2 Questions from a newbie

[crk4x4]

Hey this is my first post...yee-haw

umm yeah. i just bought a '99 xj sport which already had some mods on it. I am new to all of this so help me out.

my first question is about skid plates. do you need em, or is there one that you really need more than others? idk anything about protection of the underbelly. i mean, i live in the piedmont and i dont expect to go rock crawlin anytime soon, but what i want to know is if they are a worthy investment.

my second question is about rear axle stuff. im not really sure whether i have a Chrysler 8.25 or a dana 35. from pics on the web, they look really similar and i cant see any stamp or id on em. also what kind of gears should i be running w/ 31s and a 3 in lift? i want max mileage and efficiency. i hav no idea what gears are in there, stock i suppose.

if you guys would be benevolent...that would be amazing

 

[fattypackard]

unless you are taking it to an ORV park like UNF or someplace else similar i dont think you should invest the hundreds for protection.
unless you have the cash then i'd go with sliders and t-case/tranny skid.

on the axles, go behind the XJ, squat down. if the bottom of the axle is flat, its a chrysler 8.25
if it is round it is a d35.
my bets its an 8.25

and gears, i am assuming you have an auto tranny (aw4)
if thats the case then your gears are 3.55
if you have a manual then they are 3.07

hope that helps.