New XJ Owner

[ReverendOD]

I recently purchased my first Jeep. Pulled the trigger on a 2001 Cherokee Sport. Was a 1 owner, 125K mile vehicle, very well maintained. Its loaded with options except a sunroof and they all work perfectly. Needed some small things like rear hatch struts, a CCV Valve, just the small things. And will need from what I can tell new rear springs as the back end sags a bit.

HERE is a link to the rest of the Photos.

For now its a daily driver, but will get some upgrades along the way. But so far I have been enjoying it.

 

[camarors8992]

Looks good man, some Grand Cherokee leathers would bring that interior together. it looks clean for sure, but I noticed the painted flairs and non-painted end caps. That's the first time I've seen that unless they had been replaced.

 

[ReverendOD]

Yeah I found that odd also. Although I plan on repainting the end caps and the bumper between them in front and back a textured bedliner spray.

 

[kastein]

Nice XJ!

Also, the sagged rear leafs are stock :roll: I don't think I've ever seen a stock XJ with more than about 75k on it that doesn't have sagging rear leafs.

 

[JrTxJ]

it looks clean for sure, but I noticed the painted flairs and non-painted end caps. That's the first time I've seen that unless they had been replaced.

My old 01 Sport was the same...the fender flares went body color I think (?) in 99 but the end caps were only body color on Limiteds (and maybe Classics?) but not on sports.

 

[AIbandit]

Grats!

Nice XJ!

Also, the sagged rear leafs are stock :roll: I don't think I've ever seen a stock XJ with more than about 75k on it that doesn't have sagging rear leafs.

Pfft you obviously don't know about that new aftermarket gangsta sheit.

 

[Boatwrench]

Welcome to .

A word of advice...before spending any money for mods, research them 1st please. It will save you money, heartache, and grief down the road. Get some stick time on a few trails with other XJs while yours is still in a stock configuration to learn the nuances of the XJ. My philospohy on a build.

1. Keep it. Get the recovery mods done 1st. Tow hooks, d-rings, hookless straps, shovel, etc.

2. Protect it. Skid plates (you have the plastic fuel tank), Fuel, transfer case, & rock rails.

3. Make it go varoom. Gears, tires, etc. (after 10 years I'm still in this phase).


I have a 2000 and my sister has a 2001. Our end caps are black plastic and are flairs are painted. That's the way Chrysler made them in their twilight years.

 

[ReverendOD]

Thanks everyone. I did notice there were no skidplates so that's on my list, along with rear springs, recovery stuff, a good check of the braking components also. Then off to the trails hopefully. Used to wheel a 06 GMC Canyon but I can already tell this things gonna be a different beast out there.

 

[CherBear]

Mine had painted flares and non-painted end caps. Mine is an 00 as well.

EDIT: Mine is a Sport.

 

[IdahoXJ7]

Same here, I've got a 2001 Sport. I've owned mine for almost 4 years now and rear springs have sagged since I bought it. Finally gonna get around to doing a 2 inch lift and bigger tires. Nice XJ by the way!

 

[Darky]

Going from wheeling IFS to solid axle will be a revelation for you. My brother in law has a 91 GMC Jimmy S15 that he wheels all over, but after flexing my XJ on a ramp once (jackless coil swap) he was sold and is now swapping a solid axle into his Jimmy.

 

[rocknxj]

Welcome to and the world of the Cherokee.

Many people will tell you how to build your rig, which is one thing that I really despise. This is your rig and you should build it the way you want, but many of us here have learned lessons the hard way so we think we know best, even when we probably don't. I am on my second XJ build, and like many here, have learned things as I grew into the Jeep.

Boatwrench has it right with his priorities. You should do as much research as possible before dumping money on junk you don't need. Invest in quality parts and think through the upgrades.

Most importantly, learn to wheel properly and have a blast.

 

[4WDlifeform]

My favorite color for the XJ! I looked so hard to find one that color. Very nice, and lucky you! Have fun!

 

[Mtb Jak]

I remember when I got mine... Your in for a lot of fun!

Stockkkk

OME 3"

Lots of wheeling... avoid the mud!

Dont be afraid to cut sheetmetal! (trimmed in this pic)

Snorkel LA and 33's

Good times!


I love the color :roll:

 

[ReverendOD]

Well for now I am going to avoid a lift, but when its due up for new tires I will most likely do a 2" lift and 30's. Needs springs now so were going with stock replacement, but I am already working on building a fuel tank skid plate (always nice when you can get free steel and know someone with a waterjet machine to cut it).

 

[UNCC_99XJ]

My old 01 Sport was the same...the fender flares went body color I think (?) in 99 but the end caps were only body color on Limiteds (and maybe Classics?) but not on sports.

Correct. Limited's and Classics got painted end caps, and sports got the non painted end caps in 99. All 99+ Sport models got painted flares.

 

[FlexdXJ]

Welcome to .

A word of advice...before spending any money for mods, research them 1st please. It will save you money, heartache, and grief down the road. Get some stick time on a few trails with other XJs while yours is still in a stock configuration to learn the nuances of the XJ. My philospohy on a build.

1. Keep it. Get the recovery mods done 1st. Tow hooks, d-rings, hookless straps, shovel, etc.

2. Protect it. Skid plates (you have the plastic fuel tank), Fuel, transfer case, & rock rails.

3. Make it go varoom. Gears, tires, etc. (after 10 years I'm still in this phase).

Yeah what he said! Welcome to : Home of the Frame-less wonder called the XJ!

 

[cracked-butt]

welcome to !!:wave1:

nice lookin stocker. my 89 stocker can wear 30" rubbers with very little rubbing (from what i've read). but then i have yet had the money to get some nice a/t's.

but yes, get used to your new find before tryin to build it based on a different vehicles wheeling experiences.

 

[ReverendOD]

Well I am going to try and get some wheeling in before I replace the rear springs with 2" lift ones. The stockers are inverted so its gonna need them soon.

 

[cracked-butt]

Well I am going to try and get some wheeling in before I replace the rear springs with 2" lift ones. The stockers are inverted so its gonna need them soon.

lol try wheelin mine, it's a stock 89 limited with all original suspension minus shocks. i replaced them shortly after buyin it. other wise i could be ridin an old buck-board! lol
am about to just stick 2" blocks in it for now (til i can afford springs).