IrishXJ
Observer
I've had my XJ for nearly two years now. Admittedly, I've had mixed feelings since I've bought it. On one hand, I've always loved my little XJ: and on the other hand, I've always felt like there's some monster getting ready to poke it's head out at me, ready to bite my hand off at a moment's notice. I must relent that it has never actually done me wrong. I've never been broken down on the side of the road, felt particularly unsafe or felt like I was going to get stuck in some holler somewhere and never get home.
Anyway. On to terrible Jeep pictures:
I've got to keep this thing. Even though I'm currently in the process of ripping out every piece of the cooling system in order to find one illusive fault (Except the heater core -- noooooooo thanks!) and I do believe the 4.0L has gotten to the "lifter noise stage", I can't see myself parting in it. I've had way too many entertaining excursions in it to see it crushed in the name of a new vehicle.
So, I guess I have to describe what's already been done and what's on the block for 'enhancements' -- so long as I don't have to see a doctor four hours after use if things perpetually are still going north:
Modifications
K&N Cold-Air Intake: Bought it when I was blue and bleary-eyed in to the Jeep world. I regret it now, since I don't have the original airbox. Should have sprang more money on a snorkel.
Aftermarket stereo and LED cluster gauge: Makes the insides purdy. Also makes me think I'm in a new car. Ignore the 160000 miles on the odometer!
What's next?
ARB Bull-bar: ARB builds some of the best off-roading and expedition products on the planet. They're rated for animal impact, which was a big thing for me -- I've already had one deer fight the front end of my Jeep and lose. -- Purchased!
Slotted & Drilled Rotors and Pads: The XJ has a stopping distance of 5.4 lightyears. This will help improve that stopping distance. See deer above. -- Purchased!
Lift: Highly considering the Rocky Road 4" lift utilizing an OME 3" lift kit. I've not yet seen anyone running these, however, and am curious to see if the OME lift would ride well with the extra inch. If not, I'll be going Rough Country. I can get a good discount from them, and most XJ owners I know have been moderately pleased with the lift. My goal will be 31" tires, but I will not dismiss the possibility of 32" tires.
Tires: Cooper STT's have been highly recommended to me. I currently run Destination A/T's and I absolutely love them. Also might go with the Destination M/Ts. Choices, choices.
Armor: Lots of it. Everywhere.
Lockers: Not anytime soon this year. Maybe next year. Maybe never. Who knows.
Engine Rebuild: See lifter noise above. This might come sooner if my mechanic buddies give me bad news this coming week.
That's all, folks! I'll be sure to regale you all soon with wonderful pictures of my XJ doing XJ things. Like sitting in parking lots and meandering through grassy lanes.
:ylsmoke:
Anyway. On to terrible Jeep pictures:
I've got to keep this thing. Even though I'm currently in the process of ripping out every piece of the cooling system in order to find one illusive fault (Except the heater core -- noooooooo thanks!) and I do believe the 4.0L has gotten to the "lifter noise stage", I can't see myself parting in it. I've had way too many entertaining excursions in it to see it crushed in the name of a new vehicle.
So, I guess I have to describe what's already been done and what's on the block for 'enhancements' -- so long as I don't have to see a doctor four hours after use if things perpetually are still going north:
Modifications
K&N Cold-Air Intake: Bought it when I was blue and bleary-eyed in to the Jeep world. I regret it now, since I don't have the original airbox. Should have sprang more money on a snorkel.
Aftermarket stereo and LED cluster gauge: Makes the insides purdy. Also makes me think I'm in a new car. Ignore the 160000 miles on the odometer!
What's next?
ARB Bull-bar: ARB builds some of the best off-roading and expedition products on the planet. They're rated for animal impact, which was a big thing for me -- I've already had one deer fight the front end of my Jeep and lose. -- Purchased!
Slotted & Drilled Rotors and Pads: The XJ has a stopping distance of 5.4 lightyears. This will help improve that stopping distance. See deer above. -- Purchased!
Lift: Highly considering the Rocky Road 4" lift utilizing an OME 3" lift kit. I've not yet seen anyone running these, however, and am curious to see if the OME lift would ride well with the extra inch. If not, I'll be going Rough Country. I can get a good discount from them, and most XJ owners I know have been moderately pleased with the lift. My goal will be 31" tires, but I will not dismiss the possibility of 32" tires.
Tires: Cooper STT's have been highly recommended to me. I currently run Destination A/T's and I absolutely love them. Also might go with the Destination M/Ts. Choices, choices.
Armor: Lots of it. Everywhere.
Lockers: Not anytime soon this year. Maybe next year. Maybe never. Who knows.
Engine Rebuild: See lifter noise above. This might come sooner if my mechanic buddies give me bad news this coming week.
That's all, folks! I'll be sure to regale you all soon with wonderful pictures of my XJ doing XJ things. Like sitting in parking lots and meandering through grassy lanes.
:ylsmoke:
