Gonna start over any suggestions?

[jdxj]

So i'm about 95% sure imma start tearing my jeep down and selling it for scrap, and parts. Really bitter sweet for me as I bought it brand frickin new,
But I've learned a lot os do's and even more Don'ts that I will take into account for the next build.


First off am i just being a little cry baby and not wanting to fix mine or is it time to start over?



and then any advise on the best starter platform as well as things like should I keep my axles or just build new better ones?


I gotta have 4 seats cause I gots a 4 person family, and Id kinda prefer a 4 dr cause I HATE waiting for monkeys to climb in the back seat!

 

[DutchVDub]

Hard to say man, I've gone back and forth on the same thing multiple times. This go around, I'm probably going to go to a JK.

If the size of the XJ isn't a problem I'd probably look at S-10 Blazers for American made. The 4.3L V6 and 4L60E are bomb proof and far more modifiable than the 4.0/AW4 combo. It has a frame, so that's a bonus. Plenty of after market support too.

If Metric is fine with you then obviously the 4Runner or 4dr Tacoma, they're pricey though.

If you want bigger and a V8 then I think the Durango is a great option. If you don't mind older then an FSJ would be freaking sweet too.

 

[jdxj]

Yea a FSJ might be cool, but I know I dont want a toyota,


probley looking at another XJ just kinda thinking about better axles and maybe a motor tranny swap out of the gate.

 

[DutchVDub]

I just don't fine the XJ to be a good platform for motor swaps. Its a tiny engine compartment that doesn't seem to lend itself well to V8's and the tunnel doen't seem overly big transmission happy either. Plus all the frame plating, so much work and weight added.

 

[Elguapo]

What all needs fixed on the xj jd?

 

[jdxj]

I just don't fine the XJ to be a good platform for motor swaps. Its a tiny engine compartment that doesn't seem to lend itself well to V8's and the tunnel doen't seem overly big transmission happy either. Plus all the frame plating, so much work and weight added.

Yeah, that makes since....

 

[jdxj]

What all needs fixed on the xj jd?

Well
1 I think i swapped the cracked head motor for another cracked head motor,
2 the tranny or tcase one is making some bad sounds now,
3 the front frame is moving where the steering box is,
4 and the cage just plain sucks,
5 the back quarter panels where cut WAAAAAAAAY too far and needs fixed
6 rear locker if all effed up again
7 Both Drive shafts are fine for trail but for a street rig gotta be redone
8 the TNT longarms need to be taken off and rebuilt (new ends) and reinstalled correctly so the greese zerts stop getting broken off

9 Theres a mystery Popping in the steering that I cant figure out for the life of me

And I'm sure theres more but Ive had a few to many JD and DP's to remember it all.

 

[jdxj]

its kinda like deciding if you should put a dog down.

POOR POOR BLUE B*TCH:hang::hang:

 

[USN0174]

I would just keep parts on your xj, and swap them over to a new xj.

 

[Elguapo]

I would just keep parts on your xj, and swap them over to a new xj.

Bingo

 

[xj-grin]

I really like the additional size, without being full size, of the WJ, but I hate the electrical gremlins... If I had the funds, I'd likely rock a 4-door JK, and if I really had the funds, I'd source one with a Hemi and be happy as a pig in #$&%.

 

[jimgrms]

Get out while the getting is good

 

[DutchVDub]

I really like the additional size, without being full size, of the WJ, but I hate the electrical gremlins... If I had the funds, I'd likely rock a 4-door JK, and if I really had the funds, I'd source one with a Hemi and be happy as a pig in #$&%.

Now that the 07 and 08's are getting cheaper and with a 2014 revamp around the corner I'm looking to get into one. I'm planning to do an LS swap though. 5.3's are way cheaper to source than the Hemi and you can get a 6spd auto that goes behind them. There are companies making reasonably priced E-Test legal conversions for those now. You'd be into it for a lot less than a Hemi swap and IMHO a way better engine/transmission combo too.

 

[xj-grin]

I'd still be in it for more than I've got, so I'll have to keep duct taping the WJ back together...

 

[jdxj]

I'd still be in it for more than I've got, so I'll have to keep duct taping the WJ back together...

Me too, I'd love to have a JK but im a poor Bastige and i cant afford that fer sur!:wow::wow:

 

[jdxj]

I'm still trying to decide, I'll either patch it for a couple trip this season then build a new one this winter, or I may wind up stripping this one all the way down to the sheet metal and rebuilding EVERTHING maybe do some chopping and stuff while i'm at it.

 

[DutchVDub]

If you're sticking with an XJ then I would say just put the work into the one you already have. As you said, you bought it brand new and have a nostalgia for it.

 

[jdxj]

Thats kinda what im leaning towards now this morning. Ugggg decisions decisions

 

[djlarroc]

4DR JKU or a less modded XJ.

This is my 4th Jeep. Smallest one so far. I like it the best.

 

[Gunter]

no way, as your experience and needs change it is fine to re do/ re make with the new knowledge. dont even sweat it man!!
just pick a really good one to build up.
sad no more new xj's ever again.