SG Mason

I haven't gotten as far as looking at the eyelets other than to give the bushings a quick inspection I have only seen OME springs in pictures and this is the stenciling I have seen



It is actually a really nice day here today, no rain, blue skies, and not too hot, so I will be spending most of the day outside. I need to cut the grass, then I will start playing with the XJ. I will jack it up and pull off a wheel and try get some good pictures of what I have for springs under there. Maybe, just maybe, someone will have an idea of the maker. I suspect that they are something cheap and not highly desirable

Pappy C

So I'm in the compiling phase of an Expedition Build on my 98 XJ with 220K on the odo. Actually it was my son's 98 XJ, but he's decided he wants a Nissan XTerra instead so the XJ rolls to me.

Anyway, my question specific to this thread is, relative to an LCG/Expedition config, will Duratrac 33x10.5x15s on eccos work with a 3" lift (new packs) and Notch Customs X-Max flares, or am I likely to get rubbing/bottoming? I'm looking at the Zone Offroad 3", but should I be looking elsewhere? Maybe a 4.5"? A long arm? I like the BDS kits, but I have a hard time justifying the added expense unless there is a *major* quality difference?

In keeping with etiquette, I *have* searched this and other fora extensively, and know that normally 33s on a 3" lift is a non-starter, but haven't seen this exact configuration with the Notch flares played out before, so I'm wondering if anyone else has seen it.

I plan on sinking a bit of money into this project over the next couple of years, so while I'm not willing to say "money is no object" I am willing to throw a few ducats at the old girl. So, that being said, if anyone has a better idea, I'm open to suggestion. Thanks in advance!

sycoglitch

Expedition builds are great. Low cog and big tires. Go 33s. Get IRO adjustable LCAs and IRO double sheer trac bar. Cut your fenders to fit the 33s and then mount the flares. Get longer brake lines all around. (you can just relocate the fronts to gain slack). Do a rear disc brake conversion. And don't forget armor. Don't wanna wreck something underneath in the middle of no where

Pappy C

Thanks Syco. Definitely sound advice, and I'm embarrassed to admit I hadn't looked much at Iron Rock. Just bookmarked it though ;-) I really like the idea of 33s, and I also really like my ecco 15s that came on the XJ. Going to do a matte black powdercoat on the eccos to give that black wheel look without going the steelies route. If I had my druthers, I'd go with a 33x9.5x15, but alas nobody makes 'em (that I can find). What are your thoughts on the 3" vs the 4.5"?

SG Mason

finished up my trailer hitch re-install and the numbers stayed the same, not that I thought they would change much. After that i jacked up the rear took off the wheels and snapped a couple pictures of the leaf springs and the writing on them.

Drivers side





Passenger side





Anyone have any idea of who these are made by? I am thinking budget, but who's?

After I put the wheels back on and dropped the backend off the jack I decided to jack up the front to see just how much lift I would need in the front to make it more less level. To come to a visual level I would need to lift the front 3"-3.5". I was thinking that I would split the difference and get a set of 3" springs and some 1/4" spacers. The idea is throw in the new springs, drop it down and take a look. If I don't like it pick it back up and throw in the set of spacers.

Aside from shocks, I need them anyhow, I guess I should start looking at adjustable track bars, sway bar links and brake lines. Right now there are no vibrations so I don't think I need a SYE or TC drop.

sycoglitch

Simple, not worth the extra 1.5" unless you want 35s and added a bunch of other parts to your list. I know people here Will argue but honestly, a large tire low cog build Will get you pretty far.

Tom95YJ

35's fit if you properly trim and bump stop with a 3.5"

sycoglitch

They do I agree, nice jeep BTW, i just try to innocencetly steer people from 35s at first due to regearing. Did i say nice jeep BTW lol

NewKindOfClown

For Cole and all the questions about 3" vs 4.5" lift:

ITTs_Cole

Why SYE and drive-shaft?

Also hows the quality on rustys shocks?

Chuck82

To eliminate and harsh driveline vibes you may experience.

ITTs_Cole

This lift is getting too expensive. *sigh*

FruitSnacks

Is this for All xj's (daily drivers and trail rigs)?

Chuck82

Yup! Except some early model XJ's sometimes can get away at 4.5in of lift with only a T-Case drop I forget which Specific ones though

Pappy C

Clown: Thanks for the chart...great piece of kit. That one's getting saved into the "XJ=BlackHole for Cash" file. Thanks!