Take a lot more pictures and we can help you on those questions. Looks like a good jeep though, love my 2 door. I will say that you should look at Napier fender flares instead, they are more durable, less bulgy, and more reasonably priced. As far as the bumper, look at JCR, top-quality, better than smitty (aka ****tybilt), and also cheaper due to not being a giant corporate business. Good luck on your build!
Looks good Im not a big fan shiny wheels personally (At leats on Jeeps) but I really really like that blue color. I saw one that color in JP magazine and it looked fantastic!
So my drivers door handle broke, now I have to roll down the window to open the door... The issue is the pocket had a screw that holds it in place when that broke I lost all leverage on the lock. I made a trip over to Jeep Parts Depot and picked up a replacement. 35.00 and I was on my way. I will post the installed pic later tonight.
You have a great XJ to start out with. Take a picture of the back of your t-case and the drive shaft. I am curios if you have a SYE that would be nice. (it is on my to do list). Look forward to seeing your progress and trail rides.
So I replaced the door handle, I can now get out without rolling down the window. However If I lock it, its almost impossible to unlock with the lever or the key. Do I simply need to replace the locking mechanism or do you think it just needs to be cleaned.
So I picked up the sway bar from the previous owner. Looks like it is off because the OE connects will not fit on what I think is a 4.5" lift that is on the jeep. I just ordered these http://jksmfg.com/i-13306724-cheroke...-6-0-lift.html I am hoping this does the trick. Also back to the salvage yard to get the bolts to attach it to the frame. Unless someone knows the size bolts I need.
As others have said, you do have a awesome one to start out with. It also seems to have some decent mods done to it so far.
Based on your photos:
Your front axle is the Dana 30 (all XJ's had the 30) High Pinion WITHOUT the annoying vacuum disconnect that the earlier ones had. The rear axle is the Chrysler 8.25 so your better off with that than the Dana 35 most of the older ones had as well.
Looks like you have around a 2" spacer up front and (like V69 said) you have aftermarket non-adjustable lower control arms. Only judging by the color of the coils and whatnot (the PO could have just painted them red) I'd guess maybe a 2" Skyjacker or Rancho (putting you at 4" with the spacer)
You can use this LINK to tell if your NP231 has a SYE or not. Its even a 1995 XJ like yours lol. That second pic is how it looks factory (with the yoke removed) and the first pic is what it would look similar to if it has a SYE installed.
You can request your factory build sheet from Jeep to find out what was originally on it. I sent it mine on a sunday and got it back that Monday morning. Some people say that they even got theirs within a couple hours.
Took a few photos and looked at the article about SYEs. Looks like mine does not have that. How do I tell if I need it. Part of me says just do it because it looks like a fun project and hey its just money.
Mine is doing just fine with out a SYE, but it is putting a lot of stress on the u-joints. The thing is it does cost $$$$ and you will need a different drive shaft (which you can get away with another front drive shaft I believe) but I want to wait until I do an Ford 8.8 axle swap and just go for the SYE plus a good after market drive shaft with the proper fit. I would like to do up-grades just once with Quality parts.
Those locks are a PITA I have the same issue with my passenger lock (usually in cold weather) I have to work it back and forth (lock/unlock) and finally can get the door open. I would try using some penetrating oil it could solve the problem.
Mine is a 2-door as well, love the way yours looks. The color is rare for a two door.
Im not a big fan shiny wheels personally (At leats on Jeeps) but I really really like that blue color. I saw one that color in JP magazine and it looked fantastic!
(putting you at 4" with the spacer)
