99' XJ: Slowly Going Down Under.

[MCObray]

Before posting, I want to make clear that all pictures were either taken at a STATE PARK or on PRIVATE PROPERTY.

I was fortunate enough to bring along my Jeep to my girlfriend's dad best friends house. It was a beautiful piece of property. Trails were tight though so we were mostly on some crazy Japanese 4x4 or Kawasaki Mule DIESEL! It was a blast so without further a due, here are some pictures:
...Trail Ready?

@Fort Rock:

@Hole in the Ground:

XJ:

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Cool! You did end up with an OME lift!:coffeedrink:

 

[MCObray]

More pics!:

Vids:
http://youtu.be/84f8CXl0nQU
http://youtu.be/dJ5OwA4X7l0

 

[MCObray]

Standard cluster gauges. No more dummy gauges!!!

The mileage on the full cluster reads: 155,288.
The TRUE mileage of the Jeep is 102,714.
Just a few updates. Wanted to stop looking at the ugly-ness of my steering wheel so I bought a cover for it.
Before:

After:

 

[MCObray]

OME D22XL AAL to handle the rear when loaded:

Got the D22XL OME AALs installed, as well as a brand new set of 30x9.5x15 BFG T/A KOs All Terrains!:

 

[MCObray]

Got bored, so I played with the GoPro HD:

 

[MCObray]

Was VERY VERY close to pulling the trigger on this bad-boy... This is what I really want:

Few good pics from when I was stock:
(Not trying to flex... I promise).

Looking into downtown Salem.

 

[MCObray]

Okay so I ended up selling the JCR Gas Tank Skid plate to a member on CherokeeForum. Nice guy, who will actually put it to use. I ended up receiving a partial trade as well on a Mopar Factory Front Skid Plate that i'll end up using. Kept the JCR Nut Strips so i'll be using those when I go to install the GTS.

A few days before that I picked up a Mopar Factory Front Skid Plate.

*Took a trip down to Nor-Cal. XJ performed flawlessly on the highway... Temperature always stayed the same while cutting through the mountains. I would've have liked to do some exploring were I was, but it was a family trip so I still had a blast!

Keizer, OR to Auburn, CA:
Total miles traveled: 1049.7 Miles.
Total amount of money spent on gas: $216

A few pics:

Mileage: 104,512

 

[MCObray]

Wow! Nice clean Jeep!!

Bummer about the OME lift, that was a great score! But it's good to see you have your priorities in order! (Family first)

Thanks Bill. It was a bummer at the time because I was so close to installing it, but as you can see... things have worked out even better!

 

[MCObray]

Okay so that brought all yall up to speed till this day. Now I am certainly heading towards the direction of a capable expedition/overlanding rig. Here are a few things that I want to pick up for the Jeep:
Realistically:
AJs Super RockRails
T-Case Skid Plate (Skid-Row or JCR)
IPF Driving Lights
CB Radio
ARB Bull Bar for a 97-01 XJ.
Warn Winch to get into the Bull Bar.
Future:
Bump up the suspension an 1" or 1.5" once the tires wear out (ACOS Spacer, HD OME Leaf Springs, JKS Shackle, OME Long Travel Shocks, etc.)
Upgrade Steering components.
AA/SYE
ARB Roof Top Tent
ARB Front & Rear Lockers
ARB Compressor

Currently with full tank of gas, this is my suspension height from Hub to Flare:
Front height: 19.75'
Rear height: 20.75'

It's still a learning process for me and I usually do all my work with my friends or Grandpa. I enjoy the hardships & rewards that my Jeep brings and cannot wait to tackle some more terrain whenever I can!

I'll make sure to keep yall posted.

 

[AeroSynch]

Beautiful XJ.

 

[Bikemobile]

Nice xj. Ive been looking for a clean 98-99 to replace my zr2 pickup. I found a nice one in slc utah. What do you think about the part time/full time 4x4 option on these?

 

[MCObray]

Beautiful XJ.

Thank you. I appreciate the comment.

Nice xj. Ive been looking for a clean 98-99 to replace my zr2 pickup. I found a nice one in slc utah. What do you think about the part time/full time 4x4 option on these?

I would definitely shoot for a 99' XJ if I were you. They usually have a HP Dana 30 and Chrysler 8.25, which IMO is the best factory axle combo you can get.
I believe the part time/full time option is the NP242 T-Case. I heard it's a good T-Case if you live in snowy terrain, but honestly the aftermarket support is not there. I believe it would a good $100-$200 dollars additionally for a AA/SYE, as compared to the NP-231 T-Case. It's still a good T-Case and probably wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, but just expect that if you lift it and plan on doing an AA/SYE that you'll have to shed out a little more $ for the AA/SYE combo.

 

[nightfoam]

Jeep is looking good, even if you turned around and sold my roof rack for profit

 

[bldeagle10]

very nice XJ, how is it with rust?