So many choices, so little cash...

[RGKelly9704]

Looking to buy my first xj (or car for that matter) and I have NO idea what to look for. I like the look of the pre-97 (boxy, if you will) Cherokees better, but I'm not sure the pros and cons of each. I get that it varies from Jeep to Jeep, but I want SOME idea of what I'm getting into. An automatic is preferable (Sacrilegious, I know, but I have to commute a lot) Any help is appreciated. I want to do it all myself (built, not bought) I have access to a shop, and would like to start with a 'clean' slate.

I already have a rendering of a rough idea of what I want:

*NOTE* Playing with about $3000, but would like to find one for around $2500, been poring over CL lately, and have a couple in mind.

 

[H8PVMT]

Want a briarwood with 130k on it for cheap?
no real issues tht I know of.....drove through 6" of snow all day today, loaded and all power stuff works

 

[RGKelly9704]

Want a briarwood with 130k on it for cheap?
no real issues tht I know of.....drove through 6" of snow all day today, loaded and all power stuff works

Pictures?

And how cheap? :eyes:

 

[H8PVMT]

Pm sent

 

[MoparManiac]

Where are you from on the south shore? I grew up and just recently moved from Stoughton.

 

[RGKelly9704]

Where are you from on the south shore? I grew up and just recently moved from Stoughton.

Kingston area. Where were you from?

 

[Dundy]

I work in Marshfield and live in Stoughton. You should come to our next Meet & Greet.

 

[RGKelly9704]

Sounds great, let me know when

 

[sardo_67]

If you have 3500 my brother has an 01 fully loaded, ok paint with a brand new rebuilt motor, head work, .20 over and a cam with 15/18k on the rebuild. Would be a good start for a jeep, even has SS extended brake lines on it.

 

[RGKelly9704]

Not to be a bother, but could I have some answers to these questions? I'm looking to buy one soon and don't want to go in blind

 

[H8PVMT]

If you are going to build it all you really need is a good drivetrain and body, bumpers suspension axle/tires and all that will be replaced as you build

 

[RGKelly9704]

I am not looking to go more than 2 inches of lift with a max of 31 inch tires, as I will still need to commute in this vehicle. I will be mostly using it for light to medium trails, with little rock crawling.

 

[Little Red XJ]

So what you want for a start...
4.0 motor, AW4 automatic trans, really need to bump up to 33's on about 4.5 inch lift for decent rock clearance, a SYE and a good set of rock sliders to start.
Then you can customize to you hearts content and pocket book's alowance with roof basket, bumpers, tire carrier etc.
keep in mind you're looking at about 1500 for the lift, tires, wheels and sliders. It will get expensive....

 

[RGKelly9704]

Re: Re: So many choices, so little cash...

So what you want for a start...
4.0 motor, AW4 automatic trans, really need to bump up to 33's on about 4.5 inch lift for decent rock clearance, a SYE and a good set of rock sliders to start.
Then you can customize to you hearts content and pocket book's alowance with roof basket, bumpers, tire carrier etc.
keep in mind you're looking at about 1500 for the lift, tires, wheels and sliders. It will get expensive....

Can I run 33s on a 3 inch lift?

 

[Little Red XJ]

Have to do some fender trimming I believe..ill let the guys running 33's inform ya.

 

[RGKelly9704]

Re: Re: So many choices, so little cash...

Have to do some fender trimming I believe..ill let the guys running 33's inform ya.

Thank you for the help!

 

[MrShaft696]

Can I run 33s on a 3 inch lift?

I would do it all day long, (4) hockey pucks to bumpstop the front, little trimming, should be good to go.....

 

[RGKelly9704]

I would do it all day long, (4) hockey pucks to bumpstop the front, little trimming, should be good to go.....

What about axles? Could I get away with stocks or will the UPS guy be dropping off some of those pretty boxes that say DANA on the side? :lickout:

 

[N8N_99xj]

If you get one with a 8.5 probably can run stock w/ 31 or 33... 35 marginal. If I may make a suggestion if you are crawling you probably don't want running board/step things, get some real sliders or just replace rockers with square tube.

 

[RGKelly9704]

If you get one with a 8.5 probably can run stock w/ 31 or 33... 35 marginal. If I may make a suggestion if you are crawling you probably don't want running board/step things, get some real sliders or just replace rockers with square tube.

Not looking to do crawling, just trail running. I want something that will haul my gear into a camp site and be fun to do it in. I wouldn't go out with the intention of rock crawling, but I wouldn't say no if I came to some.