Hey guys, I've been hooked on the forum for months now and finally bought my first XJ yesterday. Its a 2000, Sport, 4x4, 5-speed, 4.0L with Chrysler 8.25 rear axle. It has 97,000 miles on it and is in great mechanical shape. It's all stock except for 245/75/16 Goodyear Wranglers (that rub when I pull a tight turn). This summer I will be building it up with a RE 3.5" superflex lift, JCR front bumper, rear bumper, and sliders (links below), Bushwacker flat fenders, Nitto 285/70/16 Trail Grappler MT's, roof rack, and possibly more. I'm inexperienced but mechanically inclined and can't wait to turn every single nut and bolt myself. I'm looking to turn it into a fairly capable daily driver.

Sliders: http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/mercha..._Code=XJ-US-Dx

Front Bumper:http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/mercha...de=XJ-F-WN-PRE

Rear Bumper:http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/mercha...ct_Code=XJ-R-S

Although I wont be able take on any of the major stuff until July, i'm going to try and get all of the minor repairs out of the way and would like some advice.

1)The parking brake works but won't stay engaged. If i put it in neutral and pull it up it will hold but as soon as i let go it slips about half way down making a ratcheting sound. The PO replaced the wheels, tires and front shocks, and i suspect it has something to do with that but am not sure how to fix/adjust it.

2)The front passenger window doesn't work and is held up by a few pieces of cardboard shoved in the window-jam. I hear this is a common problem and the PO says it's the window regulator. Can i just pick one up at a junkyard or is it something i should try and get new?

Some other things that i'll be fixing are: rear windshield wiper, multiple burnt out lights, broken glove box hinge, and the speakers that only work on the right side of the jeep. The PO also took off the roof rack so i'll have to pick up a spare on at a junk yard this weekend.

 

Manual cherokees are the best! Good job.

 

Thanks! It took 3 1/2 months to find the right one but it was worth the wait.

 

Good looking rig! Good luck with the build.

 

great buy man i am gonna be converting my xj to 5-speed and as for the pass. window regulator and glovebox hinge i have those parts laying around pm for more info...and welcome to the forum

 

Still waiting til summer to do the main part of the build but I'm doing some repairs for the next week or so until I'll be away for a month. I replaced the brake pads a few weeks back.



The PO neglected the XJ for a long time before I rescued him. I also purchased the window repair kit from Steiger Performance. It cost about $40 and took 2 hours to install. Way better than getting a whole new regulator assembly for $120 and it came with very thorough instructions. It replaces the broken plastic mount with a the metal mount in the picture. I you have the same problem I would highly recommend them!



I took apart my drum brakes to see if the shoes were worn cause my parking brake still won't stay engaged but they have plenty of life left. If I pull on the parking brake button and pull the lever all the way up it will catch but as soon as I let go it falls. I think the ratchet is worn down but I'm not sure how to go about replacing it or how to even get to it. I took off the bucket in the center console but cant really access anything. Any ideas?

 

Well it's finally time to start my build! The XJ is up on jack stands in the garage now and is soaking in PB blaster overnight.

First thing tomorrow I'm going to instal the front of the RE 3.5" super flex