I‘ve always wanted to build an XJ for an all purpose utilitarian rig. I found this XJ on Craigslist with 168,440 miles. The price was right and so the build begins.
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I‘ve always wanted to build an XJ for an all purpose utilitarian rig. I found this XJ on Craigslist with 168,440 miles. The price was right and so the build begins.
Last edited by dieselenthusiast; 03-05-2012 at 11:28 PM.
The short term plan is to do all the required maintenance. This poor XJ has been neglected and is in need for much TLC. The long term plan is to build it with quality parts. Like with all things, funding will determine the speed in which the progress will happen.
First, I felt the need to clean the engine compartment so I know what's leaking and what's not. I used engine degreaser and Simple Green.
Like I said, I bought the XJ for a reduced price knowing that it had been seriously neglected. For example: the overdrive was not working when I bought it. After I made the purchase, I drove the Jeep all the way home (1.5 hour drive) and it never shifted once into overdrive. So when I got home I started an Amsoil drain and fill interval. I pulled the plug and averaged about 3 quarts each day and continued this cycle for 4 days. I seriously suspect that the fluid could have been the original factory transmission fluid because it was the color of used engine oil. HOWEVER, after my second transmission drain and fill, my transmission shifted into overdrive!!!!!! I have changed my transmission fluid now 4 times with Amsoil ATF. It shifts a lot better.
As with any good maintenance, I didn't want to neglect the power steering fluid. So I used the ol’ turkey baster and guess what I found?
And this is what it should look like:
Last edited by dieselenthusiast; 03-05-2012 at 11:33 PM.
The previous owner bought new tires and never had them rotated. According to the receipt, these tires have approximately 12,000 miles on them. Anyway, I finally had the chance to rotate them. And as you can see, they still have lots of good rubber on them.
The Jeep pulls to the right, so I will be taking the vehicle into Firestone for a lifetime alignment.
Looks like a great start
Very nice write up, it's always fun to watch a build. Great luck with that over drive issue. Mine started having an issue with over drive back in July. In December the transmission was rebuilt. I had 175k on it.
It's in great shape! Nice work on the trans.
Wheelin' East Texas in a RED XJ
RED 98 XJ with 4.5" lift, ZJ steering, front and rear locked on 33's
cowl intake, Cobra CB, SYE, bumpers, 10K winch, lights
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//___l__,\____\,00_
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(o)_)--(o)_)--(o)_)
Looking forward to watching your progress.
I aspire to be the man my dogs think I am.
Great looking Jeep!!! Looks like you're gonna have a bunch of fun!!
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)
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
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.
After owning the Jeep for six months, I decided to sell the tires/OE rims that came with the Jeep and replace them with 15 X 7 Cragar Soft 8’s (4” inches of backspacing) with Toyo Open Country A/T 30X9.50R15, LT, Load C, 16/32 tread depth.
American Racing fully chromed lug nuts
JKS Adjustable Upper Control Arms
JKS Adjustable Lower Control Arms
JKS Adjustable Track Bar
JKS Adjustable BumpStops
JKS Disconnects
Swaybar Disconnect Cables and Leaf Bushings
Rubicon Express U-Bolt Kit
Rubicon Express Front and Rear Stainless Brake Lines
I decided to add drop brackets. They aren't needed on a 4" lift, but they do keep the lower control arms near factory specifications which makes the ride quality that much better.
Rubicon Express Control Arm Drop Brackets
Rubicon Express Control Arm Drop Support Braces
Front Lower Bump Stops
Hopefully when you do your discos the stud will press out a lot easier than mine did.
I aspire to be the man my dogs think I am.
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