DD196XJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Verde Valley Arizona
New member here with some questions about a mild XJ build. Not new to XJs, had a 94 2wd daily driver for 5 years that stayed pretty stock and did surprisingly well on mild trails, my son had 2 XJs built pretty stout for Az offroading. Currently have an 86 Samurai I've had for 12 years, mild build, it will go where the Rhinos go and then drive home. Not great for traveling very far on road but it's been fun otherwise. I've got 2 granddaughters now that are ready to go wheeling and another XJ is the only choice, I need 4 doors and a back seat.
I can buy any year here in Arizona with any mileage and zero rust to worry about. It seems the popular choice is the '99 because of possible cracking head issues with 2000-01 years. Is there a cooling issue that causes the cracked head? Also, I read somewhere that 2000-01 had a unibody upgrade that made it stronger, any truth to that? I'll look for an 01 if the unibody is worth it and the cooling/head is manageable. Might as well get the newest year available.
Want to keep it totally driveable and safe but better offroad. No rock crawling just able to go way out there and back on the old prospector roads and desert trails.
What's a good combination of lift & tire size that doesn't require long arms and SYEs and regearing etc? Planning to start off with a stone stock driver so I know what's in it unless a nice unhurt road wheeler pops up. Any preferred brand for a mild 2-3" lift? Shocks for my application?
Thanks in advance. Let the spending begin.:thumbup:
I can buy any year here in Arizona with any mileage and zero rust to worry about. It seems the popular choice is the '99 because of possible cracking head issues with 2000-01 years. Is there a cooling issue that causes the cracked head? Also, I read somewhere that 2000-01 had a unibody upgrade that made it stronger, any truth to that? I'll look for an 01 if the unibody is worth it and the cooling/head is manageable. Might as well get the newest year available.
Want to keep it totally driveable and safe but better offroad. No rock crawling just able to go way out there and back on the old prospector roads and desert trails.
What's a good combination of lift & tire size that doesn't require long arms and SYEs and regearing etc? Planning to start off with a stone stock driver so I know what's in it unless a nice unhurt road wheeler pops up. Any preferred brand for a mild 2-3" lift? Shocks for my application?
Thanks in advance. Let the spending begin.:thumbup: