Oh nice. semi trucks always pass me as well and it sucks even though im doing 65-70 on the highway

 

Ya, I mean I could have kept up with them and what not but as I was driving 1700 miles I wanted to keep the RPMs low as my rig does have a lot of miles on it. Just figured less chance of breaking stuff if I took it nice in easy and kept it at 1800-2000 RPMs. Seems like any more than that the jeep is just working a little to hard to keep the 30x9.5s rolling.

 

Congrats on the safe trip. In regards to your 'passing' experience, if you want to help the XJ keep up to par with traffic without sacraficing fuel economy and actually helping wear on the engine with bigger meats, consider a modest regear if you get the cash. I imagine you have 3.07's with the AX15. Consider maybe getting some 3.55's, or something else in between if they have them. It'll keep the 4.0 cruising at slightly higher rpm's, which puts it more in it's efficient "let's roll" zone.

 

Good job on the fuel mileage. I averaged 19.33 mpg as I said on my trip with 235-75 r15's. Tried to stay around 70 MPH at 2,100 rpm. I havent checked my axle ratio yet, but I think most 98 Classic automatics came with 3.55/1.

 

I'm bout to do a 1,600 mile haul from Spokane to KC one way. Wish me luck!

 

I once drove 19.000 km in my 97 xj tbat already had 100.000km by then (4.0 auto, procomp 3' lift) across Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Paraguay and Argent. Mainly on terrible roads (or even no road). Crossed several times the Andes mountains going from sea-level to more than 5.000 m high. Cell never worked, towing was not an option, spare parts where non-existent and we where the only vehicle, so, no help also.
The only troubles where a leaking transmission line, a burnt electric engine fan.
Before leaving, I added a leaf spring in the rear axis to cope with the extra baggage weight and replaced the semi-axis on the rear as well.

You can have some idea of the trip at https://vimeo.com/27662217

 

I drove from Chicago to Los Angeles and drove back on my 2001 jeep xj. All stock. Original 0331 head. Only thing I did before I left Chicago was an oil change with rotella and a tune up. I did an oil change after I got back. A lot of people exaggerate Imo.....new tires,new suspension components,new tires,etc....might as well get yourself a rental. if you keep up your jeep up to Maintenance I think you'll be fine. I drive over 4,000 miles in less than a month! No issues after the road trip. When I went on the road trip I took all my tools that I own,extra parts,two spare tires. Didn't use anything at all. I guess I was lucky?