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My First Jeep! 97 Jeep XJ Build

Old Sep 30, 2014 | 03:24 PM
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Default My First Jeep! 97 Jeep XJ Build

I bought this jeep off a guy I work with for a solid $550.00 Cash. It has 210,00 on the body and 176,000 on the motor. I bought it with the intention that the motor just needed valve steam seals. It has a 4 1/2 rough country lift on it. I couldn't pass up the deal for $550 bucks. Heres what she looks like...












I knows she in some rough shape but hey, Ill work it all out.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 03:32 PM
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A couple days later I did a compression check on the engine and what I Found was no good. Cylinders 1-3 were between 100-120 PSI. 4-6 where at about 120-135. I decided instead of rebuilding I would just find another motor.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 03:34 PM
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From: St. Louis
Year: 1998
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Engine: 4.0 Liter I6 PowerTech
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Hey, for $550, it's worth it. Throw a good motor in there and you'll have a rad project Jeep, and it's already lifted 4.5 inches, so you'll save money there! Awesome find man!
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 03:37 PM
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So out came the motor!








This is the first motor I've ever pulled!


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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 03:41 PM
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I found a motor out of a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. I pulled in the wrangler and did a compression check on it. I had a good range on that, 135PSI-150PSI. I couldnt complain for a $200.00 Motor.



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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 04:39 PM
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: currently running
Default Cool

That's an awesome start. I am building my first Jeep (97 XJ) as well. I have always been fast and low. I am 35 now with 5 kids. So this time I went another route. I am glad that I have an automatic trans. I wish I would have known to get a jeep with manual windows. It took an act of congress to get the aftermarket grant steering wheel on that Jeep with the air bags. Also, I actually used a radiator from a postal jeep. It has lines for a trans cooler, and it is two row. It is about 1/2 taller than the stock, and I got it to fit. It is way cheaper than a new after market radiator. What plans if any do you for better intake and exhaust? The good thing about these jeeps are they have been out long enough for parts to be found every where. I hope you get that bad boy on the trail soon. Good luck brother.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 07:42 PM
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Once I get the engine pulled out of the Wrangler I am going to reseal the whole thing and paint er up. I plan on a K and N intake with throttle body spacer. Exhaust was all hacked up when I bought it so I plan on Throwing it back on there with a nice flowmasters. Keep in mind im only 19, work 2 jobs and go to school full time so I am trying to work on her every chance I can.
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Old Oct 4, 2014 | 08:19 PM
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So I've made some progress on the engine on the wrangler. Just have exhaust and bell housing bolts and she's out of here
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Old Oct 6, 2014 | 12:26 PM
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Old Oct 6, 2014 | 05:49 PM
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I hope there are other plans for that TJ... looks like a nice rig!
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Old Oct 7, 2014 | 08:51 AM
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It's not mine so as far as I know she's going to the scrap yard once I'm done with it. The frame is really rotted out on it
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Old Oct 7, 2014 | 09:09 PM
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Here's The plan for the new enigine. Let me know what y'all think.
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