So I picked up this 2001 XJ mainly for the fun Chicago winters:



That's how it looked when I got it home. 150k miles, body is in nice shape, all stock. At first I wasn't planning on doing much to it, other than some basic maintenance. I did the usual stuff like changing the fluids and plugs. Funny thing was it had 5 Champions and 1 Bosch platinum installed, lol.

I also added some small things after I got it, like vent visors, Hella 550 amber fog lights, Infinity speakers with an Alpine amp, and LED interior bulbs.

Of course I can't leave things alone for long, so after a bit I managed to convince myself that 150k is really a lot for the stock suspension, and that it could use replacing. And if I'm going to be replacing it, well, why not lift it some as well. So I called up DPG Offroad, and had a long talk with a most helpful person there. After I hung up, I had a OME 2" lift kit heading my way. New leafs, shocks, coils, adjustable track bar, etc.

I just finished installing most of it last week, took me two days, most of that battling with leaf spring bolts. The front ones really didn't want to come loose of all the rust in the inner bushing sleeve, and I ended up cutting the drivers side one apart with an angle grinder with a cut off disk to get the bolt free. This was after hitting 4 auto parts stores looking for a new bolt, and nobody having one.

 

Ok, so here's how it sits now:







Oh yeah, installed the hitch too. I still need to install the adjustable track bar, sway bar disconnects, and the steering stabilizer. Those will get done over the next week I think.

I gotta say, it rides a lot better than it did before this. A lot more composed on turns and bumps, so I'm quite happy with it. It has new tires that came with it when I bought it, but I want to get some better ones before winter. Currently I'm leaning towards the Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmors in a 30" size, since from what I understand 31" is going to be a bit too big for it. I'm also going to track down another stock rim for a full size spare, instead of the donut it came with.

 

I had the same problem with mine. Couldn't leave well enough allone. Nice start to an addiction.

 

Nice man. You now have the bug there is no going back now....

Also look into the new goodyear duratracs there a sweet new tire thats mild enough for the street but still would be good in tougher situations.

Keep goin

 

Oh nice, I didn't even know these existed when I was searching on tirerack. I had the filter set for only 30" tires and sadly these don't come in 30". But they do in 31"... From the specs, they seem to be on the smaller side of 31", it says they're actually 30.5". Hmmm... think I can squeeze those in without too much rubbing?

 

Well sense they are a new tire its slow to come out with all the sizes so maybe by the time you need to get new tires they will have a 30" out. However I dont think you will do okay with that size 31" as long as you dont mind a little bit of trimming.

 

Nothing major recently, but I did install the matching steering stabilizer to go with my OME suspension...

Here's the new one compared to the old one:


And installed:



I actually gave installing this a go once before, but I couldn't get the bolt out of the tie rod, even with PB Blaster soaking and Mr. Sledgehammer. Ended up ordering a tie rod splitter thingy, and it popped right out. Guess the right tool for the job still holds true. I'll just claim I meant to buy one anyways, more stuff for the tool box.

Forgot to mention one of the first things I got for this Jeep after driving it home in the middle of the night, the IPF H4 conversion kit. It made a huge difference in light output, I'm very happy with them.

I also ordered another stock rim today for a full size spare, and I think I've settled on the tires I'm going to go with, these in 30":
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=8

 

Finally got around to installing my quick disconnects:



While I was installing those I noticed my sway bar bushings that hold it to the body are completely shot, so once I figured out what size bar I have I ordered some new ones.

I also went in to install the adjustable track bar, but I wanted to see how far off it was first. So I disconnected the bolt from the axle bracket, then turned the wheels a few times, pushed the suspension up/down/left/right and let it settle. Lined the stock bar back up, and it had moved maybe a whole quarter of an inch. Did some measurements per the install guide for the bar, and it all seemed centered. So I put the bolt back in and called it a night, I guess I'll keep the adjustable bar in the garage in case I go higher in the future.

I should have my new tires tomorrow or Friday at the latest, can't wait.

 

looks good! i'm planning on ordering the OME lift soon. anything i should know?

 

The only thing I can think of that might be specific to the OME kit is that the leaf spring bushings weren't pressed in. You can get the smaller one in pretty easily (I used a dead blow mallet) but the bigger one was a PIA. I ended up taking it to a shop with a hydraulic press and we got them in that way.

Other than that, just the usual removal pains from rust and seizing, especially if everything is still stock. PB Blaster, a good breaker bar, and a BFH are the most useful things to have on hand.

 

thanks! im going to be lucky enough to do it in a full shop, with a 4 point lift, a lot of tools, and a press. and im going to spray the bolts starting a week ahead.

 

Oh yeah, I'd love to have a lift in my garage some day, that would have made this a LOT easier. Sounds like you'll have everything you need, good luck with the install!


Tires!





General Grabber AT2 in 30x9.5x15, much better than what was on there before I think. Now to address the where to put the full size spare issue...

 

lookin good man keep up the good work

 

Nice Jeep!

 

Looks good. I've always wanted a 2" OME lift.