2000 XJ (work in progress)

[dieselenthusiast]

Thanks everyone for your encouraging words.

I decided to go with the DPG Super Ultimate 4" Hybrid lift kit. I like this kit for many reasons, but mainly because it fits 31"-32" tires with no trimming, had great on-road manners, and meets my needs as a daily driver/utilitarian vehicle.

The kit includes:

OME Long Travel Shocks
OME Leaf Springs w/ D22XL Extra Leafs
OME Coil Springs & Spacers
JKS Quicker Disconnects
JKS Adj. Trackbar
JKS Adj Lower Control Arms
DPG Adj Rear Bumpstop Plate Kit
New U-Bolt Kit
Front Extended Bump stops
DPG Swaybar Disco Cables
Leaf Spring Bushings
DOT SS Brakelines (F&R)

[dieselenthusiast]

When I bought the Jeep, the only air ducts (vents) working on the XJ was the defrost. No matter which position I moved the vent control knob, it only blew air through the defrost vent. Anyway, I figured the vent door was probably broken, but I learned otherwise. Thanks to the NAXJA forum, we found the problem. I had a vacuum leak coming from the accessory line under the hood. I guess a vacuum leak disengages the vent door and causes the door to default to the defrost position. Anyway, it all works!

Here's a list of things I did when I first bought the Jeep.

1. Changed the plugs (I seriously think that we may have possibly changed the original plugs at 169,393 miles, I know it doesn‘t seem possible, but I had a misfire code on each cylinder and the plugs were completely toasted)
2. Replaced the coolant
3. Changed the front and rear diff fluid
4. Reattached the A/C and Heater vacuum line
5. Replaced the broken windshield wiper nozzle
6. Replaced the wipers
7. Replaced license plate bulb
8. Replaced the bulb for the engine compartment
9. Tightened wiper motor bracket
10. Replaced loose muffler with new clamp
11. Changed the transmission fluid, filter, and gasket
12. Replaced the serpentine belt
13. Changed the thermostat
14. Greased all zerks
15. Checked brakes
16. Changed transfer case fluid
17. Checked U joints
18. Checked ECM for codes
19. Checked battery charge
20. Checked alternator output
21. Checked starter draw

[dieselenthusiast]

I took the Jeep to Firestone and had a lifetime alignment performed. After the alignment, a lot of my front-end noise dissipated and the Jeep rides much smoother. The tech said it was really out of whack. Based on how well this Jeep was maintained by its previous owner(s), I wouldn’t be surprised if this was its very first alignment. Poor Jeep, I think she’s a lot happier now.