Full long-arm or SOA crawler: 5.5"+ lift, 35"+ tires, axle swaps, dual lockers, deep gears.
A canonical rock-crawler XJ aimed at hard trails (Moab, Rubicon, Cedar Mtn). The core spec:
**Suspension**: 5.5"–6.5" long arm (RockKrawler X Factor Pro, Clayton, or IRO long arm), or 4.5" SOA conversion. Adjustable upper/lower control arms, heavy track bar.
**Tires/wheels**: 35x12.50R15 BFG KM3 or Toyo MT, 15x8 beadlocks (Method 105 or Trail Ready).
**Axles**: front Dana 30 or 44 with chromoly shafts, truss, high-pinion; rear Ford 8.8 (Explorer disc-brake donor) or Dana 44 with chromoly. Dual ARB Air Lockers or Detroit Lockers.
**Gears**: 4.88 minimum (35s with AW4), 5.13 for 37s.
**Transfer case**: SYE-equipped NP231 + CV driveshaft minimum; Atlas II 4:1 for serious crawling.
**Armor**: full belly skid, sliders that double as jack points, weld-on shackle tabs, front winch bumper with stinger, rear bumper with swing-out + tire carrier, steel high-clearance fenders (Brawler Lite, Comp Cut).
**Steering**: ZJ steering box, crossover (high steer) conversion, 1-ton tie rod & drag link.
**Recovery**: 10k+ winch, dual battery for sustained pulls, ARB Twin compressor, kinetic rope, soft shackles.
**Cooling**: 3-row aluminum radiator, electric fan conversion, auxiliary trans cooler.
Total investment: $15,000-$25,000 in parts (DIY labor).
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.