Hey guys, I got this XJ March of last year. Since then, I've learned to love and hate this cherokee. I've put a lot of money in to it already (high school budget lol), and will have a lift coming soon. Been working my *** off and I think it will pay off soon. I got this from one owner, it's been garaged all its life but unfortunately the PO neglected the engine and drivetrain pretty severely. Had some overheating and drivetrain issues at first, but most of it is sorted out now (RIP wallet). I love the color as it is pretty rare and only on '00 and '01 models. Almost entirely rust free too!

Here's a list of the major things I've done so far (all by myself mostly, think I've done ok for a 16 y/o haha). 176k miles on it so far, and hopefully many more to come!

• Flowmaster super 44 w/ 2.25" tailpipe
• New O2 sensors
• 62mm TB, 4-hole injectors
• K&N cone air filter w/ heat shield
• New valve cover gasket, oil filter adapter seal, rear pinion output seal
• Changed diff fluids, trans fluid, brake fluid, and TC fluid
• New water pump, thermostat, radiator w/ hoses, fan clutch, PS lines, and oil pressure sending unit
• Plasti-dipped wheels black
• 29" Goodyear Armortracs (cheaper version of duratrac)'
• Various interior fixes, disassembled and lined entire dash with felt tape
• Alpine UTE-52 head unit, RF 5.25" speakers all around, 10" kicker sub
• eBay projector headlights, tinted tails and indicators, 7" LED fog lights wired to stock switch
• Autodim mirror w/ temp and compass
• Full exterior debadge and trim removal
• Full interior LED swap
• Full paint correction and interior detail
• Curt hitch w/ 4-pin trailer harness

It's been a fun time so far. I've got her sunk past the rockers in mud (got to experience climbing out the window for the first time), ripped my tailpipe off climbing a massive hill, and various other "jeep things" y'all do here.

I'll take some pictures and hopefully update this thread tomorrow and for future projects. I'm stoked to start building the suspension on this, and have already learned so much from these forums and guides. For now, here's some pictures I took recently:

Sweet, looks sharp. My favorite XJ color

Got a stock XJ front DS from pull-a-part a couple weeks ago and decided to bring it back to its former glory today. Going to order some new spicer u-joints as well!

Here's what I started with (after a little sanding and wire brush)


Brake parts cleaner galore


After a couple coats of self-etching primer


Final product and clearcoated


And the little parts too!




Also picked up some goodies to fix that saggy headliner

Love your build...I'm looking do to something similar, albeit with a 32" tire target..it's still a DD and my wife doesn't like having to use a ladder to get in my Jeep. ;-)