Welcome XJrookie3057!!!

[rguignard]

Hi XJrookie3057, welcome to the xjtalk forum!

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[XJrookie3057]

Hey thanks for the welcome message.
So much better treatment than when I was a yota man lol.

I am actually still in search for my first XJ and Im looking at a 92-95.
I really have been a yota guy for too long so my knowledge of the XJ, regretably limited :(
So Im here to get some insight on what to look for as well as watch out for.
Im sold on the XJ and just really wanna make a good decision when I buy my first.

I def want one stock so I can be the first to beat it haha

budget for the Jeep is 3000.00 a
with a 2500.00 mod budget to start.

So.....where do I begin?

Thanks for letting me join
:pray:

[bigjim350]

Well in my opinion your already on the right track looking for a 92-95 and stock. Hard to go wrong there

[bigjim350]

Oh and try to find a Green one, everybody knows they are the best :D

[XJrookie3057]

I def will get a green one :)
I hate to do this but I had an 85 4 runner running 33's a 4:1 t- case 4:56's and a pair of ARB's front and rear. I would like go in a similar direction with my jeep build but don't know all whats required to run that tire size and those ratios without fear of breakage. Sorry for the ignorance to Jeeps.
What can I say... I'm s greenhorn :rolleye0012:

[bigjim350]

For 33's id go with 4.5-6.5" of lift. The D30 in the front will handle the gears and locker. The rear has two factory options. D35 which is prone to breakage, and the Chry8.25 which is stronger. However your best bet would be to swap in a 96+ 8.25 with the 29 spline axles.

[Mudderoy]

Hey thanks for the welcome message.
So much better treatment than when I was a yota man lol.

I am actually still in search for my first XJ and Im looking at a 92-95.
I really have been a yota guy for too long so my knowledge of the XJ, regretably limited :(
So Im here to get some insight on what to look for as well as watch out for.
Im sold on the XJ and just really wanna make a good decision when I buy my first.

I def want one stock so I can be the first to beat it haha

budget for the Jeep is 3000.00 a
with a 2500.00 mod budget to start.

So.....where do I begin?

Thanks for letting me join
:pray:

:welcome: wow nice budget. I've only ever had a 98, and recently picked up an 99, so I know nothing about the pre 97 models. You should be able to get a nice XJ for that money and really put a dent in the mods.

I would focus on SYE, recovery points, lift, then wheels/tires. Then beefing up the front end parts. Tie rod for sure and perhaps a good track bar.

[bluedragon436]

:welcome: to xjtalk from Delaware/Maryland!! Nothing at all wrong with picking up a green XJ.. you area already starting off on a good foot right there.. then having the budget you do to start off with, will make it even better.. I am like Tony... I have only had a 98 XJ, so I don't really know much about the earlier XJ's.. other than try and find one with the CH. 8.25, or D44 rear axle... or just find one later in the JY with the HP D30 & 29 spline Ch. 8.25 axle to swap into yours... I think if I had the money to do more mods, or had the fabrication knowledge to do a SAS I would have picked up a Toyota 4Runner or Tacoma to build up.. but am def very pleased with my XJ, as I am sure you will be once you find the one you are looking for!!

[cantab27]

welcome aboard......

[XJrookie3057]

How about common trouble spots with em' leaks electrical stuff things like that?

[bigjim350]

Here is a xj buyers guide JP magazine did a while back. http://www.jpmagazine.com/featuredvehicles/154_1001_jeep_cherokee_buyers_guide/index.html

[cantab27]

and this link covers most basic fixes to some mods......

http://jeep-xj.info/index.htm

[XJrookie3057]

Thanks for all the great info.
I just brought home my first XJ an hour ago.

95' with 149k
It did already have a rubicon express 5.5 and 33's but it was a one owner that just had it for "show" didnt even know how to engage the T-case bwahahahaha...
Good thing I rescued it from that guy.
It still has its stock gears and no lockers so I think some 4:56's and maybe a detroit in the back may be in order.
Its super clean but I went over budget on the truck so I dont have as much to put into it in mods. But I dont have to do a lift, SYE or Tires so Im ahead of the game there.

Will post pics when I get a chance.

[cantab27]

sounds like a deal casey...looking forward to pics mate

[modestmar00xj]

XJrookie3057 welcome to xjtalk!

[4.3LXJ]

How about common trouble spots with em' leaks electrical stuff things like that?

There are a couple of trouble spots. One is the rear main seal. After 200K they start leaking. Repairable though. Probably the biggest area is split between the crank position sensor and cooling. I would suggest getting a CPS and replacing it and an O2 sensor just as a preventative measure because no one ever replaces them unless they fail. The cooling thing is always a concern, some is which is design oriented I think. But make sure you have a clean on the inside radiator, put in a ZJ fan clutch, good shrouds and if you want hard wire a switch to the aux. efan, unless you want a more automatic option in which case I can help you there.

[XJrookie3057]

Thanks for the info on the trouble spots. The rear main is a little moist but I just ordered a 4:1 for the t- case do I'm gonna do it when I install the crawl kit. I was wondering about cooling issues because this one does seem to run a little toasty. But I live in 100 degree weather so I can't really expect it to run super cool. Any suggestions on a high flow rad and maybe dual fans?