Welcome XJexpedition!!!

[cantab27]

Hi XJexpedition, welcome to the xjtalk forum!

We would love to know more about you and your Jeep. How you found us, etc...

Check out "Announcements" "How to post an image" for help posting images.

Got a Wrangler? Maybe a friend with one? http://www.WranglerTalk.com/

[XJexpedition]

Hi my name is Nick and I'm 27yrs old. I currently own a 89 Mustang GT with fully built motor ready for boost, 5-lug swap, 17x9 FR500 Wheels, 03 Ford Racing Special Edition Disc Brakes front and rear and so on. Tons into it and it's got under 43k Original Miles!

Anyway, I'm in the process of selling/trading it for a XJ. Recently had a son born and I have a 7yr old daughter and need a bigger more family friendly vehicle and have been looking a 97+ Wranglers and XJs.

Right now I have an offer of a trade for a 95 XJ, it has a rebuilt 4.0, lifted, larger tires and wheels. Supposed to meed Friday. NADA Stock Average on my car is $7000 and Excellent is $10,010. I got over $10,000 into it with mods. I'm not looking to get back what I put into it or anything I know that never happens. I'm asking $6500 if cash.

Here are some pics of the XJ, What size lift do you think it has? I'm no stranger to Jeeps, I've had 3 CJ5s 4 CJ7s and a 48 CJ2A. I haven't owned a Cherokee yet though.
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/4457/5ib5e25je3gb3l63f3c7986.jpghttp://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7033/5g35f75jc3ec3f43jec791a.jpg

Says only 20k miles since rebuild, new axles and stuff like that. What do you think? They are wanting a straight trade.

For those curious about my mustang:
http://img28.imageshack.us/slideshow/player.php?id=img28/7770/13060440905dk.smil

[XJexpedition]

My plans are to build a Expedition type vehicle. Good on road and off road. I want to get the Steel Tail Lights with Quarter Panel Armor (I like ORFABS with the rail). Love to find a D44 out of an early XJ since it's direct bolt in and put a locker in it. Not sure what I want to do with the front, can the D30 be upgraded with stronger axles and ARB air locker with a truss and be plenty strong enough? I'll get all the heavy duty skid plates and stuff like that. I would want to change to a long arm setup eventually to get more articulation. Nice 8,000lb winch, a rack for the top to hold all my gear. Basically make a very capable on and off road rig. I've been looking at steering options like the 1-ton stuff and I'm open to suggestions. I'd love to Exocage the thing too because I want it to look nice.

[XJexpedition]

Here are some more pics he just sent of the 95 that I'm considering a trade for my Mustang:
http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/7275/download7a.jpg
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/4442/download6x.jpg
http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/4306/download5qo.jpg
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/1985/download4s.jpg
http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/7129/download2lz.jpg
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/4629/download3nz.jpg
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/146/download11.jpg
http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/6194/download1mb.jpg
http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/8210/20120516154137.jpg
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/6462/20120516154123u.jpg
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/6072/20120516154106.jpg

Looks very clean to me, What do you guys think? How much lift does it have? Anyone have any idea on what lift it is?

There is a local guy selling a brand new in box Long Arm Upgrade for $500 too which is like $150 off http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_689U.html

[XJ Wheeler]

Hello nick and welcome to xjtalk.

The cherokee looks really clean and sounds like its pretty solid but its not worth near as much as your 'stang. In my opinion that xjtalk looks like it has about 4-5" lift, cheaper alloys, and 31" at's. I think a value around 3-4k would be the most its worth if its as nice as it looks.

My .02 is its nice and i wouldn't hesitate to go look at it but your gonna take a loss trading your 'stang.

Edit: Oh yeah, the axles. The Dana 30 has a great aftermarket support, so yes it can be upgraded to handle around 35" tires. Also the xj Dana 44 is hard to find and when you do find one it is usually price to keep. A much more accessible option is the Chrysler 8.25" that was put into some XJs from '91-'01. Better to get one from a '97-'01 as those are 29 spline instead of the 27 splined earlier version . They can also be built to handle 35s.

[bigjim350]

Looks like a 4 to 6" lift. It is a really good looking xj, but in my opinion your mustang is worth more, lot more.

Sent from my nerdy smartphone

[XJexpedition]

I know my Mustang is worth more, A LOT more but I'm unemployed right now and having my second child I'm willing to take a loss because I really like the XJs.

Now would that Long Arm upgrade work with the lift that's on the vehicle now?

[bigjim350]

Yep it would work

Sent from my nerdy smartphone

[XJ Wheeler]

I know my Mustang is worth more, A LOT more but I'm unemployed right now and having my second child I'm willing to take a loss because I really like the XJs.

Now would that Long Arm upgrade work with the lift that's on the vehicle now?

Ya, it should. Good priced and it will help the on road ride and off road flex a lot. If the xj comes with some aftermarket control arms too you could sell those to recoup some funds.

[XJexpedition]

Ya, it should. Good priced and it will help the on road ride and off road flex a lot. If the xj comes with some aftermarket control arms too you could sell those to recoup some funds.

Yea good thinking...

[Mudderoy]

It's hard to say since I'm not in your position, but there is no way I'd do a straight swap. Besides you don't know what shape the engine is in. Rebuilt, okay fine but what does that mean?

I think I'd take the 95 XJ and $5k to $7k for the Mustang. Personally I'd sell the Mustang, cash in hand, and then make your XJ purchase.

Hell I'd be tempted to part out the Mustang to get the most $$$ out of it.

[XJexpedition]

It's hard to say since I'm not in your position, but there is no way I'd do a straight swap. Besides you don't know what shape the engine is in. Rebuilt, okay fine but what does that mean?

I think I'd take the 95 XJ and $5k to $7k for the Mustang. Personally I'd sell the Mustang, cash in hand, and then make your XJ purchase.

Hell I'd be tempted to part out the Mustang to get the most $$$ out of it.

It looks like I might have a good job in the next week. The IRS is finally sending me my tax return that I filed February 1st! I'm going to ask for cash on top, not a whole lot but something. Around here people sell Fox Bodies for cheap because they beat them up and rag them out which don't help me trying to sell mine because the most I've had offered is $5000. So it would take time for me to fine a true Fox enthusiast that understands the low mileage and the mods done and appreciates it for what it is to give me anywhere near what it's worth. I might not even have to get rid of it if everything goes well. I would never part out a low mileage fox body! They are hard enough to find and I won't be one to dismantle another lol.

[Mudderoy]

It looks like I might have a good job in the next week. The IRS is finally sending me my tax return that I filed February 1st! I'm going to ask for cash on top, not a whole lot but something. Around here people sell Fox Bodies for cheap because they beat them up and rag them out which don't help me trying to sell mine because the most I've had offered is $5000. So it would take time for me to fine a true Fox enthusiast that understands the low mileage and the mods done and appreciates it for what it is to give me anywhere near what it's worth. I might not even have to get rid of it if everything goes well. I would never part out a low mileage fox body! They are hard enough to find and I won't be one to dismantle another lol.

I understand how you feel, especially after putting all that time into it. I'm the same way, but you know to get the most out of it that's what you'd have to do, unless you found a motivated buyer. I have a 1998 and a 1999 XJ. I personally like the 97+ better. I would get OBDII and R134 at least.

[4.3LXJ]

Hope it all works out for you. Just a couple of suggestions. Ask about this rebuild. Ask to see any receipts for it. Look for new pistons, or machine shop work. Many times a rebuild consists of rings and bearings and a few new gaskets. But I think it is smart to be thinking family and fun at the same time. So if you do it, get enough cash to get at least some of the goodies you want.

[XJexpedition]

Hope it all works out for you. Just a couple of suggestions. Ask about this rebuild. Ask to see any receipts for it. Look for new pistons, or machine shop work. Many times a rebuild consists of rings and bearings and a few new gaskets. But I think it is smart to be thinking family and fun at the same time. So if you do it, get enough cash to get at least some of the goodies you want.

He is supposed to have all paperwork on the motor and also the axles as he said he had new axles put in. I'll print out NADA and KBB for both our vehicles to show him the difference and try to get as much as I can on top. The Mustang needs paint on the Cowl and a new bumper cover ($118 new) and I have a quote from a body shop showing that the paint and bumper less than $400.

But with growing family it's time to grow up... a little bit :)
Having the XJ gives me something plenty big enough for the family and I like offroading as well so I can still have fun and do stuff to it.

[XJexpedition]

I understand how you feel, especially after putting all that time into it. I'm the same way, but you know to get the most out of it that's what you'd have to do, unless you found a motivated buyer. I have a 1998 and a 1999 XJ. I personally like the 97+ better. I would get OBDII and R134 at least.

So 95's are still R12? If so that's a plus for me, I know people who can recharge if needed and after having several R12s and R134a vehicles I can say R12 cools a whole lot better!

How hard is it to convert the 95 to OBDII?

[XJexpedition]

I'd also sell the tires and wheels. Tires are a little wide for my tastes. I'd get some black Soft 8 copies from summit only $174 for all 4 and BFG 33x10.5s KM2s. I run these on my land rover and they have over 40k miles and look brand new with almost no tread loss!

Sent from my Rooted and Custom Motorola Photon using TapaTalk2 Pro

[XJexpedition]

So I talked to an old friend I worked with at the Budweiser plant who has a 96XJ and showed him the pics, he has a 5.5" lift and he said it looked like the same lift on this one. Guy is coming Friday and I can't wait, his wife loves the stang and it's worth way more than the XJ so should be a done deal one way or another.

[XJMJeep]

My opinion is this, if you like the XJ get it!
Life is way too short to worry about a few $ lost or gained on a trade.
Make yourself a fair trade and enjoy the Jeep for what it is.
XJ's are a lot of fun!
Welcome to xjtalk by the way! :thumbsup:

[XJexpedition]

My opinion is this, if you like the XJ get it!
Life is way too short to worry about a few $ lost or gained on a trade.
Make yourself a fair trade and enjoy the Jeep for what it is.
XJ's are a lot of fun!
Welcome to xjtalk by the way! :thumbsup:

That's my thoughts exactly, now I have a friend willing to trade me his 99 with RC 4.5" lift, 5 new wheels and tires with 168k on the clock, automatic.
http://img.tapatalk.com/42576cc6-650e-07a5.jpg

Only rust on it is corner passenger back door.
http://img.tapatalk.com/42576cc6-654c-baf8.jpg

Only thing is the deal has to be done tomorrow and he lives about an hour and a half away and I have not seen in person. I like the fact its OBDII though.

Sent from my Rooted and Custom Motorola Photon using TapaTalk2 Pro

[XJexpedition]

Just landed a job start I start next week, people are coming before noon with title so I think its pretty much a done deal :) If not friend with silver 97XJ is still willing to work with me.

Sent from my Rooted and Custom Motorola Photon using TapaTalk2 Pro

[4.3LXJ]

Congrats

[XJexpedition]

Congrats

Thanks, so many people ask why trade a car worth twice as much? Answer is because I like it, might get cash on top and I don't have to spend any money. With the economy the way it is, doesn't matter what NADA or anything else says it's worth. It's only worth as much as someone is willing to pay.

Sent from my Rooted and Custom Motorola Photon using TapaTalk2 Pro

[4.3LXJ]

SoTrue

[Mudderoy]

Thanks, so many people ask why trade a car worth twice as much? Answer is because I like it, might get cash on top and I don't have to spend any money. With the economy the way it is, doesn't matter what NADA or anything else says it's worth. It's only worth as much as someone is willing to pay.

Sent from my Rooted and Custom Motorola Photon using TapaTalk2 Pro

Hey it's your time and money and if you want to make a deal that's fine by me and I suspect the rest of us. I believe why you're getting any push back is because we've all made decisions we wish we hadn't, rash decisions because we just wanted something. It's much easier to give advise than to apply it to your own situation. I would like to think that if my family was involved that I would do the right thing and get the most $$$ to support them. Hard to do with such fun toys though. :D

I don't think anyone here wouldn't like to have you as another brother in the Jeep fraternity! :beer: