need advice on what i should get

[dellstopjeep]

so heres the situation, high school graduation...yes im only in high school so now u know i really am building my xj on a budget. i am getting a graduation present from a relative. what should i get for my jeep thats around 150 to 200 bucks... which is pushin it. I am gettin a bumper grill guard for the front but i cant decide what else i should get. I have a cb, stereo, safari rack. I cant think of what i should get.
hit me with someone good!

 

[Ghost]

Armor, tow points, used locker? You decide! :clap:

 

[Ralph]

Yep, what Ghost said. Start with transfer case and gas tank skid plates and front and rear tow points. Check the junk yards for the parts you need first.

 

[92jeeper]

Just do what I did for graduation. Tell people you want $$$. Then, go and get whatever you want from the junkyards(skids, tow points, etc.) If they ask what you want, just tell em $$$! Then, instead of having a $150 gift, put the money together and buy yourself one big gift. :guitar:

 

[GSequoia]

Personally, here's the order I would do things if I had it to start again...

1. Tow Points, Fire Extinguisher, and recover equipment (strap, etc)
2. Rock Rails (Only necessary if you don't want to destroy the rockers)
3. Skids, gas and transfer case
4. Locker or LSD in rear (If you're open)
4. Mild lift, gears/lockers/tires...

There is a reason the lift is so far down the list, it's best to get used to it stock off road. The XJ is not a gutless vehicle off road in it's stock form, it'll surprise you. Get used to it stock, when you find ourself needing lift give yourself a little bit, I'd say between 3" - 5" to start out.
​

 

[Beezil]

I say leave your jeep as is.

and use the money to travel!!!!

 

[CRASH]

In California, your graduation present would buy you about 1/2 a tank of gas......so I would disagree with Beez on this one.

CRASH

 

[dellstopjeep]

i have the lift already so i guess i screwed up the list a little. Im liking the sound of rocker guards though. where is a good place to get them for under 200 dollars? I have seen them thru different companis but kinda spendy.

 

[Eagle]

I'll second Sequoia's list, except that I'd move the skids ahead of the rock rails. Rocker panels are cosmetic and can be replaced relatively inexpensively, and if dinged you can still drive home. Gas tanks and transfer cases are generally considered essential to locomotion.