validate my sanity
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
validate my sanity
looking to do an xj build and i'm jotting down numbers...vehicle will be used as a daily driver so i don't want too extreme of a lift, and i may tow a boat one day...can you guys give me a sanity check on these numbers and let me know if i'm drastically missing anything. I've listed everything in a general order-of-importance to me.
$4k - 1996-1999 cherokee in decent enough shape
$400 - maintenance (change all fluids, oil, plugs, wires, hoses, etc.)
$600 - 3" lift with new shocks
$1150 - wheels and tires (mount and balance)
$250 - fender flairs
$300 - upgraded stereo and speakers
$100 - new steering wheel
$600 - cheap Maaco paint job as i'm sure it will be needed
$700 - bumpers and aux lights
$100 - new floor mats
$350 - roof rack
that's comes up right around $9k..i really don't want to go over $9k...i'd rather be around 8.
$4k - 1996-1999 cherokee in decent enough shape
$400 - maintenance (change all fluids, oil, plugs, wires, hoses, etc.)
$600 - 3" lift with new shocks
$1150 - wheels and tires (mount and balance)
$250 - fender flairs
$300 - upgraded stereo and speakers
$100 - new steering wheel
$600 - cheap Maaco paint job as i'm sure it will be needed
$700 - bumpers and aux lights
$100 - new floor mats
$350 - roof rack
that's comes up right around $9k..i really don't want to go over $9k...i'd rather be around 8.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee, FL
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
don't worry about the paintjob until it really needs it then do it yourself.
And buy the sound system from me
That won't save you any money but do it anyway 
And buy the sound system from me
That won't save you any money but do it anyway
CF Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland, OH
Year: 91 Limited
Model: Cherokee
looking to do an xj build and i'm jotting down numbers...vehicle will be used as a daily driver so i don't want too extreme of a lift, and i may tow a boat one day...can you guys give me a sanity check on these numbers and let me know if i'm drastically missing anything. I've listed everything in a general order-of-importance to me.
$4k - 1996-1999 cherokee in decent enough shape - 2-3k$ if it needs paint i wouldnt spend 4000 on it.
$400 - maintenance (change all fluids, oil, plugs, wires, hoses, etc.)
$600 - 3" lift with new shocks - 6-700$
$1150 - wheels and tires (mount and balance) - buy used and 5-600$
$250 - fender flairs maybe more if you are buying, but stock will probably be ok for you. I fit 32s and 3" lift fine.
$300 - upgraded stereo and speakers
$100 - new steering wheel
$600 - cheap Maaco paint job as i'm sure it will be needed - dont get it.
$700 - bumpers and aux lights - more like 1000-1200 for good stuff.
$100 - new floor mats
$350 - roof rack
that's comes up right around $9k..i really don't want to go over $9k...i'd rather be around 8.
$4k - 1996-1999 cherokee in decent enough shape - 2-3k$ if it needs paint i wouldnt spend 4000 on it.
$400 - maintenance (change all fluids, oil, plugs, wires, hoses, etc.)
$600 - 3" lift with new shocks - 6-700$
$1150 - wheels and tires (mount and balance) - buy used and 5-600$
$250 - fender flairs maybe more if you are buying, but stock will probably be ok for you. I fit 32s and 3" lift fine.
$300 - upgraded stereo and speakers
$100 - new steering wheel
$600 - cheap Maaco paint job as i'm sure it will be needed - dont get it.
$700 - bumpers and aux lights - more like 1000-1200 for good stuff.
$100 - new floor mats
$350 - roof rack
that's comes up right around $9k..i really don't want to go over $9k...i'd rather be around 8.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 1
From: Culpeper VA
Year: 91/96
Model: Cherokee
You wont think of the big price tag unless you buy it all at once
But like someone else said you can get things a lot cheaper if you look hard enough and even a rattle can paint job can look badass
But like someone else said you can get things a lot cheaper if you look hard enough and even a rattle can paint job can look badass
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Beltsville, MD
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
If youre buying a '96-'99 for 4k then I would hope its paint would be in decent shape. I bought my '00 with a 4.5" lift already for around 4k and the paint is fine, not show quality but fine. Also you can get a set of 31" tires and wheels for a lot less then 1100, you can also spend a lot more then that too.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Pretty much repeating everything stated above, you wont have to spend 9 grand to get it where you want it. I have everything you have listed and only have 7 grand into it. But I also over paid on my jeep at a government auction just because it only had 69000 miles on it and its a 92 that was completely maintained to perfection.
Trending Topics
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Southern NH
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6
Agreed with most above. 4K is too much for an old XJ that isn't lifted and needs paint. And you could shave a lot off with stock wheels, I actually like the stock wheels better than many aftermarket wheels. Just paint them. If your worried about money, then you can save on stereo eq, mats, steering wheel, paint, all unnecessary. Tires are a must. XJ is a must.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
update: i found a nice looking 99 that already lifted with wheels/tires for around $4k. the deal isn't done yet...anything i should specifically be looking for other than the obvious. i'm specifically unfamiliar with automatic transmissions. is there a simple test-drive test i can do it see if it's slipping?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 717
Likes: 0
From: Highlands Ranch Co.
Year: 1985 shell
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 1996 6 cylinder Briggs & Stratton
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: 29 palms california
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 strait 6
your repairs might be a bit more then that. I paid 4500 for my 2000 and it cost me another 1500 in little repairs. Tho i did get everything replaced to start, brakes, plugs, oil, etc
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BlueXJ
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
75
Jan 9, 2024 02:54 PM
Morris4x4Center
Vendor Showcase
0
Sep 22, 2015 03:11 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
