1999 XJ 2-Door Diesel from Spain
 

Hi!

I´ve spent the last month wondering what to do with my XJ. The goal is to have a capable rig that I can use on and offroad while retaining 25 mpg minimum. (right now sitting at about 28-29 if im careful) . Offroad use will be trail riding and a lot of sand in Morocco. I´m going to put the list of mods that I have planned.... please dont hessitate to contact me if something is wrong!

Wheels: Steel Rims, 7x16", ET-20 or ET0 (pls help me decide)
Tyres: 245/75R16 (30.5x9.6") Or 265/75R16 (31.6x10.5") (not sure if wider tires will kill mpg)
Stock axels (on the long run, Ford 8.8 out of an explorer , is the only thing that i can get in europe)
Lift: I think a 3"-3.5" should be enough. Full leaf pack and coils. ( Do i need control arms, trackbar ... at this point? lift kits are very expensive here)
Shocks: I want a good sets of shocks to go with the lift

Interior: Full sound deadening on all panels. (product similar to dynamat), 2DIN radio, And relocation of the rear view mirror (I find it so inconveniently placed in the middle of the windshield)
Exterior: Full detail and polish. Wind deflectors/rainguards, Refurbishing all the plastic trim, refurbishing the underside.

I´m all ears.pls help

I assume this is the diesel engine that the europeans got?... I'd love to see some pictures... no advice on build as I'm just getting mine tuned up and such... I assume you'd just hop a ferry to go wheeling on Morocco? sounds like it would pretty awesome.

Yes, its a 2.5l Turbo Diesel. Runs great now, but im planning to keep the car and in the long run swap it for a VW TDI engine... Also, wheeling in Spain is a bit difficult, usually you have to get permits, so you hop on the ferry and go wheeling on Morocco.
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This weekend I will make some good photos, The wheels will arive soon, just triying to decide on the tyres and go from there

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It looks like you are going to need a lift kit and maybe some fender trimming to get those wheels to fit. Nice looking XJ!

Kev

looks good... I dig the way those steelies look and look forward to seeing them on the truck... tires are about 30.5"x 9.5.

about how far of a drive is it to the ferry to morocco?

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This is the current stance, i am getting some fender flares and triming a bit the front bumper.
​​​​​The thing is that, in Spain, if you install a lift kit and go above 4" (including added wheel height) , you have to make braking test in a laboratory... So a lot of €€€€. I will try to get away with some 1.25" spacers and some shackels, pass inspection and get the carr certified, and then change the leafs and coils to gain another 1.25'. I think 30.5"s will fit withh 2.5" of lift and some triming.
Is there any point in getting ajustable control arms, or trackbar? Is steering bracing recomended?

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From Madrid the drive is 6-7 hours long dependig on your right foot. Then you have to add 1h for the ferry. Its only worth it when you are planing to spend some time. That beeing said, I've always enjoyed staying there. Usually you start the trip frecamping, and saving money, and you end it in luxurious Riads.... :icon_cool: This summer the idea is to make the full atlántic coast, to Sidi Ifni, a old spanish colony. If you want a shorter wheeling trip, you go to Portugal or where its allowed in Spain ...

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things are starting to come along. JB welded after doing cut and fold, now a bit of bondo, sanding and painting. Looks great. Full interior gets covered with knockoff dynamat, i love that stuff.

The build is almost finished....

Headliner redone. Full interior "refurbish" and insulation, is dead silent now.
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Bumper Trim and finishing touches...
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