Troy's '98 XJ

[troy]

Hi all,

It is raining here and I'm a little bored at home watching a sick kid today. I haven't posted my expo/DD XJ, so I thought I'd take the opportunity.

It started out as a cheap winter beater for the wife that I bought about 4 years ago. I got it for a steal $1,600 back in 2004 because the fuel pump was going on it. I tuned it up and put it into duty at 150K. It now has 215K and is my main vehicle.

I've owned jeeps since I was 17 and so I had a few parts laying around from other projects. I didn't want to get to extreme as I've never been a rockcrawler, but more of an expo guy.

List of mods:

Suspension:
- OME lift (Used OME coils and leafs)
- Cheap Shock not sure of brand (they ride terrible)
- JCR HD tie-rod (Used from local Jeeper)
- 5 Moab wheels (used local jeeper)
- 255/70/16 BFG ATs (bought new)

Interior:
- Heated Seats (from old project)
- Auto Dim rear view mirror w/ compass and temp (from old project)
- Painless wiring 9 circuit waterproof fuse box (from old project)
- Raingler backseat barrier net (bought new to seperate kids from cargo)
- Lockable tool box with 4 drawers (from tool outlet store, meant for a truck)
- Husky liners in front & rear (bought fronts new, was given rear passenger for free)

Body:
- Pretty stock
- Brush Guard (it is pretty worthless, but it was free)
- Yakima rack, bike, kayak, ski attachments

Sorry I couldn't find better pics:

 

[ExpoMike]

Welcome to ExPo and glad to see another XJ. Looks good.

 

[troy]

The reason I finally posted a pic, is that I've decided to keep the Jeep another couple years at least. This next couple weeks I'm going to do a major tune-up. All new fluids, brakes, bushings throught, and a new set of OME shocks.

Since I'm going to be spending some money, is there anything I should think of upgrading? Example: do a rear disc conversion instead of just replacing the stock set-up?

I've also thought about upgrading for saftey aspects as well. Would rock rails and a bull bar really help me in a crash?

I've also been contemplating gears (4.10), but I don't know if they will pay for themselves with mileage savings.

Open to any thoughts or suggestions.

 

[IH8RDS]

Troy, glad to see another XJ. :victory:

I would recommend the disk swap in the rear. Easy and cheap from a ZJ. Rock rails will protect the body from unseen rocks or stumps. I wouldn't depend on them to really protect you in a crash, but I waited to long to get mine and I have two nice dents in my rocker panels from rocks. Rock rails are not just for rock crawlers. They keep other vehicle doors at bay too.

Sounds like you already have a good start.

 

[troy]

I actually went to the junkyard this past weekend to see if I could find a ZJ brake donor. There were a bunch of pre -96' and only one with rear disks, but someone took it apart to get some differntial parts and left the parts lay all over the place.

 

[Root Moose]

You could do 4.10s and disk brakes in the rear all at once by getting a junk yard 8.8 axle out of an Explorer.

That'll commit you to 4.10s for the front at that point but if you are running over size tires you really need to re-gear eventually anyway. Didn't 4 cyl XJs have 4.10s in the axles - possible junk yard front axle donor. Mileage savings is not the reason for re-gearing btw. Reducing work load on your drivetrain and making the gearing work better off-road (among others) is the reason. If you plan on bigger tires you may want to nail down your ratio before doing this though.

For a tool box consider getting a canvas roll up to put tools in. They don't rattle like a ******** on the trail.

 

[IH8RDS]

I ended up going the 8.8 route.

 

[XJBANKER]

The main thing that you need from the junk yard is the backing plate. Just buy new rotors anyway and if you can snag any year of calipers use them as core trade ins and get new calipers. One of the best modifications I ever did on my Jeep. I would not hesitate to do it again

 

[IH8RDS]

I did the disk brake conversion when I had the 8.25 rear axle. I turned the junk yard rotors because they were in decent shape. They are pretty cheap though so you can just pick them up at the local parts store. I think it came out to a wash when I added up the junkyard price and the price to turn them. I also grabbed the backing plate, calipers and all of the bits and pieces for the emergency brake. Make sure that you grab a brake proportioning valve from a V8 ZJ. You don’t need the whole valve, just take the internal needle out of it.

 

[jeepmedic46]

Welcome to the Expo:ylsmoke:

 

[troy]

What's all involved with the explorer 8.8? relocate spring pads? Driveshaft changes?

Also, is width different / need for spacers?

I won't be going any bigger, I figure I can get another 50K out of my BFGs and then I'll consider if I want to keep it longer. 255/85 KM2s are tempting.

Also, I'm contemplating Blistein 5100s vs. OMEc (c is for the comfort version), any thought? They are about the same price and reviews on the web are about the same.

Thanks,
Troy

 

[Root Moose]

Yeah, it's mostly springs pads and the brake lines. IIRC the width is within an inch or so (narrower). Not a big deal.

You should go over to naxja.org to research this if you haven't already. Any question you could conceivable ask about an XJ has been answered over there already. But don't take that the wrong way - if you are looking for pointers to cut the cruft of searching through noise over there ask here first so we can set you into the right direction for searching quickly.

 

[Root Moose]

For the dampers, either is top notch equipment. I'd be inclined to go with the cheaper ones (Bilstein?)

 

[DaJudge]

Troy,

Unless you have ABS you have a 29 spline 8.25 which is plenty strong. I wouldn't waste the money and time switching to an 8.8.

 

[Root Moose]

But then he has to re-gear if he wants 4.10 gears.

Agreed otherwise.

If you plan on running a TAD then you'll be re-gearing regardless. That said, an 8.8 is stronger but it is a moot point unless you turn into a rock-crawler or something. 8.25 is plenty strong.