EMTXJ98

So I'm new here, and I recently got my XJ. It's a 98, white, auto, with 74xxx miles on it. There's a little cosmetic work that may need to be done up front, looks like the previous owner bumped something (or someone!). Also it seems to ride just a tad lower than usual. I took a bunch of pics so I'll let you guys see.

Here are a few things I'm looking to do:
- Fix that crack
- Bumper
- Roof Rack
- Lights (I've noticed XJ low beams are REALLY low...)
- Maybe a lift somewhere down the line?

Money isn't exactly falling from the sky (is it ever?), but I do have access to a pretty good shop. It's not specifically an auto shop. It's actually my barn with a boat load of tools.

Also, I've never really had the opportunity to get my hands dirty into vehicles. Would anyone know somewhere to learn more about what I'm doing? I'm a senior in high school, and would love to know my way around a car more.

tannerp89

well first off welcome and congrats on your new purchase! looks like its a good start.

first id fix the crack and bedliner below the trim lines, go through and do a full tune (wires,cap,oil, filter, all that good stuff, and maybe seafoam your intake, gas and oil) and look into either sylvania silverstars for headlights or some halogen upgrades, these are what i have and love em.
http://www.quadratec.com/products/97009_120.htm
and look at roughcountry.com for a lift, can beat there prices for what you get.
as far as bumpers there are so many out there you just have to look, or make your own. same on roof racks, although im looking at JCR for my roof rack....
http://www.jcroffroad.com/index.html
and your in the perfect place to learn anything and everything about jeeps, just learn how to search.
id also try to pickup a chiltons or Haynes manual for it, like 20 bucks at autozone

Good Luck!

TrekkerJmm

Hi and welcome to CF from Tj in NJ. Looks like a clean XJ... good luck with it. Looks like stock height to me (not low) you can do some searches on this site for just about anything you need to find. I would fix the list of things you have to do first then add a lift kit (3 inch is least expensive unless you go for a BB 2 inch) You can also change the headlights to H4 housings and bulbs for better lighting. There are ENDLESS ways to spend money on an XJ...Good Luck...Tj
Some Links.
http://www.quadratec.com/default_cherokee.php
http://www.roughcountry.com/
http://www.4wd.com/

EMTXJ98

Here's some pictures of the leaf springs that I took last summer when I was first talking to the guy about buying it. (Didn't want to sell it til he got a new vehicle) He said they're a little low. Not knowing to much, I wouldn't know. What'dya think?

Sorry they're not to hot. I may try to get some better pictures later.

tannerp89

looks like the rear end is sagging jus a lil, maybe previous owner towed a trailer or boat. typical for the stock springs though. i wouldnt worry about it till you lift it and jus get a new spring pack for the rear.

EMTXJ98

So would you say def. go with a new pack, or do you think I could get away with an AAL for my wallet's sake? Once summer hits I can go back to work, but I'd still like to keep the $ down

djritter1122

yea get a full pack when u lift. aal wont help there

tannerp89

you could get away with AAl but they end up sagging out anyway so its up to you. i have AAL on my 98 that are about 3 yrs old and there sagging already so im puttin a RC lift with spring packs on it. if cash is really a big issue and you dont want to get the full leaf pack you could try putting together a bastard pack out of the JY for cheap, there are plenty of threads on bastard packs....
it just depends on what you want out of it. AAL will bring up the rear but with the stock springs sagging already it wont last for long....just my opinion but if i were you id jus get this...
http://roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_3x.html
with the new spring pack....
its only $600 and you get a 10% discount for being a forum member
i gotta look but theres a member that works at morris 4x4 that can get you an even better deal from rough country....

Desert Rat

Nice find on your XJ! As far as those springs, they're done, your going to want to replace them with either a lift or search around for some take offs, an add a leaf will be wasted money down the road. You've already done the first step in learning your way around wrenching on a vehicle, your new Jeep is like a lady, they love constant attention, LOL! Like a previous poster stated, get yourself a repair manual (Chiltons, Haynes or Jeep factory) used off of E-bay, much cheaper than new. Do your homework searching this forum and ask questions when you need to, you'll be a wrenching fool in no time! I'm posting a couple pics of Miss moneypenny before and after just because when I saw your Jeep it reminded me of where I started.

EMTXJ98

What would the ultimate difference be between these two?
http://roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_3x.html
http://roughcountry.com/jeep_xj_3.html

Just that the one has control arms?

EMTXJ98

How would one go about fixing that crack? It would seem like maybe I'd just have to replace the whole front end cap there? I dunno

95yeti

welcome bro from ohio

Desert Rat

You could pull it off and try to fix it with some fiberglass filler, but then you still have to match the paint. Might be easier to find a new one.

EMTXJ98

sounds good. I may be going to a pull and pay later :-D

duncan0668

Ebay usually has several header panels at a reasonable price. Little primer and white paint and should look new.