New guy here!!

[crazyjim]

Hey I figured I'd post up and say hi to everybody in my region. :wave1:

I'm a proud new owner of an XJ! I've always wanted one, and figured now was as good of a time as any. My dad owns a relatively capable TJ and posts over on jeepforums. Time for me to join in on the fun :D

She's stock for now so not much to look at, but I hope you'll all enjoy seeing the transformation over time :D And put up with my questions. I've been lurking for about a week intaking as much information as possible :thumbup:

http://a9.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/61/l_66c071cd97927b4ee2162307272b76f0.jpg

[Gerr]

welcome

Ive always liked that color

[Jump This]

Welcome to the money pits!!
:D

[rpraterxj]

Welcome to the never-ending fun!

This is a great group of folks that enjoy wheeling, wrenching, and having fun. Lot's of picking on each other as well....

Keep an eye for meet and greets, working parties, and trail runs...

[cal]

http://a9.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/61/l_66c071cd97927b4ee2162307272b76f0.jpg


Oh look how cute! Its just like the real thing, but tiny.

Welcome to Naxja.

[rpraterxj]

Oh look how cute! Its just like the real thing, but tiny.

Welcome to Naxja.


See what I mean about the joking around.... :cheers:

[johnnyc]

Oh look how cute! Its just like the real thing, but tiny.

That's what SHE said.

[Skwerly]

Welcome to the best Cherokee group in the world, hands down. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay and find this site to be the most useful site out there for your Jeep.

The "search" feature on here is absolutely priceless, there is so much information there it'll blow your mind!!!

Have fun man!! Oh, and I also dig the color of your rig, that's classy lookin'!

[crazyjim]

Hahaha thanks for the warm welcome, and I know I know... it's stock for now :( It's sad. I pass other jeeps on the road, and I want them to look at me, but they just scoff at me as if I'm a soccer mom :lol:

And as far as the joking, I can take it, I can dish it too though ;) I'm also looking forward to install parties and jeep meets :D I used to do the same from the camaro board I was one. I've met some of my best friends through that board.

[djblade311]

Welcome Jim!

[Mr. Pickle]

That's what SHE said.

Haha, I would hope not.

Welcome to the board. Feel free to ask questions. Everyone is really nice and willing to help you out.

[johnnyc]

Haha, I would hope not.

I guess not when you have a name like Mr. Pickle.

[ruggedjeep]

Johnny is on a role !

:D

[mattyj]

Welcome...... keep your eyes open on the forsale forums, some great deals on lifts etc there. Before you know it, with a little time, money & chopping, your rig could look like this.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k62/mattyj074/IMG_2502.jpg

(Thanks for the extreme example Ron.)

:D

[cal]

Trying to scare him away Matty?

[88trailcrawler]

Hey I figured I'd post up and say hi to everybody in my region. :wave1:

I'm a proud new owner of an XJ! I've always wanted one, and figured now was as good of a time as any. My dad owns a relatively capable TJ and posts over on jeepforums. Time for me to join in on the fun :D

She's stock for now so not much to look at, but I hope you'll all enjoy seeing the transformation over time :D And put up with my questions. I've been lurking for about a week intaking as much information as possible :thumbup:

If your going to hang out here you better start saving some cash for that thing!

Seriously, keep an eye on the So Cal boards, get out to some trail runs. You will get to meet a bunch of these guys and have a blast with your XJ. Plus you will learn first hand what you need for the wheeling you want to do.

[mattyj]

Trying to scare him away Matty?

:wave:

Me? never........

[rocknxj]

Hey, welcome. I love new members with fewer posts than I have.

[crazyjim]

Hahahaha yea, not quite sure I want to chop the hell outta my new ride quite yet. Maybe when I take out enough quarter panels and doors. But that won't be for quite some time :D

I honestly just want to go out and have some fun, don't need to get all crazy lol. I just don't want to have a disco truck, where it's just for looks ;)

However, I DO have a few questions. Since you guys so kindly offered :D

A.) The side molding, should I take it off? Or should I just paint it, I'm not sure what it would look like underneath. That's just an opinion type question.

B.) I've heard yes, and I've heard no on putting an LSD or locker in the Dana 30. The plan is 4.5" with 31's... will a locker completely kill me? Also are all 8.8's the same? Buddy of mine wrecked an early 90's ranger with a 4.0L in it from the factory. Still has the rear.

C.) Stereo: I can't for the life of me decide on a head unit install kit... they all look like junk on ebay, anybody with some experience with them?

D.) What are some problem areas I need to watch for on the XJ?

[cal]

Yes lock the dana 30. If you go 33's or bigger look at aftermarket shafts.


Feb 15/16/17 there is a big event for SoCalXJ @ Truckhaven. Come out for the event, check out all the rigs. People will be happy to let you crawl under them, ask questions, and in a lot of cases (mine included) take them for a drive and see what you do and don't like.

There's no better way to figure out what you need than to try it first and build to suit.

[xL8 APEKSx]

Welcome! :)

As you can see, this is a very helpful and friendly group.

I think the 4.5" lift is a perfect all-purpose lift. 31's are a bit small for my taste, but would be certainly be friendlier on the stock gearing than 33's! If you've got a D35 in the back, you'd be OK with the 31's and some moderate wheeling. Most would recommend uprading to a D44/Ford 8.8 if you plan to do any serious wheeling and/or lock it up in the back.

I vote leave the moulding; I've removed side trim on other cars, and later asked myself why I did it, as it usually leaves behind some sort of blemish from removing it. But hey, if you hate it, do what you must!

Hope to see you on some trips in the future!

[djblade311]

However, I DO have a few questions. Since you guys so kindly offered :D

A.) The side molding, should I take it off? Or should I just paint it, I'm not sure what it would look like underneath. That's just an opinion type question.


I wouldn't take em off. They make black paint for plastic bumpers that will make the side moldings look brand new. I took mine off just because I had lower door guards installed and add more protection.


B.) I've heard yes, and I've heard no on putting an LSD or locker in the Dana 30. The plan is 4.5" with 31's... will a locker completely kill me? Also are all 8.8's the same? Buddy of mine wrecked an early 90's ranger with a 4.0L in it from the factory. Still has the rear.


If you are gonna wheel it, then you should lock it but honestly, you should learn how to drive it without lockers first. I say this because it makes you a better driver and makes you pick better lines on the trail. I run the Auburn Ected locker which is LSD unlocked and locked when engaged. Super quiet on the street.


C.) Stereo: I can't for the life of me decide on a head unit install kit... they all look like junk on ebay, anybody with some experience with them?


Its hard to find a quality install kit these days. For the XJ, they are all mostly cheap and only have two bolts to hold the plate to the dash. I ordered mine from Crutchfield


D.) What are some problem areas I need to watch for on the XJ?
[/quote]

There are quite a few but depends on what condition your XJ is in.
1. Overheating
2. Crank Position Sensors
3. Cracked Flexplates (cause knocking at the bell housing)
4. Worn motor mounts
5. Loose / worn steering and suspension

[4xSanta]

Hey I figured I'd post up and say hi to everybody in my region. :wave1:

I'm a proud new owner of an XJ! I've always wanted one, and figured now was as good of a time as any. My dad owns a relatively capable TJ and posts over on jeepforums. Time for me to join in on the fun :D

She's stock for now so not much to look at, but I hope you'll all enjoy seeing the transformation over time :D And put up with my questions. I've been lurking for about a week intaking as much information as possible :thumbup:

http://a9.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/61/l_66c071cd97927b4ee2162307272b76f0.jpg

Welcome,join us at cleghorn on 1/20/08, good place to get started.......SANTA

[crazyjim]

Yes lock the dana 30. If you go 33's or bigger look at aftermarket shafts.


Feb 15/16/17 there is a big event for SoCalXJ @ Truckhaven. Come out for the event, check out all the rigs. People will be happy to let you crawl under them, ask questions, and in a lot of cases (mine included) take them for a drive and see what you do and don't like.

There's no better way to figure out what you need than to try it first and build to suit.


I meant should I lock the Dana 35, sorry I'm getting confused with the front/rear numbers :laugh: And as far as that event, that would be AWESOME to be able to go look around and ask questions. And get to drive some? Damn that's a hell of an offer, I have to say so far the jeep community is impressing me :D

Welcome! :)

As you can see, this is a very helpful and friendly group.

I think the 4.5" lift is a perfect all-purpose lift. 31's are a bit small for my taste, but would be certainly be friendlier on the stock gearing than 33's! If you've got a D35 in the back, you'd be OK with the 31's and some moderate wheeling. Most would recommend uprading to a D44/Ford 8.8 if you plan to do any serious wheeling and/or lock it up in the back.

I vote leave the moulding; I've removed side trim on other cars, and later asked myself why I did it, as it usually leaves behind some sort of blemish from removing it. But hey, if you hate it, do what you must!

Hope to see you on some trips in the future!

Thanks for the info, I figure I can go with 31's for now, if I don't like them I can always do 33's later with a BB maybe? I dunno depends. I just don't want to be tearing up fenders. As far as the trim I'll most likely leave it after looking at some other ones


I wouldn't take em off. They make black paint for plastic bumpers that will make the side moldings look brand new. I took mine off just because I had lower door guards installed and add more protection.

If you are gonna wheel it, then you should lock it but honestly, you should learn how to drive it without lockers first. I say this because it makes you a better driver and makes you pick better lines on the trail. I run the Auburn Ected locker which is LSD unlocked and locked when engaged. Super quiet on the street.

Its hard to find a quality install kit these days. For the XJ, they are all mostly cheap and only have two bolts to hold the plate to the dash. I ordered mine from Crutchfield

There are quite a few but depends on what condition your XJ is in.
1. Overheating
2. Crank Position Sensors
3. Cracked Flexplates (cause knocking at the bell housing)
4. Worn motor mounts
5. Loose / worn steering and suspension

Yea it's definitely a challenge wheeling with an open diff :( But you're probably right, it'll teach me to pick better lines. As for the install kit, that's basically what I figured, I'll probably end up at walmart and see what they've got.

Also thanks for letting me know what to keep an eye out for :D


Welcome,join us at cleghorn on 1/20/08, good place to get started.......SANTA

Where is cleghorn? And will I get laughed outta the park with my stock XJ? :laugh:

[cal]

I meant should I lock the Dana 35, sorry I'm getting confused with the front/rear numbers

Every time someone locks a dana 35, god kills a kitten.



:laugh: And as far as that event, that would be AWESOME to be able to go look around and ask questions. And get to drive some? Damn that's a hell of an offer, I have to say so far the jeep community is impressing me :D

Look forward to seeing you out there.

[crazyjim]

Every time someone locks a dana 35, god kills a kitten.




Look forward to seeing you out there. Hahaha I figured as much, I know my dad's 35 is limited slip, but he also puts all of about 500 miles a year on his jeep, and doesn't do anything crazy.

As far as the event, I'm definitely looking forward to it. Gotta clear it with the GF though lol, She's got plans for valentines, and I'm not sure if it's over the weekend or on the actual day. She's taking me to NHRA races. http://smiliesftw.com/x/headbang_1.gif

[GrimmJeeper]

Where is cleghorn? And will I get laughed outta the park with my stock XJ? :laugh: cleghorn is off the 15 freeway half way up the cajon pass. we'll be up there on the 20th. and andy(silverslk) ran cleghorn when his xj was stock, you just have to know how to drive. come out it will be a good time! we will help you find out just how capable your jeep is stock, im sure it will surprise you what that thing can do!

[cal]

As far as the event, I'm definitely looking forward to it. Gotta clear it with the GF though lol, She's got plans for valentines, and I'm not sure if it's over the weekend or on the actual day. She's taking me to NHRA races. http://smiliesftw.com/x/headbang_1.gif

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vDEhUVXFQc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1LIRqfyFIQ


You tell me which one looks like more fun.

[jeeperjohn]

Welcome aboard dude! You'll find this board's people a wealth of knowledge and skills. You can always find someone who knows how to do it and will happily help you do it or even do it for you.