New guy here

[smith4570]

Hey everybody. I don't know if this is the correct section to post this in so please excuse me if it isn't. I am planning on buying an XJ to make into a trail rig, and came here to try and get some info about them before I buy one. I don't know if there is a certain year or a trim package to look for, but I'd like to learn all I can from you guys. I was planning on a mid 90's 4.0L XJ with a 6" skyjacker rock ready lift and 33's, rock sliders, heavy duty rear bumper, and an ARB type front bumper with a Warn or T-Maxx winch. Other than that I'm clueless as to any other mods that will need to be done other than regearing due to the larger tires.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Shaun Smith

[swbooking]

Welcome to the fourms... Well it pretty much seemes like you know what you want, make sure you get a 91+ XJ (for the HO motor) and im not sure Sky Jacker is the best suspension lift, I know a lot of guys that call them Sky Crapper. IDK though never run one. A lot of the JeepSpeed guys tell me Full Traction is the best kit theyve ever ran. Id go with them or Rubicon Express. just my 2 cents though...

[goodburbon]

welcome.

We have a new FAQ section to help you answer the simple questions and have a lot of experience to help you with the more difficult questions. There is also a search feature that helps you to find past conversations on the things you are curious about.

You'll find that skyjacker is expensive and there are better kits out there, T-maxxx is made in china, warn is top notch, there were several changes in the year to year design of cherokees. Start searching, pay attention to what is being asked now with the "new posts" tab and welcome to the community.

[smith4570]

Thanks a lot guys. I was also looking at the Rubicon Express lifts. Nice to know about the 91+ HO motor. That's the kind of info that I came here for, as I haven't actually purchased my XJ yet. I was looking at the FAQ's, but I couldn't find anything about different lifts or model year differences. I probably just wasn't looking in the right places.

[goodburbon]

here is also a very good and respected kit

http://www.tntcustoms.com/webV4/xjylinksystem.asp

[smith4570]

Also, I am totally new to XJ's, and Jeep's in general. I am not new to offroading though. I'm a 'Yota guy, and have a modified Tacoma, but I am going to build an XJ for DD and trail use, and let my wife use the Tacoma. I have always liked the Cherokees and I'm looking forward to getting one to play in.

[Gerr]

Welcome to the dark side lol biggest advice I think you can get from anyone on here is to look for a unmolested stock rig and build it right for what you want it to do. Ive changed my setup 2 times and am looking at a 3rd because as I wheel more and more in it I find I didnt build it for what I do.

[smith4570]

As far as the transmission goes, do you guys recommend manual or automatic? Are there any common problems associated with either?

Dzraces, I know exactly what you mean about changing setups. My Taco is on it's 2nd different setup, soon to be 3rd. I'd like to make the XJ a good all-around go-anywhere type of vehicle so I won't have to change it up. I'd rather do things right the first time.

[swbooking]

Your gonna get a mixed answer on that one. i love my manual, but it is a little harder to drive when your offroading (you got to do something else besides sit there and tilt your right foot) haha but a lot of people will say the like auto trannys. Theres no real problem with either tranny.

[smith4570]

I was planning on an automatic for ease of operation. My Taco is manual and since I dont have three feet it can get a little hairy in a tight place off road.

[swbooking]

haha i know what you mean, but you do have a heel and a toe! haha but yeah thats the biggest reason for autos, ease of use.