I've never taken the time to do a build thread on any of the XJs, so I figured I'd do one on the MJ just to keep it organized better.
This is what we started with, an 87 2wd, 6-cyl.

 

I was going to use the blown 98 for a donor,



But then a $400 99 XJ showed up,







Nearly 320k miles and a blown motor as well, but a perfect interior, wiring, and accessories for the MJ.

 

So far got the front axle swapped out. Just a stock dana30 from another 99, but with 4.10s installed

 

Annnnnd, winters here. So begins the engine work. A 4.0L from another different 99. Bored just .20 (should be .020) over with an increase of just .10 (should be .010, don't know why auto correct changed it) in bearings for both cam and crank, not sure yet which direction with this motor yet. Maybe a simple Clegg engine stage one stroker and cam kit, this would be a 4.2L with a 9.0:1 CR. Or just a stock build using original parts with new pistons and cam. I think the budget might decide this one.

 

Can't wait to see this done, it will be awesome, definitely subscribing. Are you swapping the grill over?

 

thanks! plan on swapping everything over from the 99. Basically just keeping the fuel tank/pump from the Comanche.

 

That's going to look awesome, I've always wanted to do this!

 

Don't see many of these kinda builds over here, but I love them! Subscribed.

 

I really hope you didn't bore it .20 oversized. That's almost 1/4th of an inch. ;-) 0.020 sounds better!

 

Haha. Agreed. Never even saw that the iPad made that correction. Did it on all decimals. Thanks for the heads up.

 

It's not an original build by any means. Here's what started this project. Same concept, lower COG, and more armor/trail doodads.

 

Looks good man I'm in the process of doing a similar build. Picked up a nice 87 Comanche and a 2000 xj this fall it's been too cold to work on in my barn Can't wait for warmer weather

 

That thing is so sexy. A lower COG would make me fall in love lol

 

I just picked this one up too, but for a different reason. I was looking for a better tailgate, and this one popped up. He wanted $200 for the bed. When I went there to get it, he sold me the whole truck for $150.



86, blown 4-cyl, rot everywhere, no interior, no tranny. But the bed was in good shape.

 

Here's a better "sexy" picture