So i bought my XJ a week or two ago. It has rust around the rocker panels and doors, but in my admittedly amatuer assessment, it doesn't look too bad. I've got very specific plans on what to do with it, but I was wondering how you would decide...

Do i put work into this one to drive it the way I like, and keep it for a year or two, or do I go all out and make this my 'forever' jeep?

Assuming that anyone I talk to will tell me an evaluation of my truck based on their own interests, how do I learn what I need to know?

For the record, I'm planning on going the street route, not lowering it much, but definitely making it a sport truck. Therefore, the suspension isn't much of a concern. I know enough about engine work to know I'm interested and satisfied from that aspect. The body work is another question mark for me. Do I 1.) drive it, 2.) learn on it, or 3.) fix it up and go full project on it?

174,000 miles, o2 sensor CELs, and not much else wrong with it. I paid $1500.00...

 

Is this a 2wd or 4wd XJ?

 

4wd. I know that limits the sport stuff, but I wanted something still usable in the winter. It doesn't need to be my daily driver right now, but i wouldn't mind if it was one day. I also know there will be a lot of one-of stuff. I'm also planning on staying pretty mild. I more want something I can drive, umm...like I have somewhere to be, we'll say, than ever having something capable of a track day.

I'm just starting to wonder if I should put some money into some cosmetics, and drive it for fun, then sell it for $2500, and buy another one, rinse and repeat, or if I should go more in-depth, do engine build work, install a great radio instead of a $75 head-unit with an aux-in jack on the front...that kind of thing.

 

I would hold out for a 2wd if it's going to be lowered.

 

What year is it? I know its at least a 99 and if it is, keep it. If its a 00-01, use it as a test victim and sell it later on.

 

It's a 2000...why do you say that?

 

I want to be able to put the stock wheels back on with winter tires, in the middle of december and keep going. So my question, lowered AT ALL? Or just lowered a lot? An inch or two is plenty for me. I'm more interested in holding the road than how it looks.

 

00-01 are know to have a casting flaw in the head. Most of them end up cracking. They also have 3 cat converters on them compared to 1 cat as the 99 and before had. Just more stuff to go wrong and more stuff to replace. One of mine is an 01 and has had just about every possible common problem happen.

 

Is there a head upgrade that would fix that at the same time as providing more performance?

 

'00 Federal emissions doesn't have 3 cats.

 

Most here use the Clearwater head. Not really anymore performance but a definite fix.
https://www.cylinder-heads.com/

 

I personally wouldn't lower it at all, and that's why I suggested a 2wd for you. Leave the 4wd to they guys who will actually use it. j/k (kinda)

 

^^ yep.

 

Umm...winter?

I've daily'd a C3 'vette in detroit winters before, so I *can*...but I don't want to....

 

Winter doesn't require a 4wd XJ...

You can get around in the wintertime just fine in, say, an AWD RAV4 or any RWD for that matter if you have decent tires.

Stock Cherokees are capable off-roaders. Why neuter them?