rspain04

Hi everyone, i'm new to the forum. Tried searching the forum so i didnt have to post but had no luck. I've never owned a jeep, but am looking into an XJ. I know a lady locally that has two 2000 Right hand drive XJ's that i can have my pick of and get one cheap. I was just wondering if you guys could maybe give me any pros or cons of buying a RHD. Am i looking at a headache as far as modding it or is it basically the same thing just reversed? Will probably go with a 3.5in lift and some 33's with fender trimming. Will be a daily driver/light off roading rig. Anyone insight would be greatly appreciated. This forum looks like it has crazy info to be tapped into. Thanks!

prerunner1982

Only problem may be getting the RHD specific parts steering box or dash for example. Most other parts should be the same as an LHD... suspension, engine (though accessories may be on the opposite side), doors (though door panels may be different due to the multi switch for power windows, etc..

djritter1122

ive also heard the accessories like the alt and stuff are rearranged. alt and ac are on the left side due to the steering.

rspain04

so basically the steering box is probably the only big ticket item i would have to worry about then? Interior parts arent a big concern for me. And the accessories being re-arranged on the motor shouldnt be anything to worry about.

Also i've been all over the forum and i cant really find anything on how much lift you can run before you HAVE to do drivetrain mods, and when you get to that point, what EXACTLY you need to do. Is SYE the only option you have?

Cherokee

around 4 to 4 1/2 inches you need to do more than just throw on the new springs and coils.

SYE, brake line extensions, etc all need to be done at this point (or maybe earlier if you experience problems with a smaller lift)

rspain04

Thanks cherokee, thats kinda what i thought but never saw it in writing anywhere.

I will probably end up buying one of the XJ's from her as long as anyone doesnt post a good reason not to. They both have a lil over 100k on em and have just been used for local mail routes their entire lives. She does regular oil changes and has a local mechanic do maintenance on them when something breaks. She wants to sell both and get a new Wrangler RHD.

prerunner1982

Typically the RHDs sell for a pretty penny even with high miles.... at least around here.

rspain04

Yeah they are usually worth a lil bit more, but my good friends mom is willing to sell me one for cheap. She has 2 of them that she alternates mileage between for her mail route. I can go drive both of them and pick whatever one i want. I know where they have been and how they have been takin care of. The price or condition isnt an issue. I just want to make sure that i wont be limited in buying/performing mods. Mainly i dont know how different the steering system is and i'm guessing thats the only thing that wouldnt basically swap right over from left hand drives.

moogie

Your biggest problem will be, if you put more than a 3in lift in it and want to fit an adjustable track bar, the left hand drive ones wont fit, different shape and as of yet i cant find a adjustable right hand one. Ended up having to make my own.Other than that you shouldn't have any problems.

Scotty16

Looks legit man! I love it.

Bustedback

Driving might be a little bit of a pain in the butt until you get used to being on the gutter side of the Jeep.

GreenClassic

I would love to have a RHD Cherokee. You're so lucky to have a friend's mom who has one she's willing to sell to you for cheap.

DUDE454

Drive throughs will be harder, thats what i see as the only problem.

GreenClassic

It'll confuse the person at the drive thru window.

moogie

You can get your passenger to read a newspaper and really scare the crap out of on coming traffic.