Hey everyone,

I'm new to the jeep world - just bought my first one with a 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ. Found it for $3K with 100,000 miles and I had to jump on it. Anyway, this is the first time I've ever owned a jeep and I was hoping you might share any advice, tips, or recommendations for how I might make the most of my XJ.

I live in New Jersey and mostly drive on pavement, but I'd like to hit the trails with some friends in the summer as well as survive the snowy winters we always get here.

With that said, here are modifications I'm planning:

1. 3" Roughcountry lift with shocks and full leaf springs
2. 31" x 10.5" x R15 BF Goodrich A/T KO2 tires
3. 15" x 8"Cragar D window steels
4. Exhaust replacement (any recommendations?)
5. Headlight replacements (any recommendations?)

Are these kind of mods appropriate considering I'll only hit the trails from time to time? Other than that, do you guys have any general tips or advice for a 1st time jeep owner?

Many thanks!!
Alex

 

Yes the Rustys full leaf/coil lift with shocks and hardware for $438 has a much better quality leaf and coils with his kits all made in NA, not China (these are the major cost of any entry kit). Ride quality is good both on and off road for a 3" lift as the leafs are the proper length to begin with. You have a choice of coil spring weights depending if you are planning on installing a winch/bumper combo or stock setup also.


With any lift 3" or more you really do need an Adj. Track Bar and if money permits new U/LCA's Adj. if you can. But I ran stock one's for a year with a set of 33x12:50x15's before I changed they are a weak link so plan on them in the future.


On the wheels the size is fine just get a 3.75 or 4" BS on them I run a set of Soft Eights with 3.75 of BS some say they are now NA in that BS only a 4".


You will need bump stops if your not planning on doing any trimming on the fenders or tires will rub.


Good luck and WELCOME to the CF many here to help you.

 

On exhaust do you want a cat back or a header or both?The headlights hella brand e code h4 housings are nice and upgrade to the headlight harness with the relays that will give you brighter lights.

 

Borla or Flowmaster if you want a loud exhaust. If you are on a budget, check out Dynomax.

 

My tip is be financially prepared for a project like a jeep haha. its a serious addiction and you will end up dumping way more than what its worth into it. Happy and safe building brother!

 

Make sure your coolant system is in tip top shape. You really don't want to overheat your XJ. The 00-01 Cherokee models have a head casting defect. They tend to Crack between cylinders 3 and 4. Even if your jeep does not overheat it's still possible. Of course there are people who never have a problem. But I would do some research on the subject so you know what you might have to deal with down the road.

 

First off, you got a great deal... even XJ's with 100k miles on them or even more can still run in the low $5k- high $6k range.

The window steels will look awesome on your Jeep... all lifted XJ's around here all seem to have em and they look awesome. Congrats on your new addition! (: