I am apologizing up front for what I assume is a long-winded post seeking advice/help. Last year I was on a quest to get into off-roading as I thought it would be a fun adventure for my family. A friend suggested I look into a Jeep XJ. I did some research and the XJ seemed like a decent decision.
Unfortunately, it was a long road of tears as the first one had cancerous rust that needed some replacing and I am not skilled at welding and the one I ended up with blew the head gasket an hour and a half down the road…more on this later.
After a friend was gracious and fixed it at no labor cost but there are a few things left I need to do to make it a very capable rig. By the way it is a 1997 with a 6” lift, has slip yoke, diff covers, front locker and a winch.
My question is in what order should I try and accomplish each task, that is what is more important to fix first. Below is a list of what I believe should be accomplished in order of importance.
1. Tires…I am going with 33’s and have a tire picked out…saving a long argument here.
2. Shocks. Buddy that fixed my XJ says it needs new shocks, which I would agree based on the roll while taking corners. My plan is Bilstein 5100’s and upper rear shock mount kit from Azzy’s if needed. Additionally, if I am replacing shocks should I replace the coil springs?
3. There is something up with the 4x4 shift linkage as the Tcase was swapped with a 231. It will shift into 4x4 but not with a positive feel. Thinking of Azzy’s or Boost Werks shift linkage.
4. Rear locker. I am thinking of going with a Detroit style locker as I am just beginning the hobby.
5. When the head blew there was no temp change on the dash to notify me anything was happening. The temp read hot only after I turned off the vehicle and waited a few minutes and then turned to the on position to see the gauge in the red. I know cooling systems is a huge debate so here are my ideas as I am worried about it happening again.
a. Mishimoto radiator and heater hose kit (they need replacing) with a water temp sensor adapter with a GlosShift gauge.
b. FlowKooler Hi Flow pump with Hesco high flow thermostat housing and thermostat
c. K Suspension cyclone electric fan system.
d. All the above
6. Steering box brace and track bar brace. Ironman4x4fab or Barnes
7. Mid frame stiffeners
8. Rocksliders
9. Rear bumper with tire carrier
Again, I apologize for the long post but I would like this thing up and running in tip top shape by summer so I can convince my wife this will be a fun thing for the family.
Unfortunately, it was a long road of tears as the first one had cancerous rust that needed some replacing and I am not skilled at welding and the one I ended up with blew the head gasket an hour and a half down the road…more on this later.
After a friend was gracious and fixed it at no labor cost but there are a few things left I need to do to make it a very capable rig. By the way it is a 1997 with a 6” lift, has slip yoke, diff covers, front locker and a winch.
My question is in what order should I try and accomplish each task, that is what is more important to fix first. Below is a list of what I believe should be accomplished in order of importance.
1. Tires…I am going with 33’s and have a tire picked out…saving a long argument here.
2. Shocks. Buddy that fixed my XJ says it needs new shocks, which I would agree based on the roll while taking corners. My plan is Bilstein 5100’s and upper rear shock mount kit from Azzy’s if needed. Additionally, if I am replacing shocks should I replace the coil springs?
3. There is something up with the 4x4 shift linkage as the Tcase was swapped with a 231. It will shift into 4x4 but not with a positive feel. Thinking of Azzy’s or Boost Werks shift linkage.
4. Rear locker. I am thinking of going with a Detroit style locker as I am just beginning the hobby.
5. When the head blew there was no temp change on the dash to notify me anything was happening. The temp read hot only after I turned off the vehicle and waited a few minutes and then turned to the on position to see the gauge in the red. I know cooling systems is a huge debate so here are my ideas as I am worried about it happening again.
a. Mishimoto radiator and heater hose kit (they need replacing) with a water temp sensor adapter with a GlosShift gauge.
b. FlowKooler Hi Flow pump with Hesco high flow thermostat housing and thermostat
c. K Suspension cyclone electric fan system.
d. All the above
6. Steering box brace and track bar brace. Ironman4x4fab or Barnes
7. Mid frame stiffeners
8. Rocksliders
9. Rear bumper with tire carrier
Again, I apologize for the long post but I would like this thing up and running in tip top shape by summer so I can convince my wife this will be a fun thing for the family.