Wilderness XJ Build
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 893
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
This past fall I sold my TJ and bought an XJ because I needed more cargo room. I do enjoy wheeling for sport, but the main objective of this vehicle is to get me to hiking trailheads so I can photograph the backcountry as that's what I do. Therefore, I shall call this my Wilderness XJ.
Here's what ***** looked like when I brought him home:
He already had a 3" BDS lift which (after much vacillating), I decided is plenty for my needs. However, I wanted 31" tires and am a fan of the BFG KM2 so that had to happen.
It gave it a bit more of an aggressive look:
My quick and cheap "mod" of mounting my maglite:
Here's what ***** looked like when I brought him home:
He already had a 3" BDS lift which (after much vacillating), I decided is plenty for my needs. However, I wanted 31" tires and am a fan of the BFG KM2 so that had to happen.
It gave it a bit more of an aggressive look:
My quick and cheap "mod" of mounting my maglite:
Ok, back on topic. Does the light hook up to charge as well? If so, how did you do it?
Roof rack? Where did you get it? Attachments for accessories?
Size tires?
Thanks
Last edited by CrawlerXJ; Jul 19, 2012 at 01:38 AM.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 59
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
It took about a year of searching to end up with a 4.0 and 5spd - I wasn't going to accept anything less. As for re-gearing, I notice the lack of power when I'm either rock crawling or towing. There's no problem with the gearing with normal driving, but I do more than normal driving. If you have the automatic then that's why the stock gears work for you as you've got a 3.55:1 ratio whereas the 5spd comes with a 3.07:1 ratio.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 59
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
I ordered the roof rack and brackets from Amazon.com. I had a little extra money so I splurged and bought the brackets from Surco so I'd know everything would fit properly. The interesting thing is I had to return the hi-lift jack mount brackets as the holes didn't line up so I couldn't even mount my jack! The second set work just fine, however.
The tires are 31x10.5x15.
Last edited by WillyXJ; Jan 7, 2021 at 09:47 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 202
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Litre Inline 6
It took about a year of searching to end up with a 4.0 and 5spd - I wasn't going to accept anything less. As for re-gearing, I notice the lack of power when I'm either rock crawling or towing. There's no problem with the gearing with normal driving, but I do more than normal driving. If you have the automatic then that's why the stock gears work for you as you've got a 3.55:1 ratio whereas the 5spd comes with a 3.07:1 ratio.
, had a reman jasper motor put in and now shes good to go. i hope i can get mine looking like yours soon, nice LCG set up.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: eureka
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I was lucky lol. I knew how rare the 5 speed was, so when I was looking I just happend to get lucky lol first one I wanted happened to be a 5 speed and said willing to trade for nice yota so I was like yesssss done deal! Called him and drove 90 miles in a yota on bald tires with no starter and 10 inch lift on 35s and traded him a few days later lol. And after having a manual finally ill NEVER EVER go back to the jeep auto straight up.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 59
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 893
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Agree (love options). I wheeled the YJ a lot. Many, many trails. Always said, next I would get a auto. lol!
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 59
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
As I've been saving up the funds for my next mods, I now have to put them on hold as I'm currently going through a job transition with possible relocation. That means I may need the funds for moving and all.
But, I'm planning to go on a 4-day wheeling/camping trip over Labor Day weekend with some friends so that oughta be fun.
But, I'm planning to go on a 4-day wheeling/camping trip over Labor Day weekend with some friends so that oughta be fun.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 59
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
I wish I hadn't just learned that JCR came out with some new sliders this year after I bought mine. 
I really love that body-mounted style and it offers much more clearance.
I really love that body-mounted style and it offers much more clearance.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 59
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
I changed my oil the other day and now I have low oil pressure. I went with a Bosch filter since it was on sale with the oil, but I've never used that brand before. I plan to change it out this week and I am hoping that will fix it. I really don't want something major to be wrong.
In other news, I have now added to the unemployment rate so my planned mods will be on hold.
In other news, I have now added to the unemployment rate so my planned mods will be on hold.
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 59
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
I changed my oil using the filter I normally get, but I still have low oil pressure only at a warm idle. I've gotta figure this one out...
I work in IT and am a landscape photographer on the side. I like CO as it's very diverse, but we moved from the big city which we like better. I used to work in Boulder and it's a nice city, but still too busy for me. 
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 59
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
My oil pressure issue is now fixed after taking it into the shop. The issue was the oil pressure sending unit was leaking and the oil filter does not have a drain back valve - both were causing my low pressure reading.
Last edited by WillyXJ; Nov 15, 2012 at 10:19 AM. Reason: fixed typo
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 893
Likes: 0
Model: Cherokee
Replace my sending unit next to oil filter. Solved my issue as well. Takes 2min.