danjr2010

Figured it was about time to let everyone else know what I did with my Christmas Break.
Picked up this 2000 XJ Sport off Craigslist in November. It has the 4.0HO, AW4, np231, power locks windows, etc. It also has a sunroof, my way of negotiating with a Wrongler for that topless feel.
When I got it, it had a daybed roofrack, a 2” budget boost, butchered fenders, non-working winch, replacement bumper, moto metal wheels, and an 1 1/4'” receiver hitch. She sat as seen below when I first got her.



Through November, I managed to score a set of used Bushwhacker Cut outs for $125 and a brand new Rough Country Series 2 3” lift with full leaves for $200 off of Craigslist. I also picked up a set of 5 steelies from the PO for an additional $50 (steal right?).

I soon ditched the poorly made roofrack and made a little pocket padding off of it.
I’m a college student, and don’t really have a place to work on my Jeep when at TCU up in Fort Worth, so I loaded up everything including a buddy and headed back home after finals to San Antonio. Here she is filled to the max and loaded down for the 5 hour road trip.

I wanted to compare the flex before and after the lift so here I am playing around up at my old high school.


Here are some final shots before the build got under way.


Tackled the rear first. Turns out the stock rear leaves were trashed, one even had a large crack in it. Then moved on to the front.

The new vs. old springs. UPGRADE.

Here’s right after the lift was finished.

Here is an after shot with the other wheels and tires.

Decided to get some all terrains for better highway travel, found a good deal on some that fit the moto metals, so I stuck with them.
Here she is getting new shoes put on. I bet you wish your XJ could levitate.

Here she is with new rubber.

I then wanted to test the flex with the new lift. I also fabbed some homemade quick discos to go with the lift. Pretty impressed, but ran out of rock.





When I got the jeep, the winch wasn’t working so I investigated and as you can see, the motor was shot. It found a place in the garage until I buy a new motor. I also decided to install a receiver hitch on the front bumper so I can have winch access out back as well as the front on a hitch cradle when the time comes.


Went to pick and pull and over the course of two days got two more roof rack cross bars, a 2” receiver hitch, and full set of factory skids. The gas tank skid is off a ZJ (much stronger).


Here it is installed with the new receiver hitch.


I really like how the two extra roof rack bars turned out. Looks cool, and very functional. Very good and cheap alternative to buying/building a full on roof rack.


Next I installed 4 Hella 500FF’s on the front bumper. Looks really clean with the front end.

Flares went on next. As I said they were used, so I sanded down some scratches, painted them flat black, and they look good as new. I was amazed with how they turned out.

As you can see, I was a little tucked under, so I found some 2” wheel spacers of craigslist for a whopping $75 for the set of 4. Installed ‘em and that about completed her for now.

Some complete pics:


At that point, break was over so I loaded her back up and made the trek back to Fort Worth. Heres a before and after of the road trip and my break.


Trying out the flex at 4wheel Parts on their ramp:





I was able to go higher up the ramp by 8” (vertical measurement) than a buddy with a JK and 35’s

Let me know what you guys think and any opinions on what should come next. I think once I refill the bank account the winch motor will be ordered and that should do for a little while. At least that’s the plan until I see something else on here I want to do

xj wheeler

Great build so far. You got a way of finding some good steals, those bushwackers especially. You really cleaned it up, looks great.

danjr2010

Thank you! After putting in blood, sweat, and tears into one, its hard not to love your xj even more. I can't say enough about craigslist. I've done lots of buying/selling/trading on there and I've always come out ahead. Look for good deals and know the value of things and you usually end up ahead. I'm on there almost as much as here haha

danjr2010

Put on some BFG Mud Terrains the other day. Also have some stickers (aka horsepower boosters) and factory tcase skid to add as well. Roof rack and RC quick discos coming soon.

98sport4x4

good looking build. keep up the good work buddy! and make sure to graduate lol

Cherry_key

Since you asked for an opinion... I think you should go with different wheels. My opinion is those are ugly and dont compliment your rig. Everything else

1ABrian

sweet rig man. Love the lift and Ive always been a fan of the bushwackers however the wheels are a little funky.... or different. I'm on the fence about those. I think its just because we always see soft 8's on these.

danjr2010

I was trying to be a little different and I already had these. Plus I like that they're 17's because I can put new take offs on them. Plethora of cheap mud tires from new JK Rubicons haha. Eventually, when I buy new tires, I'll prolly go with soft 8's though. Thanks for the opinion!

89jeepfreak

looks good man. i just pulled a hitch outta the junk yard today too how hard was it to put in? i just put a 4.5 rc lift under mine went and got wood the other day dident sag one bit was pretty suprized lol

danjr2010

I'd reccomend you wire wheel it and paint it before sticking it on. Also, if your jeep has the factory nut strips in both sides of the unibody its really pretty simple, just unbolt the exhaust hanger, slap the hitch in, bolt everything up and your good to go. Mine didn't have nut strips on both sides so I had to take of the bumper mounts to access the unibody and put in nuts/bolts. Also, if you don't have one already, I'd get a zj gas tank skid and put it in at the same time.

kickr123

looks great! whats next?

danjr2010

Thank you! Curently have a deal on a roofrack in the works. Then winch motor, rocker guards, then regear and an aussie front locker. However, gears and lockers will probably wait a little while until money is available.

danjr2010

Thank you! And graduating will be happening haha

RememberTheMallamo

Where did you hear that the ZJ skid was stronger? (Not doubting you, just curious since I'm in the market for skids). Did it fit directly with no mods? And is the factory TC skid any good or should I just go aftermarket? You've done a great job on that thing and personally I think those wheels are SICK. Honestly if you don't end up keeping them I'd definitely take them haha. I have Ravines on mine that I painted black, left the lips and center caps silver, I think they rock, too.

danjr2010

I heard it on here,and when comparing them the ZJ skid is much thicker metal and built better. You have to drill one more hole and wallow out another for it to fit right in. I actually sold this XJ and just got another. Can't wait to see how it turns out!