Jumping to a '98

[murray_xj]

Hey all... I am jumping from my very tired '92 to a '98, 2 door, 5 speed in a few days. it has a 6.5" long arm (Iron Rock), 33 Maxis Bighorns, 4.10 gears, HD track bar and steering, SYE of course... Any suggestions on what to swap/upgrade from the get go? On my '92 I did the common injector upgrade from Precision Injectors (Bosch 4 port), bored TB, header... the common easy bolt ons. I haven't read much about the 98s, so I wanted to ask what I should jump into first... Thanks guys!!

[4.3LXJ]

Is this a 4.0L engine?

[murray_xj]

Yes, I'm sorry. I have it ingrained in my mind that there is no other engine in an XJ hahaha....

[4.3LXJ]

Just checking since 4.10s were the stock ration for the 2.5L. First thing I would do is check out the cooling system and make sure the fans work properly and the shrouds are both there

[murray_xj]

The fans appear to be completely functional, I did hear the clutch(es) kicking in and out. The shrouds are missing though... may have to go junkyard diving for those.

[4.3LXJ]

They don't look like much, but they are important for a system that is marginal anyway

[murray_xj]

gotcha... is a lower temp thermostat worth while then? I've ran a 160 degree on my '92 for years now...

[4.3LXJ]

You shouldn't go below 185. Engine temp determines fuel/air ratio. Lower temps will make your mixture rich and affect your milage

[murray_xj]

huh... see what I get too learn on :xjtalk:

I had never been told that. I'm hoping to stay in the 16-18mpg range with it. that's what I was getting with the 92 and can't afford to go much worse haha

[denverd1]

open up the air flow, intake and exhaust.

[murray_xj]

I had figured on that... common practice with these. It'll take me a little bit with the purchase price. it's a semi resto/mod from a local shop. lots of work put into it. I'll post some pics once I have it home. they went through the engine, checked cleareances, replaced rings, seals etc... seems to run strong, no ticks or knocks and passed a compression test all above 130.

[denverd1]

what are you building this to do?


bumpers, tow points and winch
frame stiffeners/rock rails
lockers
comms

[Pinkyman]

You shouldn't go below 185. Engine temp determines fuel/air ratio. Lower temps will make your mixture rich and affect your milage

I have a whole new cooling systen, and a 195* T-stat, and mine still never gets over 160* :confused:

Either way, where are the pictures of this new rig???

[abebehrmann]

I have a whole new cooling systen, and a 195* T-stat, and mine still never gets over 160* :confused:

Either way, where are the pictures of this new rig???

I think this might be part of your problem...

[murray_xj]

what are you building this to do?



Utilitarian Jeep... short daily commute, camp rig, mild off-roading (logging roads, no crawling), kayaking, camping.... on and on

[Pinkyman]

Utilitarian Jeep... short daily commute, camp rig, mild off-roading (logging roads, no crawling), kayaking, camping.... on and on

Very nice looking rig!!! I ran the Maxxis Bighorns for a while back. I got them from Xj-Jake on here. I was really happy with them, i bet youll like them :thumbsup:

[murray_xj]

Very nice looking rig!!! I ran the Maxxis Bighorns for a while back. I got them from Xj-Jake on here. I was really happy with them, i bet youll like them :thumbsup:

Thanks!! And thanks for the info on the tires. Because I am going to be driving it, I was hesitant and almost swapped out for some BFG ATs. Decided I didn't want to mess with the look.

[Mudderoy]

I have a whole new cooling systen, and a 195* T-stat, and mine still never gets over 160* :confused:

Either way, where are the pictures of this new rig???

Come to Texas!

[Pookapotamus]

Yup very nice 2 door!


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[bluedragon436]

Are you going to be selling off the 92?? If so I'd say keep your bored TB, injectors and if you want to take on the job of the header again... but that is just me... Either way that is a nice looking XJ you've found to move over to...

[murray_xj]

Thanks everyone! I'm proud of it and I don't even have it in the driveway yet. I've never had a Jeep above 4" of lift, so I'm hoping to still have the dependability and logevity that I have loved on the '92.

as for the '92, it's done. haha. I milked it as long as I could. the shop who did the build on the '98 was up for taking it, so I worked in some shop time for a new headliner, carpet and kevlar undercoating (similar to Line-X). I felt it was a fair trade off because the list of needs for the '92 is rather long. about $600 just to get it inspected (windshield, exhaust from cat back is needed and rear pads/drums and spring kit). I was quoted $750 on the kevlar undercoat at another garage alone, so I can't complain. :bacondance:

[denverd1]

Has your tcase linkage been beefed up? Stock won't cut it especially if wanna wheel it

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[murray_xj]

won't be a ton of wheeling and when I go it'll be clear cut/logging roads. no real crawling on the family property.

put about 60 miles on it this weekend, nice ride on the long arm. had it up to 70/75 with no issues at all.

only issue that's popped up, is the heater is only warm at best. never really gets to where I can take it off high. it defrosts the windshield but not much more than that. the guy said the thermostat is new, it is cold here in PA but the temp gauge didn't get up much over 180 degrees. he needs to track it down and fix it for me, but I was trying to i.d. the issue as well.

[murray_xj]

I'm reading heater core bad or clogged and/or the HVAC hot and cool doors may not be opening all the way. ugh...

[4.3LXJ]

I agree

[XJ Wheeler]

Back flush the heater core first. Cheap and easy first then look into the other stuff. Usually just plugged up.

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