Time to get an XJ.....

[Willy]

Well the time has finally come to start looking at trading in the Wrangler and moving up to a Cherokee. Need more room.

Have been looking at getting the 2000 model XJ Classic (basically the run out model before the KJ arrived) with all the goodies.
I know this is a broad question, but what things do I need to look at when getting an XJ?

I checked out some websites regarding aftermarket products but most stuff only goes to the 97 model.
Is there things like Bullbar, winch, swing away tire carrier, etc. for the 200 model?

Also, looks like I will need a 3" minimum lift to fit 31" tyres under it. Any suggestions for type of lift? Would GOJEEPs suspension package work?

What diffs does this model come with? Are lockers available for them?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Phil

[Jimmyb]

lockers yes, arb air front and rear, or go detroit rear and air locka front.

yes min 3" for 31" tyres, but that "MINIMUM" you will gets lots of scrubbing with that, 4" would be better.

gojeeps would work yes. sway bar discos also a must, if you on a budget, just put wing nuts on the top linkage and takes about 3min to remove with a little fiddling.

arb do a bullbar for 97 onwards, but if your putting 31" tyres on the side wings of the bullbat go right back to the flare, problem with that is that with the sway bar off your tyre will hit it, you can get it trimmed off and re-welded but the better alternative is to get a pre 97 arb bull bar. wings are shorter to match earlier design. wont look as stream line but works better.

i have a fulcrum lift in my rig, its 4" and cost about $1500 plus fitting, contact mark smith user name smithy on here if you want to find out about that. goto ausjeepoffroad main site to find out a bit about my 98 model which would be the same as what you are looking at.

[Buddha]

hi Phil,
i have a 96 XJ Classic,and although i have been told that the stock Classics had come out with an inch higher suspension i started out with a 2 inch Old Man Emu lift .I ran 31 inch A/Ts with no rubbing at the front ,and only minimal rubbing at the rear.In went an extra leaf and it was fine.
But if your like most of us you will then want to go bigger anyway.
Save your money for now and go as big as you want all at once.IT save time and money in the long run.
Look at me ,ive had 2 lifts , now at about 4.5 inches and i still want at least another 2 inches.Saving them of 2003.

[billsta]

nice to hear someone wants to buy a Cherokee, i would go for a 98-00 XJ. they are schweet.. :D

i think lots of the pre-97 XJ stuff can go into the Newer XJ without too much fuss.. only a guess, but im pretty sure there is no rear bar / trire carrier for the 97+ XJ's. but again im pretty sure you can make it fit.. :D

diffs are D30 in the front, and D35 in the rear. same as a ZG, and you can ARB lock both of them. make them schweet, as well as Warn Hub kits too :D

if you are near Sydnaey area, go to Suburban 4X4 and have a look at mick's Green XJ, its so schweet. and they have the only drawer system made for XJ as well..

cheers

[dxj]

Hi,

Plenty of bull bars, ARB, Teampoly (plastic one, see GoJeeps site for details) etc etc. Winch bars also available.

Front diff same as wrangler.
Rear is D35C lots of lockers and ratios available but greater than 4.56:1 is mighty small pinion. I think 4.88 is lowest ratio available?

Plenty of lifts available 1 through 8 inch, even coil spring rear conversion, just save your money up.

Plenty of sway discos available.

Several big fuel tank options.

Some of us have rear disk brake conversions.

Rear bar on post 97 XJ has limited options. Kaymar pre '97 bar doesn't fit! Suburban4wd fab up their own, I am sure others do too.

Diesel engine only available post '97. All others are 4 spd auto trans. Pre '97 auto trans can be made into tiptronic style sequential manual.

Summary nearly anything you want is available for XJs post '97. Absolutely everything you could ever want is available for pre '97.

Michael at Suburban has his own project '2000 XJ with lots of changes on show. Maybe talk to him about what can be done.

[Willy]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I am now the proud owner of a 2001 XJ Cherokee Classic - Patriot Blue, Alloys, Cruise, Air, ABS, Roof Rails, towbar, etc. Only 10933 kms on the clock. Excellent condition.

Keeping the Wrangler as well for the time being so I can take it to the Jamboree but I will definately be having a chat to some of the XJ drivers to see what they have done to their rigs.

Wow - I now own 2 Jeeps!!

:D

[Wooders]

Try and keep the TJ LONG term.
I know it's not a cheap option - but longer term you'll have a rig that will probably appreciate in value and you can have as an out&out toy.....
This is what I've agreed with my wife & we're currently looking for an XJ to replace our main vehicle.