The $6M XJ--Gentlemen, we can rebuild him...

[Root Moose]

Will the E30 head rests work easily?

FWIW, ZJ and XJ front head rests have been retrofitted by a few guys and it is relatively easy to do if you have access to a welder.

Just wondering if you are re-inventing the wheel is all.

 

[Bdiddy11]

I love the UpCountry package on my 97. The added 1" lift, rear sway bar delete... it rides far better than any of the 7 Cherokees my wife and I have owned, most of which have been stock for the most part.

I wouldn't worry about rolling it with just a couple inches of lift and 31's, unless your wife is super crazy going around corners.

 

[plinkerneil]

Root Moose sez:
FWIW, ZJ and XJ front head rests have been retrofitted by a few guys and it is relatively easy to do if you have access to a welder.

Aye, there's the rub. I don't know how to weld, but I do have a nice tap set. Somebody on here had good luck with the E30's, but didn't do a full write-up. They're made to bolt on.

Bdiddy11 sez:
...unless your wife is super crazy going around corners.

Ummm, yeah. She wears out a pair of Toyos every 12K or so. I don't know exactly what she's doing with the 'stang, but...

A small lift is starting to sound like a good idea, though. Maybe when it's time to replace the shocks...

 

[Bdiddy11]

I guess she likes racing people off the line...Just gotta make sure she realizes she's driving a box and not a sports car.

Most stock shocks can handle a small life w/out upgrading to a longer shock. Another alternative is using shocks from a JK, they work for a lift up to roughly 3"s. They just need minor modification.

A small lift and 30's would be a good compromise. You wouldn't lose too much power/MPG and still be able to go a lot of places + Cherokees just look better with a little bit of lift over stock.

 

[kastein]

I'm going to warn you... all lift springs give a little more lift than advertised. I put in 1" hd springs and ended up at 3.5. Nothing wrong with it, just warning you, if you don't want to get bit by the lift/mod bug, don't do it.

 

[Root Moose]

Yeah, if you want to make sure you only get ~1"-1.5" then stick with spacers and shackle style lift.

 

[plinkerneil]

I'll have to think on that. I probably won't do it unless it's a real upgrade to the stock suspension, not just for the sake of tire clearance.

But it's not in the budget for this go-around. I budget for about $1800 in repairs/upgrades every 1.5 years. Not counting the collision repair, that's about what I'm spending here.

 

[Root Moose]

I think it is worth doing.

I had a 98 XJ with the UpCountry package or whatever it is called. The Jeep sat an inch or so taller and looked a lot better. Subtle. With a small spacer lift you are still within what can be adjusted regarding caster with the factory adjusters on the front end and it also doesn't affect ride quality. Worth doing IMO but everyone has different priorities.

 

[GSequoia]

For your use I wouldn't go beyond 2" + 30s, in my opinion that's great on an XJ. http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/31297-2/IMG_0114.jpg

But stock is cool too, don't let these wholes drive you up.

Also for what you're looking at a 242 plus ABS is nice, the only thing I want to do with my '96 is figure out an ABS cutoff switch for when I'm in the dirt.

 

[plinkerneil]

Oh, I've definitely got the mod bug. I've been collecting parts to do a 99+ intake and a roof console. I'm not so much into lifting it. Maybe after I've done a few other things to it.

Like put 50 horsepower worth of "mall rated" decals on it, for example. :roflmao:

An ABS cutoff switch sounds like a good idea. I wonder if the brakes would still be properly apportioned after it's shut off?

Oh, and I should point out that the $1800 I mentioned is only budgeting. I've only had to spend that much once before. This thing has been great as far as total cost of ownership.

 

[kastein]

For your use I wouldn't go beyond 2" + 30s, in my opinion that's great on an XJ. http://events.sequoia4x4.com/d/31297-2/IMG_0114.jpg

But stock is cool too, don't let these wholes drive you up.

Also for what you're looking at a 242 plus ABS is nice, the only thing I want to do with my '96 is figure out an ABS cutoff switch for when I'm in the dirt.

I'm reasonably certain that on a 96, since you can simply disable it by removing all the relays and fuses that mention ABS, you should be able to install an ABS disable switch in series with the 2A fuse (fuse #7) in the under-dash fuse block. Wire colors are red/violet on the powered side and light green / yellow on the load side, I'd suggest putting the switch in the light green / yellow wire.

You MIGHT have to also put a switch inline with the coil for the ABS pump motor relay (grey/yellow wire on one side, grey wire on the other) and the ABS main relay (light green / yellow wire on one side, pink wire on the other) but I doubt it. If you do, a 3PST switch will be needed, or a few relays all driven by one switch. These wire colors and instructions based on a 96 FSM, so anyone who uses this info on another year XJ is on their own... hell, anyone who uses it on a 96 is on their own as well. Not legal advice, will probably get you in trouble with your insurance company, I'll drink the beer in your fridge after you die in a wreck, etc.