If you are just DD with mild trails I would keep it stock, and run a good traction tire. Make up a good go box for when you go on trails that you can throw in the back. Include shovel, axe, come along, and I used to include two ****** straps, tools, and some energy snacks.

 

That's why bypasses are there, so those whose rigs are not able to make it, or who don't want to risk it, can still have a great day on the trail with their friends.

At 6.5" on 35's I'm the "small wheel" guy in the group I typically ride with; they roll everything from 37's to 42's. There's one guy with 37's who is absolutely game to try ANYTHING on the trail. He wails on his rig AND he has the pockets to fix it if it breaks.

I ALWAYS go BEHIND him. He's my guinea pig - if he makes it up and over, I know I can probably do it, too. If he struggles, I simply bypass. I'd rather be wheeling than wrenching any day.

Knowing the limits of your rig is CRITICAL. This same group ran Carnage Canyon (BV) in CO last year. I walked it. I didn't need to watch anyone struggle up the gate keeper to know my rig wasn't gonna' make it in one piece. Yes, you won't REALLY know the limits until you push it some, but there is a big difference between pushing a bit and getting in over your head.

Oh, and a stock rig can actually do QUITE a lot. Just go nice and easy on the skinny pedal, and be aware of where your diffs are underneath you.

 

You ever have a vehicle that you enjoyed driving ? then you decide to mod it and regret it ? I've done that before so......
Thats why I asked and thats why I love this forum. You ask a question and get lots of good things to think about.

 

Just make it capable imo the perfect setup would be a 3.5 lift on 31's. Keep it clean but a little beefy. Mine is a daily 4.5 on 33's and I'm not too worried about mpg or anything because it's paid off and I enjoy upgrading my jeep into an offroader but still my daily. No regrets at all and my jeep was a stock 2 door when I got it.

 

X100000 I miss the ride quality when it was stock. I got it from the original owner and it rode like a new car on the highway. Now it rides like crap after the lift. I regret it big time. I guess that's part of life tho. You live and learn from mistakes. Maybe if I had another daily driver like a Honda then I'd probably go all out on a build on my XJ but I don't see that happening any time soon.