well, I've had my 2000 XJ Sport for about 4 years and started my build about 3 years ago now. Recently I was thinking I might as well start a build thread! (Better late than never:dunno
So here she is in her stock condition...
But I didn't get her like that, the previous owner had done what I would consider a pretty decent mild build to it:
It was a really nice set up, great road manners (I drove it 75mph all the way to the Rubicon and back) and great off-road ability (made it through the Rubicon and only lost the muffler).
But my brother-in-law made some serious upgrades to his XJ and then in Moab he was walking lines I couldn't... and that's where it all started!
So here's where I'm at today. Some more notable mods:
It's been slow going and I have a box of parts that was supposed to be on the Jeep a year and a half ago! I figure, if I start a build thread and keep my motivation up through the winter then I might have the rest of these mods done in time for
's 30th anniversary in Moab next October. That's the Goal anyway.
Here' s my to-do list:
Of course I have a list of long-term mods (wish-list really) I'd like to do like 4-link the rear, gas struts, RCVs in the D44, removable doors, boat-sides... but I digress.
A couple things I want to point out:
Lastly, I'm really looking forward to comments from the community! I'm a novice mechanic, fabricator and wheeler, so input is anxiously awaited! :yelclap:
I'll start posting pics from previous mods soon.

So here she is in her stock condition...
But I didn't get her like that, the previous owner had done what I would consider a pretty decent mild build to it:
- 33" Cooper STTs
- Cromoly shafts in the 8.25 with a True-Track locker and 4.56s
- Stock Dana 30 with a Lock-Right (lunch-box) locker and 4.56s
- RE 5.5" short arm lift with SYE
- Rock sliders, aftermarket bumpers, trany skid, Bushwhackers and a roof rack
It was a really nice set up, great road manners (I drove it 75mph all the way to the Rubicon and back) and great off-road ability (made it through the Rubicon and only lost the muffler).
But my brother-in-law made some serious upgrades to his XJ and then in Moab he was walking lines I couldn't... and that's where it all started!
So here's where I'm at today. Some more notable mods:
- Ford 8.8 with Cromolys, U-bolt eliminators, 5.13s and an ARB
- Waggy 44 with GM high-steer knuckles, TNT Truss, 5.13s and an ARB
- TNT Customs Y-Link long arm kit, front bumper, steering box brace and Frame stiffeners
- RE Track bar mount and frame stiffener/brace
- Clearanced fenders front and rear and folded rear quarter panels
- Rocker replacement (2x6, 3/16" square tube)
- Old-style 37" MTRs (on 15" steelies baby!)
- Winch, cowl air intake, on board air, interior roll cage, front bench seat, blah, blah blah ...
It's been slow going and I have a box of parts that was supposed to be on the Jeep a year and a half ago! I figure, if I start a build thread and keep my motivation up through the winter then I might have the rest of these mods done in time for

Here' s my to-do list:
- Finish battery relocation
- Install 2nd AC (converted to OBA)
- Install high-performance steering pump and remote resourviour
- Drill and tap steering box and install hydro-assist
- Build new rear bumper and tire carrier
- Install rear suck-down winch and in-cab winch controller
- Install LED ground lights (and figure out what to do with the old ground lights...)
- Mod pitman arm for double shear
- Fix leaking gas tank...
Of course I have a list of long-term mods (wish-list really) I'd like to do like 4-link the rear, gas struts, RCVs in the D44, removable doors, boat-sides... but I digress.
A couple things I want to point out:
- Nothing I've done is new or original, I've come up with all my ideas from forums like this. I read and read and read until my brain hurts and then I grab some tools and get under the Jeep or go to a pick-n-pull.
- I'm not a mechanic, fabricator, welder, whatever. I'm just your typical Joe Schmoe. I work a 9-5 from behind a desk and I didn't get into mechanics or Jeeps until about 7 years ago. (I never even held a welder until 3 years ago.) I'm the only person in my immediate family who does anything with or tools!
Lastly, I'm really looking forward to comments from the community! I'm a novice mechanic, fabricator and wheeler, so input is anxiously awaited! :yelclap:
I'll start posting pics from previous mods soon.