Freshen up my '01 XJ

[coltsphan]

Hey all. Going to relocate from Indianapolis to the Prescott AZ area. My xj has 185k miles on it and runs like a champ. I have replaced: shocks, rad, coil pack, plugs and injectors. I want to go through her and spend a few bucks to freshen her up before we head cross country to some real 4x4 terrain. I know one of the ball joint is going bad. Maybe change ball joints, tie rods and hubs? Add tranny cooler? Upgrade to a urethane bushing kit? Just thinking out loud here.
Or should I just drive it out and see what happens?

Thanks in advance for all of the sage advice.

 

[xjbrian219]

Did you replace the thermostat and water pump along with the radiator hoses when you changed the radiator? I would do all that before going on a long trip.

Also before your trip, definitely change your balls joints since you know they're bad; I would change out the hubs, and possibly tie-rod ends depending on how bad they are.
I would add a tranny cooler too if time and money allows.

People complain about urethane bushings because they like to squeak, but that's what I would use. Do you plan on a lift kit with new control arms any time soon? Maybe you can leave the bushings alone for now, or just change the upper axle mount bushings for now...

 

[coltsphan]

Did the thermostat and new hoses with the rad.
I thought of a 1" lift cause the 265's rub a bit on a tight turn. Or would spacers be better?
What about CAI? It has a K&N filter now. A guy has a http://www.jegs.com/i/Edge+Products/367/30600/10002/-1 kit for sale. $400. Is it too much for an older engine?


Thanks for the input!

 

[POSJ]

Wrong section.

My 98 came from North Dakota and hasn't had any issues down in AZ. But yeah change the worn parts.

 

[BlueGerbil]

Did the thermostat and new hoses with the rad.
I thought of a 1" lift cause the 265's rub a bit on a tight turn. Or would spacers be better?
What about CAI? It has a K&N filter now. A guy has a http://www.jegs.com/i/Edge+Products/367/30600/10002/-1 kit for sale. $400. Is it too much for an older engine?


Thanks for the input!

Keep the K&N filter, skip the CAI. Invest the money in an 2" OME suspension - you get them in different styles regarding the vehicle weight, height and spring rate.

That´s my DD setup: ´00 XJ, 2" OME, 265/75 on 8x16 Moab, SS brake lines, wheel spacers. Drives like a champ and I wouldn´t hesitate to take for a longer trip where I don´t need the abilities of my trail rig.