EugeneTheTJ's 2000 XJ Build Thread

[EugeneTheTJ]

First of all, I want to introduce myself to the .

My name is Chris and I am a Jeep addict. I purchased my TJ in spring of 2008 and I just bought a XJ to serve as my DD. I have been around Jeeps basically all of my life. Some of you may know me from Jeepforum, some from local NC/SC forums, and some of you probably have no clue who I am. Nonetheless, I am proud to say I am now a XJ owner and I look forward to meeting you all and becoming a member of .

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

Well, I finally found a suitable DD to give my TJ a break and allow me to use the TJ in the manner I built it for.

I present to you my new XJ.

2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport
4.0 auto 4wd
D30, C 8.25
No rust
Mopar Hitch
Stock minus some stereo equipment

When I got it:

How it sits now:

:laugh:

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

One of the things I regretted about my TJ build was not having the sense to save copies of the dealer pics for reference of what I started with. I made sure to not make this mistake twice.

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

For those who don't know, this is the vehicle that is being relieved of its DD duties:

Build thread link is below:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f22/eugenethetjs-2003-tj-build-thread-761725/

Eugene (my TJ) is about to get a whole lot of attention (lots of parts have been waiting patiently for me to find a DD)

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

As this is a DD, I want to build the Jeep while keeping in mind that it will see a lot of miles on the road.

Current short-term plans are as follows (in no particular order):

• 2-3 inch lift
• 31x10.50 A/T tires
• Steel bumpers front and rear
• Rock sliders

Further down the road, I plan to make it into more of an expedition style build while still maintaining its drivability and gas mileage.

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

At its new home. The Liberty is my wife's. (forgive the slight blurriness)

My other 2 Jeeps:

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

I've "worked" on it a little so far. Actually, my wife and I have.

The rubber engine shield was falling down at a few points. It mounts with the same push pins as the TJ's inner fenders use (which are pieces of ****). Some of the pins were missing and some just tore through the rubber. I reattached the shield using a combo of the pins and zipties so it should be okay for now. Seeing as how my TJ doesn't even have one of these, I am going to go out on a limb and say the XJ doesn't really need it either. As such, I am probably going to just rip it out in the near future.

Meanwhile, there is somewhat of a smoke smell in the interior thanks to one of the PO's. My wife has been cleaning and shampooing the interior and much of the smell is gone. I am pretty sure the very faint smell that is left is coming from the headliner (which is falling a little in the front anyways) so I am going to have the headliner replaced this week.

 

[NCCherokee]

That splash shield will eventually just tear to shreds. Don't even bother with it.

The headliner is actually pretty easy to do, even easier with two people. I did mine a few years ago when it started peeling. About $40 for new liner and the adhesive shipped to my door

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

I think I am going to take it to an upholstery shop for the headliner.

I have no experience with interior work (coming from a soft top wrangler) and I'm worried it would end up with adhesive streaks throughout the fabric.

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

I am having a lot of trouble trying to figure out these lift options. I am looking for 2 to 3 inches. Currently, I own RE coil spacers which would give me ~2 inches front (1.75 +.25 isolator) and I also own a set of RC 2.5" TJ front springs which I am guessing would give me 2.5 to 3 inches of lift.

Since I already own these, I am trying to find rear options that would be compatible and still ride good. My only issue is that leaf springs are completely new to me.

I know lift blocks are ****ty and can cause axle wrap. Also, from what I have read, AAL's produce a very rough ride.

What about just 2" lift shackles in the back? I know a lot of XJ BB kits come with them but is the ride going to be miserable if I don't also get a shackle relocation kit?

I wish OME still made their 2" full replacement springs so my decision would be easy. I just can't seem to find 2" full spring packs anywhere.

What about the Crown replacement packs on Quadratec's website?

Please help!

 

[blondejoncherokee]

Buy some decent 3.5" packs for the rear.

if you don't want to spend money on leaves, then slap a .75" lift shackle in the rear with an extra stock main leaf with the eyes cut out and possibly a second stock 2nd leaf, and try the TJ coils, if they don't work try something else.

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

I don't mind spending a little money but I don't really want that much lift. This Jeep is going to be 99% used on the road.

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

What are yalls thoughts on this?

-Longer shackles (1-2 inch lift)
-Shackle relocation kit (HD offroad)

I feel like it would give me the right amount of lift, still provide a smooth ride, and not cause premature spring wear.

Plus, since this will become an expedition build, it still utilizes stock leafs which can easily be found anywhere in the country that I might be. Can't say the same if I go with a full replacement leaf pack.

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

Headliner got replaced today. Also told the upholstery shop NOT to reinstall the tweeters one of the PO's installed beside the speakers over the rear cargo area. Much, much better.

oh...

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

Headliner pics

 

[Tony_SS]

Hey! That nice color of jeep you got there. Check out my thread for ideas too. My 00 is a silver DD as well. Good luck with yours!

 

[doublexl]

I think that the shackle relocation and small lift shackles are the best way to go.

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

Hey! That nice color of jeep you got there. Check out my thread for ideas too. My 00 is a silver DD as well. Good luck with yours!

Super clean Jeep you got there. Very similar to where I am going with mine. How do you like those Cooper tires?

 

[Tony_SS]

Super clean Jeep you got there. Very similar to where I am going with mine. How do you like those Cooper tires?

I love them. They're super quiet, ride nice and did very well in a foot of snow this winter. No complaints at all.

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

I love them. They're super quiet, ride nice and did very well in a foot of snow this winter. No complaints at all.

I'll definitely check them out once I am ready to buy some tires. I like the look of them a lot and they seem like they would wear well and have long tread life.

I've been on the hunt for some TJ Moabs. For this Jeep, I like the size of the 245/75R16's better than 31x10.50R15s. Its just a matter of CL hunting.