New to XJ life

BlkXJ21

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Frankfort, IL
I just purchased a 2000 XJ Sport, 4dr, 4.0, etc, etc. The guy had 17" rims with 215/50's on it. I'm in the planning stages of modifying and was looking for some guidance. First, let me tell you I'm not the most mechanically inclined guy, but I have assistance (uncle is a mechanic). Second, this will be a DD, but I'd like the option of some basic off road trailing. I was looking at the Rusty's 3" kit with Rock Crawler rims and 31x10.5 Dick Cepek FC II tires. I'd also like to put a Class 3 hitch and roof rack for camping, possibly roof lighting as well (I drive in the country, so that'd be good for deer sightings, plus it just looks cool!!!). Like I said, I'm not as involved as some (due to three kids and too many other expensive hobbies), I'm just trying to make it a respectable looking XJ again! Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks!


Oh, one more thing; how do you post pics on here? I'd like to show everyone what I'm dealing with to get a better idea of the direction to go. Thanks again!
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'00 XJ 4dr
 
Welcome to NAXJA!!! If you wanna sell your rims let me know. LOL. :patriot:
 
Take the pictures with your digital camera

Then you have to resize

Resizing is simple and you dont need any programs except for what is on your computer

Now a standard digital camera picture is HUGE. What you do is

Open the Image with PAINT. Everyone has paint

At the top is a tab called IMAGE

Click on it for a drop down menu...

Select Stretch/Skew

Change the stretch value from 100% to 30% both vertically and horizontally

Click OK

And then click the X button at the top right corner.

A screen will automatically pop up asking you to save changes click YES

ANd there you go your picture is NOW smaller and will easily upload into photobucket. And alot FASTER

Once it is uploaded into photobucket. Use the IMG code and copy paste it to the forum.

Really painless once you take the time to learn it is simple

Hope this helps you out

Hope this helps you out
 
Thanks guys! I knew about taking & sizing the pics, just didn't know the easiest way to post them. Anyway, here's a few I took when I first bought it (Feb).

driverfront.jpg
driversside.jpg


rims.jpg


No changes yet, but I'm open to ideas. As for selling the rims mcnamaag, I have a friend interested in them, but if it falls through, I'll let you know. Thanks again for the responses. I look forward to participating in the group.

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'00 XJ 4dr
 
Neither do I; that's why they're getting replaced (as soon as freaking possible).

Hey, one more question, how do you create a signature?
 
Yea I was kiddin him a little.
 
Well, it seems like the two of you are very friendly and helpful, so I'll ask your opinion on the lift/tire selection made earlier (3" rusty's kit w/Dick Cepek 31x10.5 on new 15" Rock Crawler rims). Thoughts???

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'00 XJ 4dr
 
Thanks Sam! Since you're nearby, do you know of any simple dirt tracks I can run on? Something with a campground nearby would be perfect.
 
Welcome to NAXJA. I am Ben I work at the NTB in New Lenox I talked to you there
. Post up when youre going to do the lift and I am sure there will be guys willing to help out like I told you.
 
Hey Ben! Thanks for all of your help a couple of weeks ago. I thought about going with the RE lift, but I just don't think I'll be doing enough off-roading to justify the additional cost. Having said all of that, what's your opinion on the Dick Cepek tires? Everything I've read is pretty good for on-road & light off-road situations. Anyway, I'm hoping to order in a couple of weeks (once the funds become available), love to hear from everyone on this. Thanks!

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'00 XJ 4dr
 
You can save some money by buying the retreads. If you do a search on here you will find that there are good tires. As for the lift. There are alot of people that love and hate Rough Country. But reading about the customer service GRIM provides to NAXJA members makes me want to purchase from him. Just don't waste the money on AAL's. Good Luck with it.
 
geaganj said:
Thanks Sam! Since you're nearby, do you know of any simple dirt tracks I can run on? Something with a campground nearby would be perfect.
yes I do and I also have a buddy with a farm out in Elwood that we can ride.

also have lift components if/whem your ready to lift it.

Sam
 
i'll recommend Rough Country as well geaganj. they aren't expensive at all so you dont have to worry about the cost. and for a 3" kit that doesnt get wheeled all the time i would say RC is a good choice.

but if i can input my opinion, not from personal experience, but from what i've researched and read on here, go with Full leaf packs not the AAL. worth the extra $ as many will say. ALOT easier to install as well.

and as for customer service with RC, try and talk to Jason, he is a regular member of NAXJA, he is a really cool guy.

good luck with your Jeep man.

Oh one more thing, once you do lift it, please get an alignment. it will save your tires and it could cause vibrations up front as well. (Caster and front pinion angle gets all out of whack)
 
If you don't have them already I suggest front tow points and the rear hitch (tow point) as one of the first mods. No tow points = no wheeling in most legal places/club events. I have an 01 and am looking at doing a 3 - 3.5 lift and currenty have 30x9.5x15 MT's but need some room for flex.
 
thanks phil, i appreciate the input on the lift. i am definitely going w/ a full leaf kit, not AAL since it's got 130k on it (thanks to ben as well for that bit of advice). i've also got an alignment planned the day after i finish.

black cat, i know i need front and rear tow points, i'm just not sure of the best/cost effective way to do it. i'm looking for input on an inexpensive (not cheap) way to install front tow hooks. this may be a dumb question, but is there anywhere on a stock frame and/or bumper to install them? as for the hitch, that's the first mod so i can tow a camper (so i don't have to drive the wife's minivan ever again!!!).

any other suggested mods? thanks again to everyone's help. i can't wait to get to meet some of you on rides.

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'00 XJ 4dr Sport
 
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