As has been said, go stock for a while and save up some $$ because good parts ain't cheap. Then when you wheel with guys who have modded rigs, take a close look at how they work with what mods they have. You may not want or need to go higher than 3" of lift, you may want to go really big. Remember bigger mods = bigger $$. Plus you can start smaller and grow it at your own pace.

Rough Country sells 3" lift kits for a reasonable price. Probably not the highest quality, but I have not had any issues with either of the ones that I have owned. When you lift, you'll need bigger tires. Especially if you cut the fenders or ditch the flares.

I would also look into what future mods you would need, not want, depending on where and how you wheel. If I had it to do over again I would get front and rear lockers instead of a winch and bumper. Lockers can often get you through whatever obstacle would have you dragging cable.

Wheel it, enjoy it, show everyone your build.

 

Okay I've heard a lot about front and rear lockers, what exactly do they do? Sorry, jeep noob still, lol.

 

Lockers are a devise that locks the left ad right axle shafts together forcing them to rotate at the same speed. Where as an open diff is actually only sending power to one wheel. There's a few types of lockers an auto locker as in an Aussie spartan or lokka lock while engine force is applied but when one wheel is forced to over run as in a turn it will un lock. Then there's selectable lockers such as air or elcectric. These can be turned on and off. And usually cost $$$$ then there's LSDs or limited slips. They allow small amounts of wheel spin and then the clutches internally lock up and provide traction to the non spinning wheel.

 

Hmmm alrighty, and I was reading some stuff saying I should only get rears because it will supply better traction?

 

You can do what ever you want. Most people put lunchbox lockers or auto lockers in front to start as you won't feel them at all while street driving. And then one in the rear. I plan on doing lokka front and rear

 

get some recovery points first. tow hooks for the front, and a hitch for the rear if your XJ doesnt already have them. Then get some good tires and a budget boost if you desire. wheel it like that then decide what kind of lift and tires you want/need. good luck man. its an addiction.

 

Haha it is, I've only had her for about a week and I already have so much planned.

 

Just a basic 4.5 lift (poor college student) haha.