I picked up a 2000 XJ sport in September 2021. Decided to make a build thread to keep track of what I’ve done to it but most of all get help along the way. Want to make it as capable off road while still driving me to school everyday and some longer road trips.. Thinking 32s and 3 inch lift for know. The. 33s or 35s in the way future when I got the money for long arms and all that.

Totally new to XJs, but not mechanics and off-roading

 

When I bought it




Dog likes it

 

black on black is looking good! what size lift is on it already?

 

Thanks!
It has a 3 inch rough country lift. Worn out and I rub hard. Going to refresh

 

Clears the 31s in the front fine, probably cuz there is still a sway bar.

 

Well this might not be much of a build after all. Wheeled it yesterday and with bald tires and major rubbing there was nothing that the Jeep couldn’t do even on some pretty technical hill climbs that mostly only moto’s do. The small size of the Jeep really gets into those tight spots. Definitely going to keep it on 31s for a while. Going to upgrade to higher quality 3inch lift components and get some lockers. I can’t justify spending 1000$ on tires, 1700$ on 4.5 inch long arm to run 33s and still ride decent. Not counting gearing, building axles, SYE and the added stress to the engine when this truck is already a beast on the 31s. It’s also my only vehicle and I plan on driving it far distances a lot so I want to keep its drive ability

 

All at once this can come off as a bit much. But for what your looking to achieve its very doable and rather mild IMO. I don't describe it as mild in a bad way, in regards to what the drivetrain can hold up to and still be a reliable road driven vehicle its actually a solid plan. Over time Lift first, then SYE and rear driveshaft, tires next, then lastly your gears and lockers. That 4.0 and AW4 trans can handle all of this just fine- even the stock gears and potential 35" tires it would be just fine.

 

Getting new 3 inch rear leafs in, Zone Offroad

Such a PITA but driver side on

Is this the sway bar bracket thing? Sat on top of the U Bolt plate

Bad picture but my shackles are definitely at the end of their life
Lifting up my rear

 

Got both springs on last night, also did cut and fold on the rear. Not super happy with the ride and the look, it’s full stink bugged and rides so stiff and is really bouncy. The 31s look super small in the fender wells. I got a small coil spacer for the front to level it. Picking up some used long arms off a wrecked Jeep this weekend on the way of a pretty big trip into the desert. Not sure how the xj is going to do on the long *** drive but we’ll see.

 

Here it is hopefully levels out today with the spacer up front. Need to get new tires before Sunday, pretty set on BFGoodrixh Mud Terrians. Deciding between 31s and 32s. I wanted to stay on 31s but until the leafs level out I’m itching for a little larger tire. Anyone have experience with 32x10.50 MT with stock gearing? Should I get a transmission cooler for this size tire?

 

Got a .75 coil spacer in upfront. Also a pita, my coil compressor I rented from Autozone got stuck in the coil, the ones I borrowed from a friend also got stuck in the between the coil and the TB mount. After a long day of almost loosing fingers I got it sorted and the Jeep sits good. I have a little bit of driveline vibration but not super bad. Took it on a big trip this weekend to Spangler Hills in Mojave CA, mostly a moto trip but still got some wheeling in and the engine never got above 210 on the freeway even in 80+ degrees. Had some gnarly death wobble about 5 minutes into the drive from my house, first drive with the new spacers up front, but it sorted itself out and I havnt had a problem since. I’m still milking all the life I can out of my dead KO2s, it’s starting to get a little dangerous now to be 100% honest.

I don’t know what I’m going to do next with it modification wise, probably a SYE and DS, I’d like some lockers but driving in the snow is going to be pretty common for me in the next couple years some I’m not really sure if I should get lunchbox style lockers. Also want a new tie rod and track bar. I also still think long arms would be super cool, but probably not necessary, especially in my budget, highschool. If anyone has some good experience with some of these parts in the cheaper category please let me know

 

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Here’s a picture of the compressor stuck in the coil

 

Here’s some pictures of the recent trip in the Jeep



Made the trip with no problems

XJ speed record?

Almost ran this guy over on the moto

Hill climbs to watch the sunset

Had to wait for the train

 

No more rubbing on the rear fenders