STL Enterprises
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- SoCal
Guys - I would like the opinions of those that are more familiar with the XJ than I.
We have a 1982 CJ-7 that we had invested heavily in. It was reduced to a pile of parts courtesy of an engine fire last year. It is completely rebuildable, but in the intervening time, we picked up a 1999 XJ. Time has become an issue in thinking about trying to resurrect the CJ. But, since I'm sitting on a pile of parts, I wonder about the advisability or probability of sucessfully moving those parts that will fit over to the XJ? Here are the vehicles and their parts:
1999 XJ Sport w/ Up-Country Package
4.0L I6
AW-4 AT
NV-242
D30 Front
Chrysler Rear
Stock Driveshafts
Overhead Electronics Console / Infinity Sound System
Never wrecked, probably never off-roaded
1982 CJ Laredo
5.0L Ford Mustang HO (burnout)
NV 4500 Manual Transmission
D300 w/ Tera-Low 4:1 gearing w/ Currie Twin-Shifter
Ford 9" Axles Front & Rear w/ 4.10:1 Gearing & Detroit Lockers
Tom Woods Driveshafts (Front & Rear)
What I'd like to end up with is a competent 4WD vehicle, suited for desert/mountain exploring/some rock work. We travel in Mexico, so I prefer a bit of excess strength, as I really like doing maintenance and repairs in my North-of-the-Border shop. Up to 4.5" lift to allow running up to 33" tires that if well-driven won't be subject to serious breakage. We pull a 1200 lb (empty) trailer to Home Depot and elsewhere, and have a lifted full-size 'off-road' tent trailer to be used with the rig.
Before I close - other things to consider:
- If the CJ Axles could be made to fit under the XJ, would the width have to be changed? I realize that the front would need the appropriate attachment points installed.
- Is the AW-4 AT up to the job detailed above? We've had some serious leaks, but no driveability issues with it. I'd prefer to not get involved in an engine/trans swap - but we've done them before...
- I was planning on converting the CJ to an Auto Trans anyway, so having an Auto is a plus - but what's the story on the AW-4?
- The NV242 is pretty cool - I like having all the choices + shift-on-the-fly. But I miss my 4:1 gearing. Also, there doesn't seem to be as many good solutions to the SYE issue on the 242 as on a 231. If/Can the D300 be mated to the AW-4? How do you get the Twin Shift & Linkage issues resolved?
- How much lift + fender flaring required for 32" or 33" tires? I note that Bushwacker's flares aren't listed for the '99 - something about the bumpers and trim? Anybody gotten around this issue - or can recommend another way to go?
- Is a Long-Arm suspension the way to go? Preferences as to which manufacturer?
- The XJ, as it sits, is pristine. I don't want to end up with a hacked up junker.
I really like the extra room in the XJ, but we never spent an unhappy moment in the CJ. Because of our familiarity with the CJ, we've also considered a TJ Unlimited Rubicon. I get the impression that those who like the XJ get really hooked on it, but it has never seemed as sturdy as the CJ. So, opinions? Possibilities?Thanks guys - any help appreciated!
Larry
We have a 1982 CJ-7 that we had invested heavily in. It was reduced to a pile of parts courtesy of an engine fire last year. It is completely rebuildable, but in the intervening time, we picked up a 1999 XJ. Time has become an issue in thinking about trying to resurrect the CJ. But, since I'm sitting on a pile of parts, I wonder about the advisability or probability of sucessfully moving those parts that will fit over to the XJ? Here are the vehicles and their parts:
1999 XJ Sport w/ Up-Country Package
4.0L I6
AW-4 AT
NV-242
D30 Front
Chrysler Rear
Stock Driveshafts
Overhead Electronics Console / Infinity Sound System
Never wrecked, probably never off-roaded
1982 CJ Laredo
5.0L Ford Mustang HO (burnout)
NV 4500 Manual Transmission
D300 w/ Tera-Low 4:1 gearing w/ Currie Twin-Shifter
Ford 9" Axles Front & Rear w/ 4.10:1 Gearing & Detroit Lockers
Tom Woods Driveshafts (Front & Rear)
What I'd like to end up with is a competent 4WD vehicle, suited for desert/mountain exploring/some rock work. We travel in Mexico, so I prefer a bit of excess strength, as I really like doing maintenance and repairs in my North-of-the-Border shop. Up to 4.5" lift to allow running up to 33" tires that if well-driven won't be subject to serious breakage. We pull a 1200 lb (empty) trailer to Home Depot and elsewhere, and have a lifted full-size 'off-road' tent trailer to be used with the rig.
Before I close - other things to consider:
- If the CJ Axles could be made to fit under the XJ, would the width have to be changed? I realize that the front would need the appropriate attachment points installed.
- Is the AW-4 AT up to the job detailed above? We've had some serious leaks, but no driveability issues with it. I'd prefer to not get involved in an engine/trans swap - but we've done them before...
- I was planning on converting the CJ to an Auto Trans anyway, so having an Auto is a plus - but what's the story on the AW-4?
- The NV242 is pretty cool - I like having all the choices + shift-on-the-fly. But I miss my 4:1 gearing. Also, there doesn't seem to be as many good solutions to the SYE issue on the 242 as on a 231. If/Can the D300 be mated to the AW-4? How do you get the Twin Shift & Linkage issues resolved?
- How much lift + fender flaring required for 32" or 33" tires? I note that Bushwacker's flares aren't listed for the '99 - something about the bumpers and trim? Anybody gotten around this issue - or can recommend another way to go?
- Is a Long-Arm suspension the way to go? Preferences as to which manufacturer?
- The XJ, as it sits, is pristine. I don't want to end up with a hacked up junker.
I really like the extra room in the XJ, but we never spent an unhappy moment in the CJ. Because of our familiarity with the CJ, we've also considered a TJ Unlimited Rubicon. I get the impression that those who like the XJ get really hooked on it, but it has never seemed as sturdy as the CJ. So, opinions? Possibilities?Thanks guys - any help appreciated!
Larry