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[Keta]

Thanks to those that have given their inputs before, this is the last thing I remain unsure of. The budget is likely out of the window but I am trying to get as much as I can with the initial budget. Which was around £3.5 k after the car was bought.

I have on the way two "new" axles from a 2.5 petrol, again thanks for the pointers, so these will be 4.1 geared and also the stronger Chrysler rear axle. I am guessing I will be losing the ABS with the switchover unless it is possible to shift over. I have been reading up on lockers and such and I am starting to steer away from the lunchbox lockers but maybe not, the ARB are too expensive for my needs I think. So I am now considering adding a rear OX and then consider a front in the future. Not sure what support is like as for most things the Chrysler rear has less on offer and also usually more expensive. Not sure as a mainly toy, camping occasionally and snowy weather ride I should get anything but lunchbox?

The thing that still baffles me is the lift. I have decided I want 33x12.5 wheels though which starts things off, I have the axles coming for these. RC X Series I can get shipped from the states for about £700 all in. But like JamesH says a lot of the bits (it is quite complete) could be tat but I could upgrade bits that annoy/break in the future. Also with the 4.5" lifts is the transfer drop ever all that is needed? There doesn't seem to be a lot of support for the NP242 transfer case. The SYE part is a little confusing to the new user! Or could I consider a 3.5" RE kit or even Zone? Could I trim enough to clear 33x12.5 wheels?

Cheers guys 

[Ezz]

33x12.5 are tyres not  "wheels".   

[bigjeepzj]

stick with 31" and a 3.5" lift or you will be add cost on cost

[JamesH]

3.5" RE kit is very good. If you trim you'll fit 33's ok. SYE for 242 is basically the RE hack and tap, I've had it on for years with no problems despite all the haters you'll find. The 4.10 will be tolerable for 33s but not perfect, a bit sluggish on road and a bit quick downhills offroad but not stupid.

I would fit the lift, new axles and tyres and then think about lockers. After the lift, axles and tyres you might have to sort out SYE, trimming, bumpstops, brakelines and all the other 'little' bits.

[MOCAJ]

thought I would let the xj experts say there stuff about heights, trimming etc

RE not RC, its cheap but ......

[Keta]

Thanks guys, yeah 33x12.50 wheels or rims would take a fair bit of trimming lol.

I will head towards an RE one then. I don't suppose 33x12.50 tyres are set in stone I just liked the aggressive look of them. I was also watching them on eBay that finish tomorrow. I didn't want to try my hand at gearing if I could help it looking at the guide, that is why I went the axle route.

The lockers can wait for sure it just seemed a good plan whilst both axles were off. If I went less lift and tyre I could prob budget in ox front and rear.

[Keta]

If I went for this kit then what else would I need. Will I require the adjustable track bar? Or anything else? http://www.4x4groupbuy.com/store/rubicon-express-superflex-re6030-free-monotube-shocks-p-34.html

I am thinking I will go with the 33's and a lot of trimming, less lift like this with a better brand. And then I am thinking get a transfer drop kit too and hope, if it is about 2.5-3" of difference, skip the SYE part and put the budget of that into lockers of some sort.

The activated lockers are much more desirable but then when you read user accounts of lunchbox lockers, for a non daily drive, they are fine as long as you know what to expect. I would imagine both axles will be strong enough to handle 33's with lunchboxes?

Last questions...promise 

[bigjeepzj]

the track bar will be for the wrong side drive
just re-drill the axle end bracket the move it a cross or convert your old one
 

[Keta]

I think I may leave the trackbar for now then and see what I am working with. I can always fashion up some relocation bracket as you suggest. I think I am going to go with just a lunchbox up front for now that can be off in 2wd for roads. I will consider OX or Arb in the rear in future.

[Keta]

Well I am progressing a bit now. I just won these as a start for wheels and tyres, I think the tyres are about the cheapest you can get and probably not up to much but it has ended up fairly cheap all in for a start. They are 15x10 wheels though and not the 8's I was aiming for. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Adventuro-33-12-50-15-GT-Radial-Off-Road-Road-Tyres-/171039453258?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&nma=true&si=6zq6Eq8CbqVjYMq0tz1mWHJ08eQ%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

I have also ordered the 3.5" RE Super-Flex kit with upgraded shocks, OME Nitro Sports. I wanted to go Aussie front locker but they don't do them so it is a Spartan. I got a Skyjacker transfer lowering kit as well as some other bits and bobs for protection. I will get a non auto locker for the rear in the future I think.

It should all get me started until I run into issues and gives me time to do other bits to the car before they arrive.

Thanks to all for the advice 

[MOCAJ]

don't lower your transfer case, lift your engine instead 

[Dave69]

lifting an xj is not a case of bolt on goodies and drive.

4.5" lift and above----you WILL require the track bar to be relocated as the front axle will be out of alignment with the rear.

dropping the transfer case is a partial cure for driveline vibration caused by the prop being out of alignment. normally 2 degree shims are placed under the rear axle to raise the front of the diff.

you will require extended rear brake line and fronts
your front and rear dampers will need to be longer
with the chrysler axle off the 2.5 you will have no ABS, so the pump can go but you will need to revalve the brake bias unit with a 2.5 valve.

33" wheels will require the front and rear arches trimming, plenty of tips on the internet so search. be careful on the rear as you only have a small amount you can trim.

with the 8.25 you shouldn't need a SYE (didn't have one on mine and that was 6.5" lift). your rear axle might possibly have a limited slip diff already fitted, some had them fitted as std.

from past experience my personal opinion is that rough country products are the cheap end of the market, tried them and binned them. Rubicon express is better but now middle of the road in quality and finish (new management and owners).

add a leaf springs are a waste of money if fitting them to an old spring pack, fit them to a new spring pack and the will last.

use the internet as there are vast amounts of information of what you can or cant do with fitting lift kits and bodywork trimming, avoid pirate4x4 as you will seriously get carried away with modifications.

try and include uprated front and rear recover points

[Keta]

Cheers guys,

The kit has new leaf packs so they should be reasonable, they aren't AAL.

I had imagined the ABS will be going but thanks for the tip!

I hadn't thought about the possibility of LSD in the new axle, not advertised as such but remains a possibility. If it had one I would probably skip the rear locker as it'd be enough for my needs.