Project 89 XJ

[gtmud]

I am starting to build my 89 XJ for a trip to Colorado this summer to run the Hermit and Madena Pass trails with my brother. He has ran these trails last year and gave me a Heads- up on what to expect. So now I would like your input as to what you think would be Nessacary to run these trails. I am already figuring on a lift to accomadate 31x10.5's. Minor trimming ok. The Xj has the 4.0/auto w/ PT and FT T-case and I beleive the Chrysler rear end. Also I am looking to run as high as 9000 ft above sea level, and will have at least 3 stream crossings, so any tuning suggestions? The XJ will be trailered to CO from NC. Thanks in advance.

[AlohaBra]

Now that I see, you are going to trailer it, I think a 5 1/2 inch lift with 33s would be good for you to look at. You many want to regear...I think the 89 had the Dana 35 non-C-clip in the rear and the Dana 30 in front.

One lift possible is Rocky Road 2 inch spacer in front, RR two inch shackle in back, PLUS...3 1/2 in Rubicon Express springs and leaf set in back. Longer shocks, brake lines, and bump stops. I would just buy the stuff to fit, rather than a kit. Recomend using some kind of bar pin eliminator for the bar pin end of shock (F and R)(Rocky road is what I used.).

Then drive it and see what the power is like, remember you are going to use low-low anyway. Then work on drive shaft vibes if you have any, but since you aren't going on the highway, it might be OK. You might need adjustable track bar in front and longer front lower arms (read up on these, there are a lot of choices).

Then skid plates, front and rear diff and transfer. Then recovery points and or bumpers, rack, exterior tire mount, etc.

Hey, I think it great that you are going to plan in advance what you are going to do. This should keep you busy for a little while.

[gtmud]

Thanks Aloha,

All very good ideas, now I have to figure how to do this on a budget. The wife is letting me do this but I know better than to get really crazy. I have a question though, I know that the NP231 requires a driveshaft conversion on anything 3" and above, does the same ring true with the T-case I have, or is it one of those, wiat and see after the lift is installed.
I think I'll stay with a 3" lift, skids ( full) 31's and the nessasary recovery attachments and of course a set of Pro Comp lights.
My brother ran these trails in his stock Xterra(04) No lockers and never had a problem, so I think I'll keep it simple for now. My only worry is Waterproofing. Any ideas to that, seeing that I have a distributor, versus solid state coils?
Thanks again for your ideas.

[AlohaBra]

Hey GT...Is this still your daily driver? Sometime it is handy to have another vehicle to drive while you work out some the issues (like getting longer bolts or some supplies).

It is easy to make the 3 in lift into a 5 with 2 inch spacers in front and a longer shackle in back. Remember you only want to pull the springs one time (it is a lot of work). With a 3 inch you will probably need longer brake lines and shocks anyway. (Why not make it a 5? Price it out.) Some guys use a 16 in wheel and tire combo like a 265/75-16. For water crossing, the taller the better. If water is above the bumper, that is a WHOLE other story. We'll talk about that some other time. A lot of people won't do it.

Your driveshaft vibe problem will depend if you are going to drive on the highway. Try it, that is what I did and there was a vibe at abround 35 mph, but mine is a 97 and yours is less prone.

A cheaper way to fix the drive shaft would be a Rubicaon Express hack and tap SYE and a salvage yard XJ front drive shaft. This fix will give you more clearance also, than lowering the TC crossmember.

You might start by removing the rear sway bar if you have one, because it is not nececessary with stiffer springs (if you are going that route). Sometimes they will hit the tires with a lft. Longer front sway bar connectors may also be necessary (you can make your own or buy quickdisconnects).

Have fun! It is worth it when you are done with the concept and finally wheel it. I had sent you a PM with a link earlier that should be informative.

[AlohaBra]

Okay, I have changed my mind, because the 3 in. lift to start is definitely the more budget conscious approach. But, in my case and in many cases, once you get started, you want to "improve" on what you have, like more lift for clearance reasons (and often esthetic reasons).

Aloha and best regards,

[gtmud]

Thanks Aloha,

I just bought about 4 bills worth of stuff to get it running right, and also a Dynomax cat back system. So this is for starters, I will be getting the tires here in about another week then I am looking at the Super Lift 2.5 lift to accomodate the 31's.( at least thats what they claim) Any insite to their lift? I am seriously considering an adjustable track bar. I will have to post some pics of before and after once I get it going. Thanks for you advice.

[AlohaBra]

Hey...cool...especially the exhaust.
Here is a shot of mine, I just started on it this spring:
http://www.lp2aenergy.com/PDF/97XJ/P9040018.JPG

I had it since new, but my daughter had it for the last five years in college.
Bought her an 01 XJ 2WD and got this one back.

Tip for the lift: two floor jacks and good stands. Spring compessors if you can.
Air Chisel, Air cutoff tool w/ carbide blade. Heavy duty everything else.