Project 2000 XJ (Daily Driver)

[dieselenthusiast]

We're going to need new tires sometime next summer, but before we buy new tires, I want to change the rims to a different size. I'm wanting a taller rim that will accommodate a taller tire without any clearance issues. In this picture, I'm test fitting the rim of choice. It's very utilitarian looking and fits my overall wants/needs.

Manufacturer: Chrysler/Dodge
OEM part#: 04782466AC
Rim Size: 17" X 7"
Bolt Pattern: 5X114.3
Backspacing: I believe it's a 20mm offset (somewhere between 4" - 4.5" inches of backspacing)

 

[rubensx]

Hello Diesel,

I'm from Brazil, and contrats you about a great job in this XJ!

Please can you help with JKS lower arms?

I had mine (hard to take to brazil these arms but) but only the lower arms (stock upper). And had some "cluncks" with these arms. This clunk sound goes directly from the arms, all setup are re-checked and the sound comes from screw...

JKS support can't help

You have tha same problems? You take highways somethimes?

Thank you!

 

[dieselenthusiast]

rubensx, I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems with your JKS arms. I haven't had any problems with mine. If bolted down tightly, there shouldn't be any movement. Clunking or rattling means that they are not fully tightened or the sound is coming from elsewhere.

 

[dieselenthusiast]

Now that summer is soon approaching, it is time to get the Jeep in good working order. The Jeep needed new tires, so I decided on a set of 5 Goodyear DuraTrac SL 245/70/R17 tires. I had them mounted to the new rims that were painted grey.

 

[GordoSmasho]

Very cool look man. Love that color. What is it on the rims.

 

[dieselenthusiast]

Very cool look man. Love that color.

Thanks!

What is it on the rims.

I'm not sure what you're asking?

 

[GordoSmasho]

The color on the rims. What is it?

 

[dieselenthusiast]

The color on the rims. What is it?

I took the wheels to a body shop and told them that I wanted a darker grey color. They mixed the paint until they got the color I wanted. I'm not sure what the starting paint code was.

 

[leaf...]

Those are gonna look so much better than the Soft 8's. Awesome job man.

 

[dieselenthusiast]

Those are gonna look so much better than the Soft 8's. Awesome job man.

I agree. These are poor quality pics, but here's what they looked like after I mounted them.

 

[831_xj]

Love that look of skinny tires on those rims. Build looks awesome!
My dad went with a very similar look on his Tacoma

 

[dieselenthusiast]

Today we turned 193,000 miles.

 

[dieselenthusiast]

Love that look of skinny tires on those rims. Build looks awesome!

Thank you. The tires fit nicely. I'm very happy with this setup.

 

[WiscoXJ]

clean rig for the miles!

 

[dieselenthusiast]

clean rig for the miles!

Thanks. Don't be fooled though, it's in need of new paint, window and door seals, and an interior overhaul. It's been a good Jeep and I will continue to throw money into it as necessary. Mechanically, it's doing everything that I need it to do, and that's what is important for the time being.

 

[dieselenthusiast]

I have no clue where I’m going to install it, but I’ll post pics once the install is complete.

Marinco 150BBI Charger Inlet
$18.28

I finally got the Marinco Charger Inlet installed. It's a much cleaner install compared to having the block heater cord hanging down over the front bumper. Plus, this setup should help eliminate the extension plug and heater plug from freezing together.

 

[dieselenthusiast]

Now that the snow has melted and warmer weather has arrived, I will be back out on the ranch working the Jeep again. It's time to get the Cherokee in good working order. Here are some things that I have done in the last few weeks:

1) The oil filter adaptor was leaking pretty bad, so my mechanic replaced the o-ring. We degreased and washed under the Jeep really good so we could see what else might be leaking. After a good wash and dry, It appears that 90% of the slung oil under the vehicle was due to the bad oil filter adaptor o-ring. The rear-main seal is leaking a little, transmission pan gasket is leaking a little, and the valve cover gasket is leaking, too. So those items are also on the repair list.
2) The external in-line bypass transmission filter was replaced.
3) The external spin-on coolant filter was replaced.
4) I haven't touched the rear brakes since owning this Jeep, so the rear brakes were long overdue. I purchased a Rear Brake Overhaul Kit. The Cherokee now brakes much better. Unfortunately, and due to neglect, I used up a lot of my front pads that we installed not too many miles ago.
5) The brakes lines were gravity drained and the reservoir filled with Amsoil synthetic brake fluid.
6) Changed the oil with Amsoil Signature Series 10W30 and the filter with an Amsoil filter.

 

[Jeepon]

dieselenthusiast, welcome back ! I'm looking forward to hear about another season of adventure , maintainence , upgrades and repairs. Your post is an inspiration for me to maintain and improve my XJ to use in my quest to live a debt free deliberate life . Many thanks for "blazing" the trail !

 

[540Vasandman]

nice build.....what kind of mpg are you getting?

 

[Mtb Jak]

any details on your mud flaps?