My 2001 XJ DD/All-Purpose Build (Super slow...)
 

Hey all! I have been looking at this forum for awhile now, but just recently (October) came into possession of a nice 2001 Limited Cherokee. I am in college (yet this is my first vehicle) and on an extremely tight budget, so this build will be slow, but I don't cut corners so everything will be done right.

Here is a picture of it the night I brought it home:
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/...91ea3659_b.jpg

4.0 with 165k that runs perfect
NP242 TC
D30/35 (both open)
~4" mixed lift
Drop Pitman Arm/Rancho Steering Stabilizer
245/75/16 Firestone Destination M/T's
Garvin Wilderness roof rack
2 Hellas on the homebrew front bumper
2 lights on the roof rack
48" Hi-Lift on the rack as well


After a week or so, I was able to get it up to school and finally start driving it. I also had the chance to give it a really good wash and wax, then snap some good pictures:


(the pictures make it look better than it really is...definitely has some beauty marks!)


First time getting it dirty:

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/...28132104_n.jpg

Since then, I have:

Taken off those crappy unconnected lights that were on the back of the rack
Relocated the spare tire (sitting in my garage for now lol)
Relocated the Hi-lift to the trunk
Installed Centric Premium Rotors and Black Magic Brake Pads (freaking awesome if you've never heard)
Adjusted Rear Drum Brakes
Changed oil and filter – Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic
Changed spark plugs – Champion 7034 Truck Plugs
New Ball Joints (upper and lower)
New Water Pump
New Freeze Plugs (2 total changed)
New Serpentine Belt
New Intake Gasket
New Thermostat Gasket

Some of that stuff was done by my local 4x4 shop because I simply don't have the knowledge. I got major crap on another XJ forum (N*X*A) about paying for someone to work on my XJ, but I just didn't feel comfortable trying those repairs, and I definitely don't have the necessary equipment. I have been talking with some locals about helping me out with smaller projects though, so that should save some cash!


Since I am on Christmas break from school, I have been able to work on the Jeep quite a bit. Small stuff, but I still enjoy it. My main project has been "refurbishing" my roof rack. It was starting to rust and the paint was chipping, so I took it all apart, sanded it down, primed it, and bedlined it.

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/...e/DSC_3105.jpg


http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/...e/DSC_3103.jpg


I also got some JCR Gutter Mount brackets that I will have welded on once my next project is complete, which leads me to...

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/...e/IMG_1078.jpg

My Christmas haul! (the Jeep related stuff, anyways)

Last night, I ordered everything I need to wire those bad boys up; about $80 at Del City well spent :yes: Like I said at the beginning of this post/thread, I believe in quality work, and not cutting corners, so everything I will be doing might cost a little more, but I am going to put the time and effort into making sure it is done right.

That being said, today I started giving my new lights a makeover! I didn't take any pictures, but I will take some tomorrow of the progress. I am also making my own light tabs for the rack, so I'll post those up too!

As far as future plans for the XJ go, I want to keep it as a DD/mild-wheeler/small and mighty, so my list includes, but is not limited to:

Iron Rock Off Road Double Shear Track Bar
Adjustable Upper/Lower Control Arms

Quick Discos
Wheel Spacers or New Wheels
Smoked Corners
Bilstein 5100's
New Old Man Emu or similar 3.5-4" coils and leaf springs
Rock Sliders
Front and Rear bumpers
Winch
Rear axle swap and locker or Super 35 kit with locker


Also, please don't tell me to "get rid of that Turdy Five immediately!" I've heard the argument plenty of times. For what I am using the XJ for, the 35 will serve its purpose well enough. If it breaks, I'll find an 8.25 or D44 (definitely don't need an 8.8) and swap it in.

Sorry that was such a long first post, but I had some catching up to do! Not several years like some of you other guys, but a little bit. I will update every time I do something to the Jeep, which during school won't be very often, but I just want to keep a record of everything! Thanks for reading and look forward to updates!

Looks Saweet! :cowboy: Keep up the good work

Beautiful Jeep. I will be watching with interest. Best of luck with it.

I will suggest some armor to your build, unless I missed that, to include engine, xfer case and at least front diff.

John

Dont let people give you s*&t about not doing some things yourself.
Safety first man!!!
It seems like you have the right idea here.....Although, if you are going to offroad your jeep, I would get the armor like the last guy said.

I like it. I was looking for a white XJ when I bought my Sienna Pearl one.
I plan to build an expedition style setup myself. This is pretty close to what i want to do.
Thanks for the inspiration.

Sharp lookin' rig!!! I'm currently looking for an XJ myself, so I'm going to follow your build :)

I definitely did forget to mention armor. Oops! I have some more important things to get first (like the track bar), but armor is definitely on the list. Front diff cover will probably first as far as armor is concerned. I have a feeling I will be able to do a LOT more to the Jeep once summer rolls around :yes:

I'm about to start working on it for the day, so I'll post some pictures later! Thanks for all the comments and compliments!

I thought all 97 and newer xjs came with 8.25 rear with 29 splins stock my 98 and 01 did

I've got ABS.

ohh thats unfortunate, abs is no good offroad, and they put d35 in instead of the 8.25 just for abs, jeep wasn't thinking on that one lol.. you jeep is super clean though looks great, and nice pictures:thumbup1:

Yeah it's a bit of a bummer. I want to keep ABS as long as I can though, since this is my DD and sees much more street than dirt. That's the main reason I'm considering the Super 35 kit...just so I can keep the ABS. When I first got it, I thought I might have gotten a better rear axle since it has the factory tow package, but I guess Jeep just overlooked it! Thanks for the compliments :gunsmilie:

Yay for white XJs! You're rig looks very nice. I can't wait to see it go!

Very clean XJ. Looking forward to following your build.

digging it for sure.

I love them! I'm going for the storm trooper look. Black and white FTW!

Thank you! Pictures from today's project will be posted after dinner!