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1997 XJ - 100% Free

spacecowboy

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Pikesville, Md.
DISCLAIMER: This is probably not the right place to put this. Apologies in advance.

100% Free

No gimmick. No scam.

I live outside of Baltimore.

I bought this XJ 15 years ago with 155K for $3k. I absolutely love this vehicle but do not have the time or a garage to put into it to be what it could be. It is on the road; I currently drive it ~100 miles a week. I take it weekly bowhunting and use the 4x4 (gently) each time I go. It is a 90 mile round trip. This past week coming home from hunting I turned it over to 340K.

- Engine - solid. For the last 100k it has had a knock. I change the oil every 4k. I do not think I have ever taken it above 3K on the tach. I baby it. You can't hear anything at 2K :) ... runs smooth. Does not burn oil. Does leak a bit, but cannot tell when changing oil ...
- Transmission - solid
- Transfer case - solid
- Drive shafts - solid
- Front and Rear axles - solid

What I have done in the past year:
- Upper and lower control arms
- Muffler and exhaust
- Sway bar bushings
- Cut and fold on rear fenders
- Cut front fenders
- Herculiner the hood and roof (roll on gritty stiff)
- Herculiner spray (rattle can) the entire vehicle
- Roof Rack
- LED head Lights
- 1.5" Rough Country spacers
- 31's (pull-offs) from a 2020 Wrangler ... insanely smooth ride
- Cut out the rockers because they were rotted. Painted POR-15. Planned to weld in 2x4 square tube in but did not get to it.

What it needs:
- New leaf springs (immediately)
- Really should have two of the brake lines replaced. I have had two of them replaced.
- The front creaks when off-road. I really think it is because the rockers not being there allows it to flex.
- Power steering pump whines at 2k
- Fix some rust holes.

What I want:
- No money. I really want to give this to a kid or fellow who does not have the money to pick one up (crazy expensive) but has more time than money ... to make this thing a beast. So, if you have a son or someone you know would really be blessed with this, I am down with it. Also, I think in MD you can put historic tags and not have to pass a safety and emissions inspections.

What I do not want:
- Part it out. If you are going to do that don't not even reach out to me. Seriously. Don't be that guy.


[email protected]
 
Dang.

If only you were closer.

I have a Varmint who would love a project like that.
 
If only you were closer.

The wife is in Virginia right now visiting family. I sent a screen grab to her son and daughter in law. The grandson would love it if he's any kin of mine. Tom, Want me to ask Lorrie to drive it back? Her best friend lives just outside of Boise.

Also sent the link to my son. I know my granddaughter would have a great time with it. She was with me when I broke mine this last time.
 
If the leaf springs will allow it to be driven, absolutely.

I will pay for gas.
 
If the leaf springs will allow it to be driven, absolutely.

I will pay for gas.
So, perhaps I should have put this in a sub-forum ... like mid-atlantic (honestly could not find it), but you come and get it and drive it off. I cannot deliver it. It is definitely drivea-able - until I bought a new Wrangler a couple of weeks ago I commuted with it at least twice a week ... 50 mile round trip. I would not suggest to drive it further than that right now because I have not done that in a while. So, someone in MD, Eastern PA, Jersey, Northern VA is probably a good idea.
 
I got a pass from both that I tried. No room in Virginia, and Don't like driving in blue states from my son; 45' gooseneck and DOT...

If the leaf springs will allow it to be driven, absolutely.

I will pay for gas.

Couldn't go to a better kid! Tom's boys are awesome.
 
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