I'm in Chesapeake. Don't have a Jeep yet but I just sold my Cobra and have wanted a XJ for a while. Been lurking around on here reading up.

 

How much you looking to spend? Also, are you wanting stock to build up yourself or one already built (provided it's been done correctly)?

 

I'm not sure on the price. From what I've seen on Craigslist the prices vary depending on the obviously things like mileage, mods, etc.

I want to buy a stock XJ and build it. I'm not much for buying built vehicles.

The Jeep would be a side project to tinker with and root around in. I have my F150 as my daily. I just need a replacement toy now that my Cobra is gone. I'm not ready to buy right away unless something really catches my attention that I can't pass up. I'm in the process of renovating my house to try to get it sale worthy. Once it's done I'm planning on buying property and building a house. That's when I'll really be ready to get a XJ. I'm mostly here to make some new friends and research into the XJ / Jeep scene.

-Brian

 

no rdplz, I've been reading through your build thread. You've done a lot of work to yours and a damn good job!!

I also saw "TheXJGuys" project y'all are doing which is awesome. Looks like when I do get my first XJ I will have some locals who can make sure I don't make mistakes!

 

Thanks! Lots of work and patience to make sure it's done right. Best thing you can do when getting into the Jeep scene is surround yourself with people who know their stuff.

Definitely let us know when you get your XJ. Tons of people in the area that would be willing to help with it. Big thing is to decide what you want your Jeep to be when your list is "finished". Obviously things always come up that you say, "That's a good idea, I'll do that.". But the basics need to be decided before any real work is done - lift size and type, tire size, engine mods, body mods. They all play a huge role in spending the money in the right place the first time, rather than spending money, then more money, and then even more just to change something you discover you don't really like.

 

No problem!! You did a killer job on your build and through all the hardships you kept going. That's awesome and I've felt the same through my previous builds. I like what you have done with it and look forward to seeing the rest of the changes!

Luckily I'm not new to modding and building rigs so I know exactly what you mean about prepping and planning. I'm not as mechanically inclinded as most of y'all are but I can do a majority of what I need to and have no problem asking for help/learning. I have a list of ideas in mind but as I'm researching I'm changing directions slightly.

I just have to stick to my main focus of getting my current house finished so I can buy land and build a new house. That's the reason I sold my Cobra so I can fund the renovations and help build my savings account up more.

But I will definitely let y'all know when I pick up my first XJ. I noticed that y'all are pretty active in the area including going on trips so I'll have to put some extra funds aside to be able to participate.

 

I know these aren't Jeeps but just to give y'all an idea of some of my past/present vehicles.

This is my 2000 F150 4x4 with the 5.4L V8 that I daily. For almost 5 years it's been my DD. The truck is leveled by a t-bar crank with 17x9 Fuel Hostages wrapped in 285/70/17BFG A/Ts, SCT tuned, bilstein shocks, and some other things. Everything else is basically stock. Most of my plans for it are just looks, lighting, and comfort. I'll try and post a better picture later.


This is my, recently sold, '95 Cobra that I built from the ground up. There is a laundry list of mods that I can post if anyone is really interested.


A little background on myself. My name is Brian. I am a Chesapeake native, born and raised. I'm 26 years old. Married with no kids, only a pup. I work in the IT field at Naval Station Norfolk. I was born and raised a Ford guy but I have an appreciation for anything that's tastefully done. I love camping, hiking, the mountains, photography, firearms, archery, trucks/cars, country music, and pretty much anything related.

I've owned the following vehicles (in order) :
1995 Mustang GT (RIP)
1996 Mustang GT (Sold)
2001 Bullitt Mustang (Sold)
2000 F150 (Current daily)
2000 Civic (Sold)
2000 Civic (Sold)
2005 Subaru WRX STi (Sold)
1995 SVT Cobra (Sold)

-Brian

 

Great looking mustang! I can't wait to get back in one.

 

Thanks! I probably won't own another one for a long time. I've had my share of them.

I am trying to sell a turbo kit that I had for my Cobra if you know anyone looking. It'll fit a 94-95 302/5.0L but probably a foxbody too. Can't say for certain.

 

$17,900 for a 2000 XJ?

http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/4713421975.html

 

I have been researching on upgrades for when I get my first XJ. These would be done after all the maintenance work is completed. This is what I have come up with so far.

These are in no particular order...
- 4.5 LA Lift Kit (haven't decided which company)
- 15x10 Pro Comp 152 Beadlocked Rock Crawlers
- 33x12.50R15 BFG A/T tires
- G2 Rear Disc Brake Conversion (unless I find a better option)
- Upgraded front brakes (rotors, pads, etc)
- Retrofitted projector headlights
- Rough Country Winch Front Bumper + Stinger Bar + D-Rings
- Winch (haven't chosen weight or brand yet)
- Rear bumper upgrade (haven't decided which)
- Bushwacker fender flares
- Upgraded stereo (headunit and speakers)
- CB Radio / other COM solutions + thatXJguy's CB Antenna Mount
- Weathertech matts
- LED interior conversion
- Roof rack (haven't decided which)
- Tinted windows (20%)
- Roof mounted lightbar (haven't decided which)

I know there is a lot that hasn't been addressed in this list so I am open to suggestions. I'm still researching and trying to find what is going to fit my goals which means nothing is set in stone.

I am looking to build something that is extremely reliable for daily driving but capable to go trail riding from time to time and with a little hint of "bug out vehicle" mixed in.

 

My .02 on your list in red.

 

Thanks for the quick reply! It's been a little slow in here recently since I'm sure everyone is just as busy as I am so I figured it would be a few days before I heard back.

I broke down your responses so I can more easily reply back...

1. I would recommend a conversion kit from either SeriousOffroad or RockKrawler for the best quality. Serious is nice because of the better crossmember that comes with the kit. I say conversion because you can get better products by piecing the lift together (RE coils, IRO ttrackbar, Deaver leaf springs, etc).
-Originally I was looking at Rough Country or BDS until I saw your build thread where you went with RK. After that I have been really considering going that route myself. I was going to reach out to you to pick your brain but I hadn't gotten around to it. I like where you mentioned that you have the 3 link setup but it can be easily upgraded to their 4 link. I will look at SeriousOffroad also.

2. If you're looking for the best on-road/off-road compromise, look into either Duratracs or the BRAND new BFG AT KO2's. The KO1's are great tires but they muck up VERY easily, in snow, mud, and even sand.
-I'll have to double check but I believe I am running the K01's on my F150. I'm going to get a full test on that if it decides to snow this year, I've been patiently waiting. I've always been drawn to BFGs and have normally always ran them so I will make sure to go with the K02's.

3. Personally, I would do a Ford 8.8 from an explorer. They're very strong and you can build them up to a 35 spline if you want, plus they're plentiful at the local Pick-n-Pull.
-Hmmm, it never even crossed my mind to run a Ford 8.8 but that's a damn good idea now that you mention it. For the price of the G2 that could be easily done and would be a lot better. The 8.8 I built in my Cobra was bulletproof so that'll be nice to have for the Jeep.

4. EBS makes some awesome products if you're willing to spend the money.
-EBS has nice products, I've used them before. I'll keep them in mind for this project too!

5. Whatever you do, stay away from black housings. They're total crap. Rampage makes a really good H4 setup. Just be sure to upgrade the harnesses as well.
-I will be building my own custom setup using products from TheRetrofitSource. I built a setup on my Cobra and will be doing one on my F150 one of these days.

6. Make you own. Lots of guys and gals in the area that could help with this and save you a TON of money. Plus, you get to have a unique design.
-Now that you mention it I could always talk to one of my family members who has a Wrangler. He an Engineer and fabricated his front/rear bumpers. I'm sure he or one of the people you're referring to could build me up a similar setup for cheaper and probably stronger. The RC setup had the result I'm looking for but a custom option would be better in multiple areas.

7. Smittybuilt or WARN are always great. I've had no issues with my RS9000 from Rough Country.
-I like the Smittybuilt winches I've seen but good to know about WARN and the RC.

8. Again, I say build your own and make sure a tire carrier is part of it.
-I'm 50/50 on the tire carrier out back. I am sure I could be swayed to liking them more. I saw a XJ out by me the other day with one that didn't look too bad. Plus it'll be easier to access than putting it on the roof and allow more to be put up on the roof rack.

9. Be careful with these. The cutouts break pretty easily, but I've heard and seen really good things concerning their flat flares.
-I just saw a thread about flat flares that I was meaning to read to find out what that was all about.

10. let me know when this happens. I have a lot of experience with audio install.
-10-4 I will definitely do that. I've done a few installs but it's always nice to have someone more knowledable around to lend a hand.

11. Again, build your own, unless you can find a killer deal on one. A good rack for not much is made by Black Widow. Used to have one and really liked it.
-Going back to what I mentioned in Number 6. I'll run that by my family member or talk to you when I'm ready so you can point me in the right direction.

12. If you can afford it, go LED's. SOOOO much better.
-Agreed, I wouldn't run anything but an LED lightbar for the roof!!


Thanks for taking the time to reply. It has all been very helpful and I'm glad to be getting great feedback.

 

I just saw this posted in a thread. If it still stands that way then I will look more into SeriousOffroad.

 

They still make them. Just gotta know how to navigate their site.
http://www.rockkrawler.com/ProductDe...=RKXJXF-LA-UPG