Capable XJ

[4wd nut]

Hi Guys,

Question that ponders on my mind? How capable really is the XJ?

For example if I bought an XJ, lifted it 2-3 inch's, fitted front and rear airlockers and 31' muddies.... maybe some barwork to give better approach and departure. Basically a comfortable setup without going wild and over the top.....Something thats comfortable to jump in and drive anywhere. Short distance or long.

Will it be capable in comparison as my current std 1HZ diesel 80 series with 3'lift, 35's and only rear difflock.

Basically i'd like to buy an XJ, but i would like it to perform at least as good as my current ride.

Is this a realistic question?

[ROWEDOG]

Mate I drive an XJ on 31s with front and rear bars. Dont have lockers but it runs pretty well without them. The high and low range gears handle pretty much whatever you need. You cant raise the XJ any higher then 2-3 inches without cutting the body out so it sucks. The biggest thing to hold you back with the lift is that its a long wheel base and not being able to lift it heaps high does limit some off roading but nothing serious. I still enjoy whatever tracks I can get onto. Hope that helps you out.

[CheSter]

An XJ is a quite capable truck .. with 2 inches of lift and 31's your with in the legal requirements of most states and shouldn't ever have any legal issues.

They come in a nice variety of finish levels on the interiors and are quite comfortable to drive. The 4l petrol engine is pretty thirsty but it provides a nice range of power and torque. I've not driven the diesel so can't comment.

Another thing to consider .. is that the 80 series is a full chassis with a tub on it. The XJ is a monocoque meaning you've no chassis as such and that structural stiffness is provided by the body, this is where your limited in some of the suspension options.

Also .. to ask whether one vehicle with 31's is going to be as capable as one with 35's ... in my mind is silly ... the larger tyre's going to keep you from bellying out and your diff centers are 2 inches higher which in most cases is going keep you out of a lot of trouble the smaller tyres going to get. Not saying that a capable driver in a XJ with 31's will be ripping shit up and going everywhere .. but it's going to be harder then a similar truck and 35's.

My 2 cents.

C

[YankeeDave]

xj has smaller diff pumpkins, and and xj on 31's has same diff clearance as a patrol or cruiser on 33s