Post Hack Build- 2000 Jeep XJ
 

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...1ea15acb27.jpg
First summer I owned it, "flexing" at the farm.
I decided to a build thread on my 2000 Classic 4dr with 4x4. I bought this jeep as my first car when I was a freshman in college. I graduated last May and I am now working full time so I have more funds to send into the Jeep. The reason for the title is that as I have gone over the Jeep, there have been a lot of cheap fixes and "hack" methods used that I didn't know about or know to look for when I bought it. Some of my early work could be put into this category as well, so I hope to remedy these with more permanent fixes.
I want a reliable vehicle for commuting as it is my only vehicle right now, I don't want a huge rock crawler, but more of an expedition style rig.

Short term goals:
Sure up cooling system (possible radiator leak)
3 inch Zone lift Kit with shocks (Purchased and installing soon)
Skid plates
Factory Tire Swing if I ever come across one.
Replace Diff. Fluids
Disc Brake conversion
Trans cooler lines leaking
Front Drive Shaft Vibrations
Minor body work in various places
Fuel rail and 4 hole injectors
Hitch
Valve cover gasket
Clean Engine Bay
Oil filter adapter

Long term Goals:
Hidden winch behind stock bumper
Strip body to sandblast and refinish
Possible lockers front and rear
Half doors with canvas tops
Fix A.C.
Convert rear cargo area into sleeping/storage platform.

All in all I have a lot of goals and I'm sure I'll change my mind on things along the way. Any input will be greatly appreciated so if you think of something that will be a good idea for my rig let me know!

I picked up factory front and gas tank skids yesterday. Front skid came off his 98 he was parting in five minutes, gas tank skid was fuse to the frame with rust and we bent it quite a bit trying to get it off. Its still in goos shape and I should be able to bend it back. Looking to clean those up and install them soon.

Finished up with my upgraded wiring I had to do over the winter after the alternator kept failing. The kit came with a nice inline fuse as well.
I also have and a-c delete pulley until I take the time to get a new compressor.
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I POR 15'ed all my skid plates that I was able to source that did not come on my '00. They were in pretty good shape though. On rust POR 15 holds up real well. On cleaner metal not so sure yet. I did wire wheel the hell out of them and prep per the instructions. See how they fare over time.

Been laying ground work for doing the same. I am going to make my own cables and at the moment my thinking is I am going to put the mega fuse in front of the PDC using the cover that came on the Jeep.
Bought some battery terminal bolts with the square head. Looks like it will slide in that slot but the head is too thick so I am going to take it down some on my bench grinder. The spacing is correct for the mega fuse and with some 90 degree battery lugs hoping to keep it pretty clean looking.
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That is a good option as well, I will probably do that when I get them cleaned up.

Also thinking about using some 90 degree lugs. Could not find any locally and was wonder if the throat would clear. XJwonders was nice enough to post a shot of his. Post #22

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/vi...249962/index2/

I did see his before I thought of doing that. I wasn't sure if the fuse had to be in the spot the kit had it in (in terms of what it is connected to) or not.
His look like they are maybe just bent to 90 degrees, can't quite tell.

Pretty sure the alt goes to the left one and runs to the battery from the right. I have not worked out everything yet. LOL.
They make 45 and 90 degree lugs. Cause also thinking maybe the one to the starter and alt should be a 45 or 90.
Still finalizing how I am going to handle that too.

https://www.delcity.net/store/45%C2%...10764.h_810766

https://www.delcity.net/store/90%C2%...10765.h_810784

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Well as the picture shows, my t case is dead. A new one is being put on, so hopefully that will be the source of my vibrations I’ve had. If not I’ll be pulling the front driveshaft to try to isolate it.

New transfer case and front driveshaft. This is the smoothest she’s driven since I’ve owned it. Set me back a lot because I had to have the shop do it. Won’t be buying any more parts for a long time. I’ve quite a few to put on so hopefully I can do that with the nicer weather.

Replaced my third taillight with an led but realized it still wasn’t working. Turns out the wire broke in the boot that connects to the lift gate.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...565230fb4.jpeg

Currently part way through my 3 inch lift install. I had to cut out all four upper shock bolts on the rear and the leaf bolts are all giving me trouble. Hopefully I can finish up the rear tomorrow.

If you haven't already gotten something like that. I just ordered front and rear shocks and they haven't been changed in 9 years, if they break i'll be busting the nuts out and sliding in these replacement. I hate the rear shock mounts with a passion.

Actually I just got those. They seemed like the easiest option. I may use the rear sway bar mounts as bpe but I’m not sure yet. That may come later.

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I have been finding red paint under some of the front end pieces like headlight bezels and front clip. I’m thinking it may have been in an accident I wasn’t told about.