So what about the WJ?

[w squared]

My friend has recently found himself the owner of an '01 WJ Limited (long story...moral is that you shouldn't ever co-sign for a roomate).

As far as I know, a WJ can be made into a reasonable wheeler...maybe 31's on a 2" budget boost or 32's with a 3 or 4 inch short arm system. Is this correct?

I would imagine that building a WJ for wheeling would be a lot more challenging that building a wrangler for wheeling - fewer aftermarket parts, unibody, all wheel drive instead of 4WD, etc. I guess what I want to know is - is there enough availablity for my frined to build a bit more off-road capability into this rig with bolt-on products, and can a WJ provide the same mix of good off-road performance and streetability that a ZJ or XJ can?

[dunl]

I dunno......but I think this looks kinda capable. 



It sold on EJC last month I think.   

[w squared]

No doubt!

My query was more about how reasonable it is for someone that 's new to wheeling to upgrade one and still retain the streetability of the vehicle.

-Are there significant pitfalls inherent to the design? (other than unibody)

-Do the stock control arm mount locations mean thatrelatively small lifts results in unfavorable suspension geometry?

These are the sort of things that I simply don't know anything about on a WJ. Realistically he's unlikely to put anything bigger than a 4 inch lift on, and would probably start with a 2" BB.

[WhiteOut]

To lift a WJ is expensive.   A BB can run up to $160.00 without shocks.  I was quoted almost $1100 from National for a BB installed.  More trimming of bumpers is needed than on a Wrangler.  Myself and 4PlayZJ both have lifted Grands, JohnnyC had one before he sold it ,  Im sure any of us would be more than happy to give you more advice as you go along.  Another great resource is the ZJ and WJ tech section on Jeepforum.

[w squared]

$1100 installed doesn't surprise me. I got quoted pretty close to $1000 to install a BB on my JK.

With a 2 or 2.5" BB, I'd imagine that he could run 31's or 32's ?

[WhiteOut]

I have 31" M/T's on the IRO BB, I had rubbing on the front bumper (can be solved with minor trimming) and they rub my LCA's at full lock (solved by adjusting steering stops).  To run 32's comfortably on a WJ I would do a 4" kit with all adjustable control arms

[Immortal]

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=IROR&Category_Code=PFW

Get him to check this out.... pricing and stuff (USD).

Apparently the viscous coupler is the weak point in the drivetrain. I wouldn't be able to tell you as my wife won't let me take her WJ Ltd off the street.

[w squared]

Great link, Trev. Thanks!

[JackstandJohnny]

the 247 is much better than the 249.  in 4low its the same as any other jeep tcase. NO worries. keep the AWD on the street, 50/50 split in the dirt

BB from Modern ran me 475, that was with rubicon express monotube shocks. they had it in stock. i run a 245x75r16 mickey thompson ATZ (measure 30.7 or something like that)  as far as streetability, i can't tell any difference at all. its stock.  i haven't wheeled it yet, but i plan on wheelin the WJ at the 101 this year with TREVORS WJ as well (yes buddy i AM pressuring u)
moderate trails it'll be juicy i bet. 

as far as 4" lifts go, checkout www.zoneoffroad.ca  they have a 4" WJ kit thats ridiculously reasonable (900 to your door) or something like that. you can clear a 32" tire with that lift.  that tire will probably be laggin on the stock drivetrain (especially the 4.0L but V8 should be ok)
 i've researched the thing myself and can't find much to be honest.  I really wanna up grade from my 2" to that 4" and run a set of rubicon takeoffs............  Ironrock offroad makes similar products i guess, but its all USD......... heres a link to that particular kit.   http://www.zoneoffroad.ca/default.cfm?fa=products&ProdCategoryID=39

as far as the WJ, it resides in Edmonton and i almost bought the damn thing but somebody beat me to it! he's already swapped a new motor into it and all that too  the lift on it is claytons, and it retails 2999.00 USD

ps, W squared, if ur buddy wants to come by and take a look at a WJ on 2" with bigger tires, he's more than welcome to take it for a spin 

[hps4evr]

there was a WJ that joined us on the jeep 101 later in the day last year. i was the tail gunner so he was right in front of me. i was surprised at how well that thing flexed and crawled along through everything. and it was bone stoc kand the guy said he'd never wheeled that jeep. and he himself hadnt been wheeling in many years.
so, i bet a basic lift with some good tires will do this new WJ owner just fine. lets hope it has the LSD diffs in the front and rear. will really help it out!

[JackstandJohnny]

this thread has been bad lol i've been looking at WJ lifts and debating finding a high mileage WJ and putting a long arm kit on it hahahaha

[dukabor]

.....nothing bad about this thread at all....

I installed an IRO 6.5 inch long arm front, short arm rear on my WJ a few months back.... the IRO kit and customer service were top notch!!

[JackstandJohnny]

i was looking at that kit i was very intruiged by it.  how do you like itsperformance so far?

[dukabor]

I was a little unsure about Iron Rock at first....  I was initially looking at a WJ that already had their kit installed and called their customer service about it, they told me that if I bought that WJ with their kit on it they would warranty any of the parts.... it showed me that they had a ton of confidence in their gear.... I eventually ended up buying a stock WJ and took one for the team and ordered it up.....

Once it arrived I was very impressed with how heavy duty the kit appeared, install went fairly smooth, and when I had a struggle on the rear a-arm spacer, their tech guy talked me through it (at 9pm.... someone actually answered the phone there!). Was able to align it pretty good to close to factory specs with their adjustments, did not add an aftermarket steering stabilizer, and tossed the rear swaybar

performance wise.... great flex, too much for the stock front and rear bumpers, I am running 285/70/17's (33's) some trimming on the rear of the front fenders, and on the front of the rears.... am planning on an aftermarket front bumper to fully take advantage of it up front.....

Cost wise.... the kit with quicker disconnects and a shock upgrade was right around $1700 cdn to my door.... the exchange rate was pretty favorable at that time and I got a smokin deal on shipping.....



....it is a pretty unique look as well.... lol, it stands out a little bnit more than a WJ on a BB!!!

[WhiteOut]

Dude, I saw your rig the other day driving on Macleod by Cemetary Hill.  Sick sick rig.

Do the cops ever bother you about the fact your tires stick out?