How low can I go?

loki_racer

loki_racer

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2005
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
My next mod on the XJ is going to be shocks, springs and leafs. My question is, what's the best way to figure out how low I can go and still get the optimal amount of flex out of the rig.

The front is sitting on 5.5" right now, but I'd like to take it down to around 4", but am not sure how to see if it will work well.

Also, any recommendations on springs, shocks and leafs for an XJ. I really like the Bilstein 5165's.
 
35's. I need to keep fenders as Rides just put them on. No more sheet metal to be cut.

alh5.googleusercontent.com__GIzqR2IJDsw_TnIqiqxwVOI_AAAAAAAAOG14955bd0d5882836623e3d7c8a0a65f0.jpg
 
Key to low riding XJ is trimming the sheet metal inside the wheel wells. From the looks of your fenders your fine on exterior sheet metal.

here is how to trim interior wheel well......mainly the fronts. You can gain at least an inch of travel on an XJ this way. If you only want to run 35s this should allow you to get down to that 4 to 4.5 lift range.


http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=885939&highlight=header+xj+tj
 
You should be able to run the 35's with a 4.5" kit and extended bumpstops with little to no up-travel and without cutting anthying more than you already have.
As far as leafs go, Deaver's are great for racing but apparently don't flex as well as a Rusty's or a Rubicon Express leaf spring and are very pricey. According to a couple XJ forums Rusty's leafs are the most flexy, which I've had great luck out of my Rusty's leafs.
If I were you I woud stay at your current height and go up to 36's and just upgrade your rear springs, shocks all around and chromo the rear since you already have Deaver front coils and the RCV's in your front axle will hold up to the larger tires.
 
Motorman said:
Key to low riding XJ is trimming the sheet metal inside the wheel wells. From the looks of your fenders your fine on exterior sheet metal.
here is how to trim interior wheel well......mainly the fronts. You can gain at least an inch of travel on an XJ this way. If you only want to run 35s this should allow you to get down to that 4 to 4.5 lift range.
http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=885939&highlight=header+xj+tj
Click to expand...

I've seen their front inner fender kit. Doing the rear like their's would make me a little nervous. I'll have to think on this.

ChrisAyers said:
You should be able to run the 35's with a 4.5" kit and extended bumpstops with little to no up-travel and without cutting anthying more than you already have.
As far as leafs go, Deaver's are great for racing but apparently don't flex as well as a Rusty's or a Rubicon Express leaf spring and are very pricey. According to a couple XJ forums Rusty's leafs are the most flexy, which I've had great luck out of my Rusty's leafs.
If I were you I woud stay at your current height and go up to 36's and just upgrade your rear springs, shocks all around and chromo the rear since you already have Deaver front coils and the RCV's in your front axle will hold up to the larger tires.
Click to expand...

I'm not keeping the front Deaver coils. Not a chance of me moving to 36's as my 35's are basically brand new.
 
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