JT4x4

The Mud Pit => Vids and Pics => Topic started by: nvrdun on June 02, 2009, 03:16:53 AM

Title: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: nvrdun on June 02, 2009, 03:16:53 AM
(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/rican_035/JT4X4cruisenight007.jpg)
(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/rican_035/JT4X4cruisenight012.jpg)
(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/rican_035/JT4X4cruisenight008.jpg)
(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/rican_035/JT4X4cruisenight010.jpg)
(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/rican_035/JT4X4cruisenight011.jpg)
(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/rican_035/JT4X4cruisenight014.jpg)
(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/rican_035/JT4X4cruisenight013.jpg)
(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u148/rican_035/JT4X4cruisenight009.jpg)
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: BlacXJeep on June 02, 2009, 04:21:02 AM
aw man i missed the XJ babymakin' action lol see you fellas at the meeting
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: calvynandhobbs on June 02, 2009, 02:21:31 PM
Great pics. It was a good time last night. I wouldn't mind doing that for a cruise night in August or something also.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: nvrdun on June 02, 2009, 05:10:58 PM
Great pics. It was a good time last night. I wouldn't mind doing that for a cruise night in August or something also.

it was fun!! The cruise night at Ocean beach ends in Sept 18 or something like that so i'll be nice to do it again, lots of  8) cars there, and was nice to fanally meet some of you guys!!! ;D
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 06, 2009, 03:51:43 PM
so when do i get to climb tires?
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 06, 2009, 06:46:33 PM
so when do i get to climb tires?

when your jeep grows up far enough to climb stairs
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 06, 2009, 11:36:05 PM
ha, whenever that day finally comes i'll let ya know. everyday i change my mind on the lift i wanna get.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: Swagger on June 06, 2009, 11:55:41 PM
If you drive an XJ, the best company i recommend you through is rough country.  They're a good name in wheelin, and they're prices are pretty much unbeatable.  Remember, Go big now, or you might go crazy trying to upgrade later

http://roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_4.html

http://roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_6x.html

 Ok, so these prices are unbeatable. Go for it, before you end up spending the money on something like a ring for some girl ;D
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 07, 2009, 04:35:34 AM
ha, can't do it at this point in time but within the next month i think it'll get lifted.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: calvynandhobbs on June 07, 2009, 06:13:35 AM
I've never had a problem with Rough Country suspension components. My front coils are Rough Country and my rear leafs are soon to be Rough Country too. They are a little stiff, but they break in nice without much loss of lift as you get with some softer riding springs.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 07, 2009, 06:34:53 AM
sigh* so many different choices lol.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 07, 2009, 02:50:15 PM
i've run rough country, rusty's, skyjacker, and teraflex kits.  i have to admit i like the rusty's the best.  but if i'm going to drop $ for another kit, i'm going to suck it up and go clayton long arm is the way to go.  but i think i'm going to experiment with building my own suspension this time.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 07, 2009, 05:11:34 PM
since this is the everyday drive im gonna be legit about everything and go with kits and try to stay away from the crazy ideas of "this will do this, but then you wont have this" lol
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 07, 2009, 08:20:45 PM
since this is the everyday drive im gonna be legit about everything and go with kits and try to stay away from the crazy ideas of "this will do this, but then you wont have this" lol

mine is sawzall budget lift :D
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 07, 2009, 10:13:19 PM
lol right there. crazy ideas. but yours is just a trail truck. mine still has to be able to drive me home and around town.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 08, 2009, 01:47:02 AM
lol right there. crazy ideas. but yours is just a trail truck. mine still has to be able to drive me home and around town.

i think i'm going to get the xj next weekend.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: Sandbox Sailor on June 08, 2009, 04:07:54 AM
If you drive an XJ, the best company i recommend you through is rough country.  They're a good name in wheelin, and they're prices are pretty much unbeatable.  Remember, Go big now, or you might go crazy trying to upgrade later

http://roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_4.html

http://roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_6x.html

 Ok, so these prices are unbeatable. Go for it, before you end up spending the money on something like a ring for some girl ;D


If you go with Rough Country and you go with the 6" kit, I recommend some control arm drop brackets like Calvinandhobbs has. I have seen a guy with a TJ use the rough country short arm 6" kit and the angles are VERY steep. He ended up ripping mounts off of his frame and axle because of the steep angles on a 6" short arm kit.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 08, 2009, 04:30:09 AM
i don't think im going to go that hi since its my everyday driver. and i mean.. the rusty's 3 in is only 265 and the 4.5 is alot more expensive. doesn't seem like it's worth it for like the extra 2 inches maybe from the tires and everything.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: nvrdun on June 09, 2009, 02:12:34 AM
i don't think im going to go that hi since its my everyday driver. and i mean.. the rusty's 3 in is only 265 and the 4.5 is alot more expensive. doesn't seem like it's worth it for like the extra 2 inches maybe from the tires and everything.

4.5 is alot more expensive. doesn't seem like it's worth it for like the extra 2 inches maybe from the tires and everything.
 :) if you are goin to spend $$$ do it right the first time so you dont waste your $$$. i think the 4.5 should be fine for trails and the roads plus i'd give the option to run bigger tires (Future). so think about it  ;D
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 09, 2009, 03:07:18 AM
i don't think im going to go that hi since its my everyday driver. and i mean.. the rusty's 3 in is only 265 and the 4.5 is alot more expensive. doesn't seem like it's worth it for like the extra 2 inches maybe from the tires and everything.

i've owned 7 xj's  call me BEFORE u buy a kit.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: calvynandhobbs on June 09, 2009, 03:28:42 AM
i don't think im going to go that hi since its my everyday driver. and i mean.. the rusty's 3 in is only 265 and the 4.5 is alot more expensive. doesn't seem like it's worth it for like the extra 2 inches maybe from the tires and everything.

4.5 is alot more expensive. doesn't seem like it's worth it for like the extra 2 inches maybe from the tires and everything.
 :) if you are goin to spend $$$ do it right the first time so you dont waste your $$$. i think the 4.5 should be fine for trails and the roads plus i'd give the option to run bigger tires (Future). so think about it  ;D

The biggest difference between the 3" and 4.5" is that you then have to go with a SYE and usually full springs. You can always go 3" with 3" leaves to begin with and then add a 2" spacer for the front and 2" lift shackle for the rear along with the SYE later to go to 5". This is the way mine has been built. It is more expensive this way, but you get to learn your vehicle while it's more stockish so that when it grows you can still handle it.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: BlacXJeep on June 09, 2009, 03:42:06 AM
What Roger just said is excactly were I'm at. Already have it all planned out for 5 inches from 3. But it is definetly more expensive this way. Not looking forward to doing a hack n tap SYE either, because I have a 242 TC, so they dont make a kit for it :(. I'm pretty sure you have the 231 Reptile so that should be easier on you.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 09, 2009, 04:04:07 AM
i see i see. ok. so i should save up for the 4.5 inch. now there are alot of xtra things on there that they recommend with the kit. what all should i get with it?
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 09, 2009, 01:16:43 PM
i see i see. ok. so i should save up for the 4.5 inch. now there are alot of xtra things on there that they recommend with the kit. what all should i get with it?

Shocks, full leaf packs, extended brake lines, adjustable trac bar, sway bar disco's, dropped pitman arm, t-case lower brackets until you can afford the sye, anything i forgot??
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 09, 2009, 06:20:31 PM
well it's talking about control arm drop kits, steering stabilizers, and shock boots. do i need any of those?
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: calvynandhobbs on June 09, 2009, 06:39:26 PM
You technically don't need control arm drop brackets or long arms until you are up over 6" of lift. They do smooth the ride out though and put your geometry back to stock. Some lift shocks will come with the boots and you're going to need shocks anyway so it's easiest to just add the boots at that time. Boots really aren't needed. They are just to help keep some of the debris out of the shock. If you keep your factory steering you will want a steering stabilizer to help with some of the bump steer. I think most XJs come with factory steering stabilizers so as long as yours is in good shape that may be good enough.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 09, 2009, 08:26:22 PM
ok. and you also said just to go ahead and get all new leafs?
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: calvynandhobbs on June 09, 2009, 09:12:29 PM
ok. and you also said just to go ahead and get all new leafs?

Your leafs are too far gone for an add-a-leaf to do any good. You will need new leaf spring packs, which is usually one of the bigger expenses in a lift since a lot of people go with lift shackles and add-a-leafs for going up 3-4".
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: BlacXJeep on June 09, 2009, 10:47:32 PM
ok. and you also said just to go ahead and get all new leafs?

Your leafs are too far gone for an add-a-leaf to do any good. You will need new leaf spring packs, which is usually one of the bigger expenses in a lift since a lot of people go with lift shackles and add-a-leafs for going up 3-4".

They dont have to be brand new. I used some that were in good shape off of a 99 that was totaled and used the add a leaf with that. Check the salvage yards, may be cheaper that way. I think I payed $55 for each leaf pack vs $200 each brand new. But if you can get a full leaf pack lift kit for cheaper then doing the add a leaf with used spring packs, then obviosly go for it. You have to get something better under there though, you might ass well just put a 2x4 under there the way you are right now lol.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 10, 2009, 03:13:12 AM
the full spring packs are the way to go.  my 4.5 rustys leaves actually brought the rear up about 5.25" but after about 10k miles settled to 4.75 which is right where i wanted it.  but ya your leaves are way to far gone to try to rebuild.  just save the $ up and buy the full leaves.  control arm drop brackets aren't needed if the kit has adjustable lower control arms.  you should try to get all 4 aftermarket control arms if you can.  the uppers are flimsy stamped steel and will bend and break very easily
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 10, 2009, 03:51:05 AM
haven't seen any aftermarket control arms. but rusty's tie rods look nice. lol they're like 2 or 3 times as big as stocks.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 10, 2009, 04:13:20 AM
check out rusty's control arms they're tube steel strong as hell to.  i never had any trouble with mine.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 10, 2009, 04:50:40 AM
ha, i have a feeling that my whole front end is gonna come from rusty's.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: Swagger on June 10, 2009, 05:18:21 AM
will TJ control arms work on an XJ?  If so, check out CLAYTON OFFROAD. boxed steel w/ heims joints. Strong as hell with plenty of flex.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 10, 2009, 06:43:01 PM
i don't know if they do or not. but i don't think i need new tie rods right now. just checking for future references is all.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: Swagger on June 10, 2009, 08:17:56 PM
no, im talking about control arms, not tie rods.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: Swagger on June 10, 2009, 08:25:44 PM
http://claytonoffroad.com/product_info.php?cPath=18_66&products_id=113

yo reptile, check this. its pricey, but you get what you pay for.  This is probably one of the strongest lift kit manufactures in the biz.  only problem for you is, they staryt out big, and only go bigger from there.  Save your money, and go balls out awsome the first time so you dont have to double the cost of your projact later with tiny upgrades that a kit like this already has.  on the budget side of things, for people like you and i, i still recommend roughcountry's 4.5 or 6 inch kit (longarm only)
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 10, 2009, 08:56:00 PM
4.5 inches for 2k and it still doesn't come with shocks!? i only paid 5k for the jeep lol. yeah, gonna stick with rough country's 4.5 and get the leaf packs
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 11, 2009, 06:34:03 AM
clayton is one of the best kits you can ever get.  i know people rocking they're hard arm kits.  they jump the jeeps and land on the long arms and no problem!!  but then again you get what you pay for.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 11, 2009, 10:53:44 PM
axle can back me up on this 1. "they say that in the navy the pay is mighty fine, they give you $100 and take back 99" get what im saying here?
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: phoenix on June 12, 2009, 12:19:23 AM
clayton is one of the best kits you can ever get.  i know people rocking they're hard arm kits.  they jump the jeeps and land on the long arms and no problem!!  but then again you get what you pay for.
I have seen his stuff get BEAT on, and it holds up fine. I don't know what the total woul be, (I know it's not cheap) but from everything I have seen, rive it up and drop it off, and pick up something ready to ROCK!!! Plus he's a good guy, and he is LOCAL! No sending your money overseas!
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: Gastank on June 12, 2009, 02:52:01 PM
4.5 inches for 2k and it still doesn't come with shocks!? i only paid 5k for the jeep lol. yeah, gonna stick with rough country's 4.5 and get the leaf packs


If it makes you feel any better, I paid 2500 for mine and have about 6k into it... still have probably another 4-6k left to get it where I want it.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: kirksjeep on June 12, 2009, 10:30:44 PM
4.5 inches for 2k and it still doesn't come with shocks!? i only paid 5k for the jeep lol. yeah, gonna stick with rough country's 4.5 and get the leaf packs


If it makes you feel any better, I paid 2500 for mine and have about 6k into it... still have probably another 4-6k left to get it where I want it.

Just Empty Every Pocket
mine will never be done, even if I hit the lottery.  They will always be making something newer/stronger/lighter/cooler etc..and I will always want it! ;D
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 12, 2009, 10:58:40 PM
clayton is one of the best kits you can ever get.  i know people rocking they're hard arm kits.  they jump the jeeps and land on the long arms and no problem!!  but then again you get what you pay for.
I have seen his stuff get BEAT on, and it holds up fine. I don't know what the total woul be, (I know it's not cheap) but from everything I have seen, rive it up and drop it off, and pick up something ready to ROCK!!! Plus he's a good guy, and he is LOCAL! No sending your money overseas!

They're right in waterbury.  If i buy another kit it will be clayton. I'm considering it for my zj
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 13, 2009, 12:53:57 AM
hm... i guess after i pay off the credit card then i will try and buy that. now i better be able to jump sand dunes after this crap lol.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 13, 2009, 12:57:26 AM
hm... i guess after i pay off the credit card then i will try and buy that. now i better be able to jump sand dunes after this crap lol.

it might. 
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 13, 2009, 01:09:31 AM
ha, i still see nothing wrong with buying the rough country one though... for half the price!
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 13, 2009, 01:14:28 AM
we could sit here for the next ten pages and discuss the pro's and con's of each kit.  with the clayton kit you can go to 35's and since its long arm it will still ride descent
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 13, 2009, 01:22:15 AM
NOPE!!!  with the 4.5 long arm you can still only fit 31's
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 13, 2009, 01:24:35 AM
NOPE!!!  with the 4.5 long arm you can still only fit 31's

i fit 33's on mine with the 4.5 rusty's.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 13, 2009, 01:26:10 AM
yeah but i bet you rubbed when going over rocks didn't you? and i haven't cut any fenders yet.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: phoenix on June 13, 2009, 01:30:29 AM

They're right in waterbury.  If i buy another kit it will be clayton. I'm considering it for my zj

If you need a good reason to do it, Alan from Eastern took his ZJ, DROVE it to MOAB, played for a week and drove home. Not bad for a Daily Driver with (iirc)9" lift and 35's!!! He has always raved about the street-ability of something that works so well in the woods.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: PaulW on June 13, 2009, 01:36:03 AM

They're right in waterbury.  If i buy another kit it will be clayton. I'm considering it for my zj

If you need a good reason to do it, Alan from Eastern took his ZJ, DROVE it to MOAB, played for a week and drove home. Not bad for a Daily Driver with (iirc)9" lift and 35's!!! He has always raved about the street-ability of something that works so well in the woods.

I've ridden in that truck.  It rides awesome.  Jeepgirl13 is running the clayton as well, and clank.  I know alot of people on them and it's worth every dollar.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 13, 2009, 01:38:36 AM
hm... we'll see then i guess. i just really don't wanna wait long enough for me to save up 2k to drop into that lift.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: Swagger on June 14, 2009, 12:41:51 AM
i think i can speak for most guys on the forum when i say that it is well worth the wait.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 14, 2009, 03:16:02 AM
well i just thought about this. i have my sign on bonus that i should be getting as soon as i graduate A school. it's 6k but probably after taxes will be 4k. i've owned my jeep since feb and i was gonna use the 4k to pay it off. i guess what would work out is not paying it off since i haven't had the loan that long and i can keep using it to build credit. maybe put 1k on the loan and use the other 3k for the lift and tires.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: Swagger on June 14, 2009, 06:45:08 PM
Yeah and some food for thought.  I learned the hard way that paying off small loans nomatter what type, be it personal or an auto loan, in less than a one year span in no way hurts your credit, but it does not build it either.  My spideysince tells me that you'r unmarried, and, if thats the case, let the loan run its full or near full term of life.  You will appreciate it later, and you will have the funds to start you on your way to 31"s of fun with the rest of us.
Title: Re: Cruise Night Pic
Post by: reptile610 on June 15, 2009, 04:21:14 AM
yes yes, not married, no kids (that i know of  ;D) i just don't like having to owe money. but i guess that i can just let this bad boy run for another year or 2. maybe pay it off a year early or whatever. idk first loan, first credit card, navy is helping out abit with that part.