This will be my gradual build thread on my daily driver. Picked this XJ up in Oct 2014 from the original owner who had only put 132,000 miles on it. I drove it for a year. Then picked up a 4runner from the brother-in-law and my oldest daughter has been driving it for the last year. I just took it back over and put her in the 4runner. Time to starting to fix it up how I want it.
It will be getting somewhere around a 2 to 3" lift over the next few months. Don't want to go any higher while it's going to be my main vehicle.

Here are a couple pics of from the weekend I picked it up. Also bought the Thule MOAB the next day after buying the Jeep. As you can tell the rear springs are gone. I put in a RE full length AAL to get by until I lift it. I have a decent bit of stuff in the back and at times have all 4 of the family's mountain bikes on the bike rack. Have a new set of wheels and tires coming in tomorrow. Will post an updated pic before the wheels/tires and after, sometime later this week.

Here it is-

 

nice rig. what lift are you planning to put in it?

 

Thanks. Most likely I will go with the OME 2934 coils and OME CS033RB leafs with one leaf removed. Have also considered a set of Moog Variable Rate CC784 (will net 2-2.5") and Crown or Dorman HD leaf set with shackle relocation brackets and new shackles if needed to get it level.

Have had thoughts of the full Metal Cloak 3.5" kit as well though.

 

Here's how it currently sits with the AAL in the rear. Front will be up a little shortly too.

 

With the new 15x8 American Outlaw Ranger wheels and 235/75/15s tires. Got these from discount tire direct, white letters were suppose to be turned to the inside. I can live with it as is though....until bigger tires are needed.

 

Finally got around to installing some new Moog CC782 Coils and some take-off red Rubicon shocks.

 

Nice! Those wheels are a bit trippy to look at, but I dig em.

I would definitely recommend the 3.5" metalcloak lift. Outside of an SYE and driveshaft it has everything needed. You can even get the OME CS033RB leafs (still remove the middle leaf) and then factor in shackle relocation brackets to get it to 3.5". Just spit balling for ya!

Honestly, if I could start over, that's what I would have gone with.

 

IF or WHEN I go bigger, I think the Metalcloak will get the nod.

Likely will be passing this one on to my youngest daughter in a few years, so I may keep it this height. If we end up doing something else for her, it's going bigger for sure!

 

Nice XJ I really like those rims. You dont really see too many of those steel blue xjs out here. I have the patriot blue myself actually im refinishing the paint. Keep us updated

 

Hahaha, until you decide you want to keep this one for yourself. The more work you do, the more attached you'll be. IF or WHEN you go bigger, should just be now. Don't want to do it twice. I know teens can be wild, but a properly lifted and maintained XJ is just as safe as a stock one. At least in my eyes.
Also agree with Esechuy... definitely not a color you see much of and it's a good one. Good luck with it. I'll be watching.

 

Yep, that's one reason I'm holding off on doing too much right now. Also agreed on a properly lifted and maintained XJ being just as safe. Don't think the youngest is going to be gravity challenged either, so lifted would be fine for her too.

This is my favorite color on the XJs. I don't see it much outside of my small town, but there are 3-4 of the same color here.

 

If he keeps it for himself he won't have an excuse to get yet another XJ! All looks great, can't see a difference in the paint color from the picture. Did you have a shop mix the original paint for you or what?

 

That is the original paint.

 

Sorry I see now I was trying to reply to a different thread..."Project high mile Steel Blue 2001 XJ" this endless scroll/related thread thing messed me up. Carry on!