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Gold Hills Posse 4×4 Club · Folsom, CA

XJ DD/Mild wheeler build

  1. kris_olof Trailmaster Joined: October 2015
    #130 Jan 2018, 10:47 AM

    So since the LJ is going to be out for some more serious work for the next few months I am going to need to make some upgrades to my daily driver to go on club events.

    Current Stats:

    2000 XJ, 120k miles, auto, stock, stock, stock, tow package, some basic recovery gear.

    The Plan:

    Club minimum requirements, ~3" lift, 31s, 4.10s, rear traction aid, and armor in the future.

    In my parts pile:

    RE 3.5" TJ springs, 2" front spacers, RE superflex lower control arms, RE 3.5" rear springs (used and sagging but soft riding), 1.5" shackles, used 4.10 front and rear gears with front carrier, ZJ v8 tie rod, hd D30 diff cover, and a few other small parts.

    I just purchased some TJ Rubicon wheels with 31s on them so im getting close to starting the build.  Should end up looking something like this but with 1" larger tires and 1" more lift:

    Screen-Shot-2018-01-30-at-6.40.34-PM.png
    • Screen-Shot-2018-01-30-at-6.40.34-PM.png
  2. kris_olof started this Trailmaster Joined: October 2015
    #230 Jan 2018, 11:12 AM

    Step 1 is meeting club requirements.  Of everything on our club requirements list I am only missing 2 things. 1 being the full size spare and 2 being the front and rear recovery points.

    Club requirements can be found here for those who need a refresher: https://posse4x4.org/technical/vehicle-requirements/

    Luckily I have a number of spares at home i can toss in (and get out of my yard).  The recovery points thing is another issue.  I have a tow package so a receiver shackle satisfies the rear but I need to address the front.  There are a number of options for the front recovery points on the XJ so i need some help deciding.

    Option1 is a bumper but this is out for now simply due to cost.

    Option2 is a factory hook kit or aftermarket equivalent.  I could find a factory kit in junkyards if I searched for long enough or buy aftermarket for ~$100 with shipping. Example: https://www.morris4x4center.com/rugged-ridge-tow-hook-kit-pair-11236-05.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAzMDTBRDDARIsABX4AWyasS9yzN7gy47roxkVpaZTfe2wEWrstB3YZYpBDxpsLt1ad7hZLsAaAp1CEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

    Option3 is a front receiver hitch i can toss my receiver shackle into. $130ish. I like this option because it ties the two frame horns together if i need to recover from an angle. Example: https://www.quadratec.com/products/92011_800_07.htm

    Option4, something in between. D-ring mounts that tie the frame horns together. $170.  https://www.ironrockoffroad.com/product/xj-d-ring-tow-mount.html

    Thoughts on what option I should go with for the front recovery point?

  3. Brian Member Joined: February 2020
    #330 Jan 2018, 11:38 AM
    Instagram-scottberger715-d4c3bb.png

    Did not think your LJ needed that much work!? I'd go with option number 2.

    W6JLU
  4. kris_olof started this Trailmaster Joined: October 2015
    #430 Jan 2018, 12:01 PM
    Brian said

    Did not think your LJ needed that much work!? 

    Great meme by the way. Not that it needs a ton of actual work to be wheeling ready but I dont have a garage so it is up at my parents.  So I need some new glass and to straighten the tub prior to installing the soft top so i can tow it back to my house, fix some minor crushed light bulb issues, get a CHP inspection, deal with paperwork at DMV, alignment.  May not sound like much but that is easily going to take me a month to get done plus I want to install tube fenders and likely paint it.  Lets just say that the rebuild will get its own thread when i get there.

  5. Josh Subscriber
    #530 Jan 2018, 11:14 PM

    Option 3. Super strong recovery point.

    Plus future upgrade. Winch in a cradle. This would allow for winching from both ends. More options for recovery.

    Semper Fi
  6. Mike G Member Joined: October 2016
    #631 Jan 2018, 1:43 PM
    Josh said Option 3. Super strong recovery point.  Plus future upgrade. Winch in a cradle. This would allow for winching from both ends. More options for recovery.   

    I agree with him👍

    Mike G
  7. k-jeep Member Joined: May 2009
    #71 Feb 2018, 3:26 AM
    Josh said

    Option 3. Super strong recovery point.

    Plus future upgrade. Winch in a cradle. This would allow for winching from both ends. More options for recovery.

    I concur. 🙂  Especially since this won't be your primary long term wheeling rig.

  8. JohnDF Member Joined: July 2003
    #81 Feb 2018, 6:59 AM

    Just weld them to the frame.

    Oh, wait...

    I used to wheel a lot. . .
  9. Gregulator Member Joined: February 2012
    #91 Feb 2018, 11:51 PM
    JohnDF said Just weld them to the frame. Oh, wait...  

    Low blow!

    Um...what?
  10. kris_olof started this Trailmaster Joined: October 2015
    #109 Feb 2018, 8:32 AM

    Skynet actually came through.  After searching the various options I had a targeted ad from home depot pop up for a front receiver for only $103.  Best part is I have a home depot gift card left over.  On its way for $0 out of pocket.

  11. Josh Subscriber
    #1110 Feb 2018, 5:25 AM
    kris_olof said  On its way for $0 out of pocket.  

    Yahoo!!!

    Semper Fi
  12. Mike G Member Joined: October 2016
    #1210 Feb 2018, 12:12 PM

    Nice...

    My favorite price

    Mike G

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