01 XJ Questions for starting to modify

[DragonAltair]

I know there is probably a million and 1 versions of this and i'm sorry. I am looking to upgrade/Modify my 01 XJ 4 door. Everything on it is stock except for I just recently put on 4 235-75-R15 goodyear tires for inspection and a pair of monroe gasmatic lt for same reason. So now that it's inspection good It's time to spend my time upgrading.

Basically my goal is to create a XJ for Climbing and Going on trails and pushing to suspension and body and taking it places I probably shouldn't and getting back out. I still want to keep performance in it though for being able to do say go off the road into some fields and hills and just run around them.

I'm new to this vehicle and style of performance so I need as much help as you can give me. Any other info I can provide about the vehicle for you I will just wasn't sure what was necessary info.

[Green XJ Jeep]

A lot of it is going to depend on how deep your pockets are.

[Tim_MN]

Do lots of reading on the various 4x4 Forums, you will have to filter some BS. Find out the XJ Cherokee dos and don'ts, and what works and what does not. The basics you will need are: a lift kit, some more aggressive tires, skid plates, and safe/secure recovery points. A locking differential will be extremely beneficial.

[RCP Phx]

2 things that are important to you going in.........

97-01 are more likely to have rear driveshaft vibes do to the external slip-yoke
00-01 are more likely to have front driveshaft vibes do to the LP30

The rest of the information and parts is pretty standard for all years.
What engine, transmission, transfer case, and rear axle do you have?

[DragonAltair]

Originally Posted by RCP Phx

2 things that are important to you going in.........

97-01 are more likely to have rear driveshaft vibes do to the external slip-yoke
00-01 are more likely to have front driveshaft vibes do to the LP30

The rest of the information and parts is pretty standard for all years.
What engine, transmission, transfer case, and rear axle do you have?

Not sure how much this helps but here is my sheet list for it from factory. I'm pretty sure that's pretty accurate other than what i mentioned i replaced but I'll go look at rear axle and tcase and report back

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[DragonAltair]

Originally Posted by RCP Phx

2 things that are important to you going in.........

97-01 are more likely to have rear driveshaft vibes do to the external slip-yoke
00-01 are more likely to have front driveshaft vibes do to the LP30

The rest of the information and parts is pretty standard for all years.
What engine, transmission, transfer case, and rear axle do you have?

231 is case and 8.25

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[XJensen]

Take a peak to see if it has ABS. Most likely not and it will be a 29 spline 8.25. that is a good thing. Ditch the low pinion front for a high pinion 30 or better.

Lots to do but just read up and most has to do with what you want to do.

[DragonAltair]

Originally Posted by XJensen

Take a peak to see if it has ABS. Most likely not and it will be a 29 spline 8.25. that is a good thing. Ditch the low pinion front for a high pinion 30 or better.

Lots to do but just read up and most has to do with what you want to do.

No ABS. Looked for that earlier while thinking of replacing axle. However i can't seem to find the fog lights on this thing. It has fuses where it labels for fog lamps and also the switch lights up inside the vehicle but no changes in lights and can't say i see them. Not important to this but just odd to me. But ABS is a no.

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[RCP Phx]

I don't know how much lift your thinking about, but mines a 2k at 5.5". When I started to lift it originally, I tried the H-n-T SYE kit with no luck and ended up with a HD SYE. At my final lift with my LP D30 I have to run minimum caster to resolve the front vibes.

[Green XJ Jeep]

Read through this build
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1074177

[DragonAltair]

Originally Posted by RCP Phx

I don't know how much lift your thinking about, but mines a 2k at 5.5". When I started to lift it originally, I tried the H-n-T SYE kit with no luck and ended up with a HD SYE. At my final lift with my LP D30 I have to run minimum caster to resolve the front vibes.

I'm thinking 3.5-4. I don't think I should need to go higher than that and random question since I'm asking questions on this post. What is the normal temp range for this? Also on the driver side of the radiator i have this little metal tube coning out of it leaking orange shit all over and gunking up thr entire left side. I adk about the temp because qhen i first got it i was running at 210 on the guage and never moved. Then for a while it ran between 150idle and 180 when driving and i trued revving/going fast and never went above 180 but now it's back to being stuck at 210

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[Green XJ Jeep]

210 is probably the average temp. At least it is on mine anyhow.
Sounds like either your temp sender is no good or your thermostat is stuck open.

[smokeyyank]

Before building it I'd junk the crap head that the 00-01 had. Also as suggested ditch the LP30 when you get to the point of building the axles. Rest is straight forward and just depends on what you want to rig to do and how much you want to spend. A few bolt on's and a traction device do wonders. XJ's a great platforms that don't need a lot to do a lot.

[DragonAltair]

Also i'm not sure how much of a concern this is but i've seen a smoke like substance coming out of the very top vent here b4

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[Bent]

I got the impression that you are new to four wheeling from your original post. If not disregard this recommendation.

If new then I recommend skipping the traction devices; lockers and limited slips. Instead install sway bar disconnects and learn to drive with open diffs. A rig on 31" tires and open differentials can go most places a rig with lockers can IF the person behind the wheel has taken the time to learn to drive.

Like others have said, read, read and then read some more. I spent the better part of 18 months researching and planning before I mad a single change to my stock XJ. Looking back I have to say that I should have put disconnects on the sway bar much sooner.


EDIT: Rocker protection, skid plates, and recovery points (front and rear) should be first on your list.