they ride very well, especially if not looking to go more than 3" max.

2. For shocks, Bilstein hands down. 5100 or 5150 series. Buy them once and be done with it.

3. Rock sliders should be your first "protection" part added. I am very happy with my AJ Super Rails but there are many different ones out there but do it BEFORE you get the rocker damage. Seen too many people who said they were on the list and were upset after the damage and knew they should have gotten them sooner.

4. A good A/T tire. I have been very happy with me Bridgestone Dualer REVO's but whatever you get make sure they are a "C" rated and not "E" rated. Your rig will ride very rough because of the tire stiffness.

5. Learn how to drive. Sounds simple but I have seen way too many rigs with all the top stuff but an idiot driver and get stuck, flop or generally break things. I have seen (and am one when I first started in XJ's) bone stock XJ's make it thru places with little fanfare or problems because the driver knew how to pick good lines and knew his rig like the back of his hand. Makes a big difference.

That's the main stuff. There are lots of little things you can add over time but based on the specs you gave, you have a very good start and basically have the same drivetrain that I do. I almost always are pulling our Kamparoo trailer and even with that behind us, I have made it thru places other more "capable" rigs have gotten stuck.

Good luck and post up pics or ask questions. Also do a lot of research in this forum and NAXJA too.

 

[ej1096]

Thanks Guys! as much as I like the idea of lockers and such I think your right with the thought of a winch first. For the price of an ARB air locker for my 8.25 I could get a bumper and winch, both on my build list.

I fully agree with learning how to drive. I'm a good driver and have gone through defensive and offensive (think cops pushing people off the road) driving courses but thats on road. However I am also the first to say I dont know it all and can learn a lot from people that know more than I. There are off road driving courses offered at an OHV park in Gilbert Mn. That is part of my "build list" too.

And as far as protection goes.. My jeepster wont see any gnarly trails until its properly protected. My thought... Why buy the fire alarm AFTER the building burned down?

Thanks also for the companies to check out. I wrote them down and will add them to my research list. Also when I get a chance I will add some pics cause EVERYONE likes pics!

Oh and Waytech NICE RIG!

 

[OttawaXJ]

3 inch with trimmed fenders and you'll be able to fit 33s.

 

[Mr. D]

great info I have been thinking of taking an offroad training class in the future

 

[gasman]

3.5 rubicon express was my first lift , it worked very well, get the winch then the lockers,

 

[OttawaXJ]

great info I have been thinking of taking an offroad training class in the future

Best training course is getting in with a good club that practices tread lightly. That should keep you from developing any bad habits I see so often. My home town is 99% bad habits(ie drinking and driving, wheeling private property(that you dont have permission for), going off the trail, going on illegal trails, etc.

 

[Mr. D]

I have been with a club that treads lightly so I have learned a lot just need more seat time behind the wheel.

One concern I have is a person I like to take out exploring then I trade driving duties is always testing my patience by getting off the trail... it really pisses me off what is the best way to teach them what they are doing when they dont tread lightly.

thanks

 

[shortbus4x4]

OME makes nice lift kits. Look into getting some chassis stiffeners to make your unibody last longer. Get some rock sliders for the rockers. A winch on a multi mount and good tires will get you into and out of more trouble for less money than lockers. Cherokees are really good rigs, the engine and aw4 trans are bullet proof. If you don't have a tow package with an aux trans cooler then add one, your trans will thank you. You have the best rearend that came stock, I wouldn't go any bigger than 31's if you are on a budget.

 

[Morticon]

dont mean to interupt your thread bud,

but i hear ome and rubicon express, but what about zone? bds cheaper version...... same parts just less waranty...

but for a 3 inch lift with the upgraded shocks(with shock boots) it comes to like 325 canadian....

and for the 4.5 lift with upgraded shocks and shockboots its 531 dollars.....


i run the ome HD 4dr coils on my 2dr jk and yeah the ride is rough because they are meant for the 4dr and they are the heavy duty ones but when my jeep is weighed down with a massive load they run amazing...

i also have a buddy running the 4" from zone on his jk and he absolutely loves it and it only cost him like 750 compared to most out there it is relitviely cheap.... and works really well

so why no love for zone? if i ever get a cherokee(which i want to for expedition runs) id go zone just for the price