Opinions on moderate XJ build-up

[Googenheimer]

I posted this on a different thread and was curious to see what you all think. Really I just need someone to make up my mind for me. I have an '88 XJ and a '94 XJ. I'm only looking to do a moderate build up, and in the cheapest way , but I can't decide what to do: Build the 88 and abuse it or build the '88 just enough to sell it and use the proceeds to build the '94 that already has better equipment on it. I would have to baby it a bit more because it's the family car pretty much. Here's some Pros and Cons to each:

'88 : Paid off. Nasty looking( I don't need to worry about scratching it), I can do what I want to it ie., cut it, beat it, whatever. I could also convert the A/C to an air compressor because the system is bone dry. If I put a locker in the back it could be a cheaper non-selectable one because I drive it almost exclusively. But it has the peugeot tranny, Dana 35 and 201K miles on it. I could also use real cheap (rough riding) stuff seeing as how I'm the only one riding in it.

'94 : Not paid off, nicer paint, is the wife's ride right now, so I would prefer a selectable locker. It has 105k miles on it, and has the chrysler 8.25, and AW-4 and already has a 3" skyjacker lift with sagging rear leafs (need to be replaced) but only 30" tires. It's kinda the family cruiser so I would need nicer stuff too provide a smooth ride.

I'm not looking to make a wicked rockcrawler, just a capable trail machine that could do 4+ runs if I wanted to occasionally. Keep in mind I only have about $750 to work with . Anybody's input is welcomed.

[XJEEPER]

If it were me, I would go with the 94 and sell the 88 and use that money to fund the 94 build. I have an 89 that had 100k miles when I bought it and it's been a good rig for 8 years, but with the motor close to 200k and the clearcoat peeling, and the lack of rear seat shoulder belts, I'm shopping for a newer rig.

As for the thrashing on an older rig, there's no need to thrash your rig to run 4-4+ trails in this part of the country. I ran PSM, Moab Rim, Hells Revenge with open diff 3.07's, a 5 speed, 2" booster lift and 30" AT's when I first got this XJ, and did it without sheetmetal damage. Over the years and various altitude changes, it now sit's at 6", 285's, 4:56 gears with an Auburn LS out back and open front D30 and my wife drives the kids around in it daily. I drive it to Moab, wheel all the 4+ trails and drive it home and it's been a good rig for me.

For the type of wheeling you've described, the 94 will be a better option than the 88 and you'll enjoy the auto on the trail more than the 5 speed too (had a Pewgoat, swapped in an AW-4) as well as the better power from the HO motor and with all the used XJ lift stuff I see, you can build it up over time.
Shoot for 4-4.5 inches and 32's will keep the cost down as well and it will be plenty capable of hauling the kids and running trails too.

[Big Red]

I agree with the previous post, I'd sell the 88' especially because it has the crappy tranny and high miles. Take the $ you get from it while it is still running and the tranny hasn't crapped out yet and put that $ into your 94'. With a few mods, you can have lots of fun and still have a very streetable rig. I'd try to find either a xj dana 44 rear axle or get 97'+ 29 spline 8.25 axle shafts for the rear. I wouldn't suggest going over a 33" tire. You could lock the rear axle with a lock-rite etc and keep the front open for now. I have an xj dana 44 with 4.56 gears and a detroit and I only need to use my front arb very so often on the Rubicon and/or Fordyce. Since the terrain by U gives U such good traction, a locked rear axle and open front should work good. A small 3-4" lift and light fender trimming should allow you to run 31-33" tires. Since you already have the SJ 3" kit, you could bump it up to compensate for the sag with some coil spacers up front and blocks, aal, shackles etc in the back. I'd suggest Goodyear MTR's if you can find a good deal/sell the 88' and have some more spending $. Wish you the best with your project.
Troy

[utahxjer]

I would wheel/build the 1988.

I have a friend in the exact same scenario. He sold his older one, and built the newer one, which was also used for the family rig/daily driver.

Everytime we'd go out to hit a trail, he was soo afraid of hurting it, it always turned into lame wheelin' trip. Since it was his DD he didn't want to take any chances (neither do I ) but I will wheel the trail accordingly, he wouldn't even attempt half the obstacles.

So if you really want to wheel -keep the old one

If you want to watch everyone else wheel- built the new one

Just my opinion- it also depends on how good the old one runs too

[Googenheimer]

Hey this is great. I love to hear what other people think and have experienced. I have a new idea that gets the best of both worlds. Maybe I should just build and use the '88 until it dies and by then my wife will have a different car and I won't be so concerned about using the '94 and then I can use it. All the while I can slowly build it up over a few years. I'll get 32's for the '88 and when it "buys it" I'll use them on the '94. It's funny... this sounds good right now but I know that I'll change my mind in the near future. I'd better print this out .... just to remind myself of what I decided to do when I start changing my mind. Thanks for the input...that's why I like having a resource like this to help me along. It's great to hear from more experieced wheelers.

[poomba]

Hey this is great. I love to hear what other people think and have experienced. I have a new idea that gets the best of both worlds. Maybe I should just build and use the '88 until it dies and by then my wife will have a different car and I won't be so concerned about using the '94 and then I can use it. All the while I can slowly build it up over a few years. I'll get 32's for the '88 and when it "buys it" I'll use them on the '94. It's funny... this sounds good right now but I know that I'll change my mind in the near future. I'd better print this out .... just to remind myself of what I decided to do when I start changing my mind. Thanks for the input...that's why I like having a resource like this to help me along. It's great to hear from more experieced wheelers.

My plan was buy the 89..was aready thrashed, no worries about body..hell, I'm just gonna play on gravel roads....then came Moab..got the wheelin' bug..then came moab about 4 more times..then Colorado..and 4dyce..and now I have a rig that I could have bought 2 '94's with what I'm pouring into it..but I don't have kids, so I'm not taking food off the table to do it...shrug..so..sit down, figure out where yer gonna go..and get there. If your wife is gonna make you sleep on the couch..build the 88. If she enjoys wheelin' too..go for the amenities of the 94, sell the 88 for working capitol. If you truly do have years..you can practice on the 88..then do the 94 right. Shrug..half the value of Naxja..is letting the other guy make the mistakes, and skipping that part. One upgrade skipped..can save you thousands. There is the danger you'll pour hundreds into the 88..then have the motor crap out on you or something similar. A lot depends on what kinda miles they've got on 'em. Hopefully, you'll make it to Moab in a week or so..and can see every kind of rig/mod/oh-my-gawd there is.