b16gsr build thread 2000 XJ 4 door SE expedition rig
 

About 6 month ago I bought the most insane 2001 2 door XJ that I was not sure what to do with. It was a one owner with 44k miles and it was perfect minus the passenger side flare and side marker, and a dent on the drivers door. After sitting on it, I decided it was too nice to mess up lifting and modifying, so I sold it on Bring a Trailer. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/20...p-cherokee-13/. This gave me a wild hair to add another 4 door XJ and keep my 2 door as well. The gal and I are going to be doing a bunch more camping and kayaking this year and I wanted a 4 door XJ for the additional doors, and the 2 door is a little taller than desired for this. So after several long weeks of searching for the right one, I found it.

I had specific requirements that I was after:

• Decent miles (130k-160K)
• Government/Police/Fleet ownership history with records
• NO RUST, none not even a trace, no accidents
• Southeast or west/southwest previous residence
• Priced within my budget
• SE model, no options, clear glass, no power windows, locks etc
• Blue, Green or White exterior
• Non smoker

I found a really nice white Sport on eBay, which was not what I wanted, in Arizona and chatted with the guy about it. He told me he would pull it from eBay for a set dollar which was out of my budget, so I let the auction ride and ended up letting it go because it was way out of my budget at the end. Then I had an agreement with a dealer on a 2000 with 71k miles in the northeast, which was a gamble for me due to the weather up there. I was waiting for him to email specific pics, they didn't come and he sent me a text say he sold it. Needless to say I was pissed. So the furious hunt continued.

And then there was one.

• 2000 Cherokee SE 4 door
• 159k miles
• one government ordered and owned from new in Chattanooga, TN, no accidents
• Priced below my budget, and shipped was half at what I was looking at from a west coast rig
• Patriot Blue exterior/Agate interior
• Non smoker

I found it on a terrible Craiglist ad with these pictures:

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6wtm4eyx.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...psiuef3szo.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...psr2iaoaib.jpg

So I called the dealer and asked him to shoot some better pics, to get me the VIN and got to chat with him about it. He had been driving it for a little bit and said it was out of his normal purchase but was so nice he bought it. He sent me these pics and this helped solidify my purchase. The build sheet list from Jeep showed me a few bonus items. Skid plate group, trac-loc and heavy duty suspension, ala UpCountry package. I was stoked.

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...psm7oxotfj.jpg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...psqx1zwhwg.jpg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9v3wed6f.jpg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...psekyjcf0n.jpg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...pshnhvf5lw.jpg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...s3wkcsznu.jpeg

My entire inspiration for this build came from a Jeep that was sold on eBay a couple years ago that I saved some pictures of.

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1svnjfdx.jpg

So with the Jeep being found, I compiled a list of parts to build from and have started ordering bits and pieces.

• 3" Zone on the way
• TJ Rubicon MOAB 15" Reps delivered
• 31x10.50R15 BF Goodrich MT KM3 delivered
• WeatherTech floor and cargo liners delivered
• WeatherTech dark window visors delivered
• JCR offroad DIY winch bumper delivered
• JCR base roof basket and cubby mate
• Smittybilt 9000lb winch delivered
• OEM Trail rated badges of JL Wrangler delivered
• Truck Lite LED head lights
• Oneway LED interior light kit delivered
• LED bulbs for all exterior lighting delivered
• Python remote start alarm delivered
• Trailer hitch
• Basic stereo upgrade to allow iPhone compatibility

This should be fun build and serve its purpose well. Thanks for following along.

Thank you very much, pretty excited about this build.

A couple of the parts started trickling in.

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...s37kzisir.jpeg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...s7gnxvf46.jpeg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...smoegq54z.jpeg

One of my favorite pieces for the build which is completely applicable to this Xj is these decals made by jessenator.

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...s32ufmcmn.jpeg

Subscribed

Need cruise control for trips

Nice pick up! Cool that it was from Chattanooga. That's where I am.

Oh PARTS!!! that's always fun.

Looking forward to seeing the build.

Thanks for following along. I probably will hate not having it but I rarely use it in my 2 door, so I should be ok.

Thank you, waiting impatiently for it to be picked up by the carrier. I specifically bought in your area because the weather is never really that bad.

Parts are always fun, my mats showed up yesterday. Thanks for following along.

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...srjicq6m5.jpeg

These arrived today and I cannot wait to get them mounted up. Still waiting on the Jeep to be picked up though and its killing me.

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...s7xsyty3k.jpeg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...sbdc1hjh1.jpeg

​​​​​​https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...segvovjc5.jpeg

This will be sweet FOLLOWING!

Subbed for sure, dig the clean XJ and dig the inspiration as well.

Digging the tires.
Should I go by the dealer and take pictures of it and send to you? lol

Thank you for following along.

Thank you I am really excited about this one.

I am pumped about these tires. Oh man I may have to do that, I just got those random pics from the dealer.

You know I am going to be following this build. Never know what good ideas you might come up with that I can steal to use on my XJ. LOL.

For sure Ralph thanks for following along. I am looking forward to moving forward on it as soon as the Jeep arrives.

A few more parts are arriving, the pile keeps on growing.

​​​​​​https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...se2zv3adq.jpeg

I did a ton of research on winches and the Smittybilt seems like the best value for the money.

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...s2724a6wm.jpeg

Well I still do not have the Jeep, but i do have the title. The shipper is throwing all the excuses in the world on why it has not picked up, needless to say it is frustrating. Anyhow my fab guy has done some awesome work and got the bumper all ready for powdercoat. He is going to look at building me a roof rack next.

Early stages.

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...slynjxve2.jpeg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...s7ineuczk.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...swy8kkwb6.jpeg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...sb9ytqgjx.jpeg

All finished and ready for coating.

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...sq0t9gfid.jpeg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...sgt6x3opc.jpeg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...srj8fie9a.jpeg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...sdnimrbfe.jpeg

Let me tell you one thing, it will all depend on what service he is using to ship it.
I was shipping a car to Alaska and every "broker" we were dealing with was doing that to us.
The buyer found the actual company that was driving and the next week, it was on it's way.

Good luck with getting it on it's way to you.

Also, you may want to wait on getting that bumper powdercoated. Those wings on the ends may need to be trimmed to miss the bigger tires.

I finally got dispatched today. Sounds like pickup tomorrow. I hope to have it by weeks end.

It will be fine with the wheel and tire I am using. They fit perfect with no rubbing on my last XJ with the same suspension and wheel/tire combo.

She has arrived. I am pleased, the interior is mint, when I say mint almost perfect. That was my main concern. The paint is all original and is a little rougher than I had hoped, but it sat outside all the time so I suspected. I am going to wet sand and polish it back to life, but I will leave the patina and have another trick up my sleeve for it. I am so excited to get started. The rest of the parts should be here the middle of next week. It is going to need a rear main seal, which I suspected but otherwise is super solid and runs great.

All the skid plates are intact, as well as the rubber diaper under the front of the motor(I have only owned 2 that did) and it has trac-loc. Super stoked about this all.

First thing to do was wash the road salt off.
https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...psjyfm3xfc.jpg

Engine bay is super clean.
https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9ewnexez.jpg

The interior is the key. The driver seat is barely cracked and the carpet is still really clean.
https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...pscahmbgum.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps4kagge3j.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...pslv7spy1o.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...psqmutdbch.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...psj8j4tz5m.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...psnaqbwkfb.jpg

The hatch is so clean and not beat up.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...psbq2q2u2o.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...psgcry75qw.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...pslay68h08.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...psp72w6x1m.jpg

No rust on the underside minus some random surface rust.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps7vev6wb6.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...psiy8qyvqj.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps7d9rn56e.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps3tkps6jn.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...pspymizvkv.jpg

Again looking forward to this. Also thank you for posting a shot of the transfer case skid plate. Mine did not come with all the skids but I was able to source them and put them on. After I put on the transfer plate skid it did not look quite right to me. After everything was all set and done I had a hard time believing I had it on right because it is so far away from the transfer case. Despite the fact that it is pretty obvious that it can only go on one way. And of course trying to look at images of it on the internet never gave me just the right angle to see for sure. But from yours I can see for sure.

You definitely have a nice one to start with man!
Glad it finally got to you.

My interior is also very nice. I ordered weather tech mats as soon as I got home with it.

Can't wait to see the transformation!

Should be a fun build, glad I could help with pics.

Thank you. I am going to work on the paint, but the inside being so nice was great. I am going to start throwing some parts at it soon. Thanks for following along.

I just noticed. That is a Federal Emissions '00 isn't it? I know they exist but have only seen one up close and personal. That is a good thing IMO. My understanding is that all '01's are CA Emissions.

Being that it was a government vehicle, I would believe that is correct.

Yesterdays discovery was a cool one. Hey what do these switches do???

That is cool but since it is a government vehicle it makes sense. I went over all your pics. I did not see them. Where is the switch for that?

Very cool, do you hear the activators clicking or are they relatively silent when they flash?

If you hear the activators that means they're the older style high voltage strobes, if not they're newer LEDs that require much less power to run.

Lower left center console almost to the firewall. I didn't even see them until I started plugging around.

They are old school with the high voltage strobes. The are awesome.

Brought it down off the lift to vacuum and get the floor mats installed, as well as the window visors. The interior in this thing is so mint I just can not be happier.



https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9rertwnx.jpg



http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...pstgkn4u7y.jpg



After a quick vacuum

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...pspqbspkbw.jpg



http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...pssqiqpnel.jpg



http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...pshsehdhir.jpg



http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...psva4undfa.jpg



http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...pse3xbrmmx.jpg



http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...psdnlrwnqq.jpg



Way way cool find of the day.



http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...psz3dhkldu.jpg

WOOHOO!

More parts are arriving.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sje1sj5dg.jpeg

The front signals were shot and leaking so it was time to fix them up. I also got the new headlights and all the ZEVO LED bulbs for all the exterior lighting.

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...sya5jngxl.jpeg

Swapped the strobes over.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...skkv20n26.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...ssfgztgme.jpeg

Onto the headlights.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...s3kufoxcv.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...spz0eaixk.jpeg

My tire salesman was highly impressed.
Low beam:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sdyc8cwp8.jpeg

High beam:
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...s2aypdlxk.jpeg

All finished up.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sppzpyhb0.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...s3aqtoyxz.jpeg

Got my new antenna as well.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sjltjibfe.jpeg

So did you buy these for the front and side markers?



If so are your side markers operating properly?

I used a different sidemarker, but yes on the other lights. You have to use the proper flasher relay to get them to work right.

When you say proper flasher you mean an LED one? EP27L. What did you use for the side marker bulbs? I did a little write up.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/le...000-xj-246749/

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-LED-T10-...72.m2749.l2649

Those side markers, as the housing is shorter so it fits in the housing without force and does not touch the outer lens when installed like many many of the others.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Pin-EP27-...72.m2749.l2649

This flasher relay.

I saw your write up looks great. I have been doing LEDs in most of my vehicles prior to them being available in bulb replacement form. I used to build circuit boards with LEDs that I would install. Very rogue in nature but my electronics instructor at DeVry roughly 20 years ago got me started on LED for automotive lighting.

Well I am confused then. Those bulbs on Ebay appear to have polarity. I am saying that because in the description they tell you to flip them if they don't work. I could not get regular LED bulbs to work in the side markers. Which is why I used LED's there that were not polarity sensitive.

Do the Quadratec aluminum wheels require longer wheel studs?

I have never had an issue using these on both the Jeeps.

No idea these are the Mamba's.

Finally had some time to work on it, she has been named Tennessee Volunteer. Kind of fits with the past history. She had been ready and waiting.

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...sl2ucpc83.jpeg

And so we begin. All of the hardware came out with zero issues.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sptoyxhpq.jpeg

https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...sponjvihw.jpeg

Rear going back together.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...shndo7cuw.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...skeo3h64j.jpeg

You can see the damage to the 1/4 i found after removing the bumper corner. :/
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...stxuqkxda.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sggqwngjq.jpeg

All done out back.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...seli9ox5y.jpeg

New rolling stock is assembly as next.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sitgjmzcm.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sxdjqph0q.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sjxe8lxhp.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...shv59lugw.jpeg

Drained the oil to do the RMS, pan gasket and valve cover gasket.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...snpmgkncd.jpeg

And they finally met.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sft2g8ql0.jpeg

Managed to preserve the diaper. Skid needs a little cleaning.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...s81efhtsf.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sl5qhovlb.jpeg

Onto the front. Taking the bumper off while doing the lift.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...s8of1h97b.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sfzeckd26.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sjrrde69e.jpeg

Using force to get the springs in and out.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sqlbrzmpu.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...ssdgqryeb.jpeg

Front done minus the stabilizer and end links.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...ssgqkdorq.jpeg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sshzatmjj.jpeg

Hopefully this week I will get to the rest of the stuff so I can get it back on the ground.

Not trying to be funny but are you sure? Cause other people have told me they were not either when using 194 bulbs with polarity in the side markers, in my case amber Zevo 194's, and I questioned it. Then they would find out that they did and did not even realize it.

Been a few days since you posted. Knew when you finally did it was going to be a big one. LOL.
Looking good. If I ever do my suspension I hope to have the same experience as you.
Going with not going to get that lucky though. Expect the worst but hope for the best?
That mud shield looks pretty clean. My '00 came with one. Well what was left of it.
I found one in the boneyard that was better but used a whole can of Gunk engine degreaser on it to clean it.
That is when I realized that my Jeep hardly leaks if at all. Granted it was ripped up a bit but no oil stains, sludge, etc on it.
Made me very happy.

I haven't ever noticed they do not work properly. Maybe I do not know the difference.

Thats awesome. I know my oil pan and valve cover gasket and RMS are leaking but based on the diaper its not all too bad.

I tried the 194 amber Zevo bulbs in the side markers. At that point not realizing they were a hair to long. So I put one in and checked. Did not light up. Turned it around and checked again. Was OK.
But before I buttoned everything up I went to check everything. And that is when I discovered this. Excerpt from my write up:

Problems started with the 194's in the side markers. Remember that LED's have polarity.

So putting it in one way resulted in this:
Would go on with headlights.
Would blink when using the turn signals when the headlights were on.
Would not blink when using the turn signals with the headlights off.

Putting the bulb in the other way resulted in this:
Would not light up when you turned on the headlights.
Would blink when you used the turn signals with the headlights off.
Would not blink when you used the turn signals with the headlights on.

Like I said I had a couple people tell me theirs worked fine. And asked them if they were sure. Explaining what happened to me.
Sure enough they would get back to me saying they did not and did not even know.

I will have to look into it.

Got some more work done yesterday. Pan is off for the RMS and pan gasket install.




All looks good inside for the miles.




https://i181.photobucket.com/albums/...smznpxokq.jpeg




http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...svbknrqe1.jpeg




RMS was really leaking.




http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...shkmjnuzk.jpeg




http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...scvi8xv4v.jpeg




http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sddrglrge.jpeg




Will get the rear cap off today and get the main done and button it all back up.




Also got my UpCountry Sticker installed, looks right at home.




http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...sgj9fmxfy.jpeg

Let me know what you discover.
My sticker is in the wrong place. ​​​​​​On the driver's side behind the back seat.
I was too lazy to remove my spare.
Just as well cause do I really deserve to have one considering I don't
have a Up Country suspension? LOL