what should i do next? (98xj...)

GSRswapandslow

GSRswapandslow

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2005
Location
Taylorsville
i'm wanting to do something to my 98xj, but i'm kinda at a loss as to where to go next. It's not a daily driver, but I also do NOT have a way to haul it anywhere...so going all out stupid with it just isn't in the books, i'll just build a buggy later for that mess. The jeep HAS to be able to keep up with traffic (read 80mph), has to drive decently (at least no worse than it does now...which isn't perfect), and has to be strong enough to not really worry about breaking at places like Mtn City or URE or the Farm (i'm light on the throttle and not concerned with doing a huge smoke show to get over a rock)

So far i've done:
33x12.5 Eldorado MTZ's on 15x8 steel wheels
rr hd steering (don't need any negative comments, it works for me)
4.5" rc lift wiht aal


I'm planning on picking up an 8.8 this weekend, if the guy gets back to me...it's drum, but i'll upgrade to dish later on.

so...not sure where to go next.

I know that a SYE and another front XJ shaft are in the near future...so that's accounted for.

gearing...i'd LIKE 5.13's, but if i keep the d30 it'll have to be 4.88's of course...so maybe front axle swap would be fine, but i'd like to stay XJ width and keep my 5x4.5 lug pattern.

recovery points...i have stock bumpers, no sliders, no unibody stiffeners, etc....is that a necessary thing for a light-ish duty trail truck?

so i'm open to suggestions. my g/f said she'd rather my spend my tax money on getting the jeep situated for trail riding more than building another rifle...and i'm ok cause working on the jeep will be COSIDERABLY cheaper...so win/win. she just wants it ready for this spring so she can go with me.
 
GSRswapandslow said:
i'm wanting to do something to my 98xj, but i'm kinda at a loss as to where to go next. It's not a daily driver, but I also do NOT have a way to haul it anywhere...so going all out stupid with it just isn't in the books, i'll just build a buggy later for that mess. The jeep HAS to be able to keep up with traffic (read 80mph), has to drive decently (at least no worse than it does now...which isn't perfect), and has to be strong enough to not really worry about breaking at places like Mtn City or URE or the Farm (i'm light on the throttle and not concerned with doing a huge smoke show to get over a rock)
So far i've done:
33x12.5 Eldorado MTZ's on 15x8 steel wheels
rr hd steering (don't need any negative comments, it works for me)
4.5" rc lift wiht aal
I'm planning on picking up an 8.8 this weekend, if the guy gets back to me...it's drum, but i'll upgrade to dish later on.
so...not sure where to go next.
I know that a SYE and another front XJ shaft are in the near future...so that's accounted for.
gearing...i'd LIKE 5.13's, but if i keep the d30 it'll have to be 4.88's of course...so maybe front axle swap would be fine, but i'd like to stay XJ width and keep my 5x4.5 lug pattern.
recovery points...i have stock bumpers, no sliders, no unibody stiffeners, etc....is that a necessary thing for a light-ish duty trail truck?
so i'm open to suggestions. my g/f said she'd rather my spend my tax money on getting the jeep situated for trail riding more than building another rifle...and i'm ok cause working on the jeep will be COSIDERABLY cheaper...so win/win. she just wants it ready for this spring so she can go with me.
Click to expand...

exactly how hard do you wheel?

I'd do a decent bumper/slider/unibody stiffner setup if you're going to be rough on it
 
You can put 5.38's in a D30, don't know if you would really want to but you can.
http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-126809-nitro-dana-30-ring-pinion.html
You can get a Rubicon D44 front axle to open up the gearing options some as well as add a little strength. I did this for my TJ and installed AlloyUSA Grande chromoly axle kit. No breakage issues on 37x14.5's

This is a good cheap recovery/winch option for the front.
http://www.detoursusa.com/xjbackbone.php
Since rocker panel protection is a must, they also have a decent rocker protection. Of course you can fab these up if you have the time tools and skills.
http://www.detoursusa.com/xjrokslyders.php

8.8 will hold up well to abuse in an XJ. I have them in my ZJ and TJ and have never had any issues with them.
 
- lockers front and rear
- winch for front
- Sliders

I wouldn't go with 4.88's with 33's. Your motor will be screaming at 80mph.
 
i don't wheel THAT hard....i'm completely new to the whole thing...only really been a very few times, so i'm still quite apprehensive about it all, and ain't quite to the point of stomping the gas and bumping over stuff
 
drkelly said:
- lockers front and rear
- winch for front
- Sliders

I wouldn't go with 4.88's with 33's. Your motor will be screaming at 80mph.
Click to expand...

^^ this, go with 4.56. Do you really do 80 in your jeep? You should slow down to 70. :)

I'll add, do the 8.8 swap. I've got a 8.8 with disc, 3.73 gears if you're interested. Not sure how much you're paying on the ones with drums. Shoot me a PM.
 
RenegadeT said:
sliders if you want to keep the doorframes nice and square
Click to expand...
x2 and atleast a locker at one end. I have an aussie in my d30 and i run 34ltbs with no breakage. So I have your driving style :)

I am kinda in the same boat you are in. Def reinforce the steering box. Some sell reinforced plates some sell steering box braces. I know my box is starting to get loose because it is pushing itself away from the frame. Very important piece of equipment for an XJ.

Transmission cooler. My tranny roasted over the summer and I am now paying for it :shaking:

Reinforce the passenger upper control arm mount on the d30.

Make sure the upper passenger arm isnt in a path to your tranny cooler lines.

Bring Spares for the Rest :beer:
 
well...problem right now is i only have $2000 to dump into the jeep right now...and i have NO fab skills or equipment...so i suppose i have to account labor into stuff. I mean, i can bolt on anything and i have a very mechanical background, just no welder/bender/cutter/etc..


and as for 80 down liouldon...lol, was an almost every day thing. I grew up at the end of Moose Rd...so daily races on 64/90 back when i was youger. And i haven't heard from McDivitt in a long time....but, he HATED me...being my granddad was the mayor the whole time i was into being stupid lol (Dr. Deal)
 
Braxton broke a alloy USA front shaft in the 30 and a rear 8.25 shaft at the same time at the Flats on 34"s
 
EdJonesJeeper said:
I used to live in Taylorsville, trust me don't do 80 on Liledown Rd. :) But yea there are some speed demons around. Does McDivitt still have the reputation?
Click to expand...
he retired there's a few new guys in the super trooper mode who are making reputations, espeacially on 127 in Betheldome right now.:shaking:
 
save several more dollars and i'll install this list of goodies:

front EB 44 with disc, super winch hubs, chromoly frts with the larger joints (ECGs supplied em' good brand with greasable caps and no needle bearings don't remember the brand), Dedenbear knuckles, Mikes offroad high steer arms, 5.43 gear and full detroit locker

rear EB nine inch, 5.38 gear, dics brakes, full rear truss, full detroit locker

5 on 5.5 bolt pattern

installed with panhard bar and 3 link frt. and leaves in the rear, reinforced steering box and frame stifiners. We'll even do some sliders.

Should be ok for mild wheeling. And keeps it XJ width.:beer:
 
WARRIORWELDING said:
save several more dollars and i'll install this list of goodies:
front EB 44 with disc, super winch hubs, chromoly frts with the larger joints (ECGs supplied em' good brand with greasable caps and no needle bearings don't remember the brand), Dedenbear knuckles, Mikes offroad high steer arms, 5.43 gear and full detroit locker
rear EB nine inch, 5.38 gear, dics brakes, full rear truss, full detroit locker
5 on 5.5 bolt pattern
installed with panhard bar and 3 link frt. and leaves in the rear, reinforced steering box and frame stifiners. We'll even do some sliders.
Should be ok for mild wheeling. And keeps it XJ width.:beer:
Click to expand...

not sure what EB axles are.....and how much would all that run?

and....5.38 would be a bit much for 33's...or 35's i'd think lol. not carring to go to 38's or anything on this jeep, ever.
 
EB=Early Bronco
 
A good front axle wont be cheap. The ones that have factory disc brakes are getting hard to find. Look for a 1970.5 to 1977 bronco for donor axles. You could also do a super cheap extended radius arm set up in the front. I've seen them work really well.

You will have a 5 on 5.5 lug pattern with axles so you'll have to get some new wheels but they are easy to find in the used and cheap flavor.
 
yeah....as long as the front/rear lug patterns match, i can go buy some wheels..they're cheap

and i have no clue where to find some...i guess i'll venture to PBB lol
 
If you're planning on putting upgrade shafts in the 9"...I've got an EB 9" axle housing. They came factory 28 spline but you can use any 3rd member.
Id let the housing go for $30. I should be able to locate 31 spline 3rd for pretty cheap too.
 
hmm...i'll think about that, it's about cheap enough to just have laying around lol

some guy just posted a set with 4.88 gears and the exact locker setup i'd like....but i gotta get my taxes done to see how much i've got to play with...projected budget is just $2k, but i might can fudge on that a little to get what i want
 
WARRIORWELDING said:
save several more dollars and i'll install this list of goodies:
front EB 44 with disc, super winch hubs, chromoly frts with the larger joints (ECGs supplied em' good brand with greasable caps and no needle bearings don't remember the brand), Dedenbear knuckles, Mikes offroad high steer arms, 5.43 gear and full detroit locker
rear EB nine inch, 5.38 gear, dics brakes, full rear truss, full detroit locker
5 on 5.5 bolt pattern
installed with panhard bar and 3 link frt. and leaves in the rear, reinforced steering box and frame stifiners. We'll even do some sliders.
Should be ok for mild wheeling. And keeps it XJ width.:beer:
Click to expand...
okay for mild wheeling? I see OVERkill for mild wheeling. Plus too much money
 
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