I just bought a 1998 XJ with 92k on it, it looks and drives perfect. I would like to hear some suggestions as to what the possibilities are with it. It's only 2WD and its a stick. I plan to use it as a daily driver so i don't really want to lift it... well maybe and an inch or two. running boards / rock sliders are going to have to be put on by request of my girl. i also want to get an intake system to boost gas millage and performance. I'm also looking for some bull bars or a brush guard for the front mainly because i want to put some driving/fog lights on it. if any one as ideas or recommendations for parts or kits i'd like to hear them.

 

If it's a DD I really wouldn't bother going with rock sliders. If you're ever in a situation where you need rock sliders, then you're in a situation were 4WD is needed (which you don't have), so my guess would be to save that extra money and put it towards engine mods to get the most out of that 4.0L or whatever it is. Good luck with the build. If you're going to want looks then get a budget boost and some 30x9.5 ATs or something.

 

Congrats on the sweet-looking XJ!
And it's just getting broken in, mileage-wise!
I'm guessing that the running boards/sliders will be put on so your girl can get in &out of the XJ...right?

A 2" lift and 30" tires will improve the stance of your XJ, IMHO.
I think that black "krawler" -style rims would look nice, too, and would give it a nice "blackout" look....and with a grill-guard/pushbar and Hellas, you'd be all set.
I'd check out jcoffroad.com for bumpers/grillguards.


Welcome, and enjoy your new addiction!

 

by rock sliders what i really meant was more like tubular side step bar running board deals...

I plan on an intake system and maybe a throttle body spacer. however i don't really know anything about how the spacer actually works or if they are even worth while. anything i can do to increase fuel economy and performance i'd like to hear about.

I think a 1.5 or 2 inch lift and 30 inch bf bfgoodrich tires are gonna go on as soon as i wear out the stock rubber. Question: Do the economy lifts, the kind that are just spacers and shackles compromise on road comfort much? and do i need to put new shocks on or can i use the stock ones with a kit like that? also i have heard people talk about something called a death wobble, what is it and what causes it? I'm thinking about painting the rims rather then buying new ones for cost reasons, plus black steel rims are black steel rims....

Actually thinking like a cobalt or royal blue would be a slick rim color, what do you all think? then maybe adding a matching pin stripe on the truck... i'll probably go with black but color is always cool to add to a truck

 

by rock sliders what i really meant was more like tubular side step bar running board deals...
Good if the lady is shorter but they don't protect at all they just look nice.

I plan on an intake system and maybe a throttle body spacer. however i don't really know anything about how the spacer actually works or if they are even worth while. anything i can do to increase fuel economy and performance i'd like to hear about.
I had a TB spacer on mine for a while, does NOTHING. no increase in hp or mileage get the TB Bored, costs about the same and shows improvement. JP magazine says cold air intake will give you some small MPG gains.
I think a 1.5 or 2 inch lift and 30 inch bf bfgoodrich tires are gonna go on as soon as i wear out the stock rubber. Question: Do the economy lifts, the kind that are just spacers and shackles compromise on road comfort much? and do i need to put new shocks on or can i use the stock ones with a kit like that? also i have heard people talk about something called a death wobble, what is it and what causes it?
go to rocklizardfabrications.com and look at their Budget boost. Cheap, easy and excellent ride. I've done several of them and the ride is as good as stock. Also shackles wear out springs, blocks aren't much better. IF you do an Add a leaf make sure it's full lenght. Short ones are hard on springs and give you a rough ride. DW shouldn't be a problem with less than 2" of lift unless you have worn components. I would recommend picking up an new track bar if you lift it. A stock one from AZ will do fine unless you get taller. HTH

 

I would recommend this kit from JCR Offroad. It comes with a front and rear bumper (be sure to add the front bumper frame tie ins), as well as rock sliders with a "step" built in.

http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/...ct_Code=value2

Even though this stuff is heavy duty and meant to be abused and comes with a lifetime warranty, It's also aesthetically pleasing.

The only downside is that it's HEAVY and you'll need a decent lift if you don't want to sag your springs down any more than they already are, and trust me, they are. I would recommend replacing them with this 2" Basic Economy Kit (choose the heavy duty springs):

http://www.dpgoff-road.com/site/OMEXJkits.htm

It's pricey, but it's worth every penny and your ride comfort should only improve.

Then, after you have two inches of lift, without any trimming, you could easily fit BFG AT 30x9.5s, or with minor trimming 31x10.5s. They look like this and are one of the best tires out there:

http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/overv...t-a-ko/44.html

Then, if I was you, I'd put them on either one of these:

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92613_10XX_B_PG.htm

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92613_03XX_B_PG.htm

After you get all that, it's only a matter of time before you do a 4wd conversion and get into a whole new world of XJ modifications.

 

JCR will do my next bumper. I've met those guys, they are fantastic. Also Dirk at DPG is awesome too! Can beat his prices or service!

This is not a commercial post!!

 

x2