Pics of the painted manifold, and you can kinda see the #1 header pipe I guess.
Now I need to either paint or replace the thermostat housing, because it looks like an eyesore next to everything painted. I swear though, this Jeep's engine bay is the cleanest thing in my life currently. Not sure why everyone is reviewing this header saying that it doesn't bolt up flush, because mine did. The bolts below the manifold for the bottom of the header were a PITA. As others have stated, it was impossible to get my digital torque wrench in there so I had to settle for the German Torque Standard aka Goodentight.
This is what it looks like from under the manifold. The pipes are actually stainless 304, not sure why it is looking like gold in the pics. Also found these letters on the engine. Can someone tell me what this means?
Pulled the interior hunting for rust, I also power washed the carpet while I had it out and replaced the weather strip on both front doors and the lift gate.
Found a few spots and a few small holes. Busted the rust out with a wire wheel and a flapper wheel. I tried to spot weld the holes but even on the lowest amperage i could run i kept blowing the holes out bigger 😑
So i hosed everything down with rustoleum top and bottom and used a tube of silicone and the change i found under the carpets to make my 1 dollar and 1 cent patch.
Certainly not professional haha.
So ill reassemble tomorrow after the carpets dry out and i give the sealant and paint time to cure.
I’ve been researching this and reading reviews and I’m still lost. I’ve got a 2000 XJ with worn out tired factory suspension. It’s a daily driver and a weekend off-roader. Somebody help me out here. The reviews are all over the place and I don’t trust most of them. I need real opinions I can trust. I’m wanting a 3.5” lift that’s not gonna cost me a small fortune.
This is what it looks like from under the manifold. The pipes are actually stainless 304, not sure why it is looking like gold in the pics. Also found these letters on the engine. Can someone tell me what this means?
That is the casting number for the block. Quick Google search of the number says years '96 to '98.
So you found a 304 stainless header? I am under the impression that the 304 is the good stuff. Better then the 409.
Which is why if I ever went to a "perfromance" (LOL) muffler and tailpipe thinking I would go Borla, uses 304, instead of Magnaflow
which is supposedly 409.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SatiricalHen
replaced these fine specimens
I see you had to work to get those off. LOL. Only done it twice. Once on a '96 and then on the '00.
Uppers snapped both times. Funny how that is one of the few times you are actually OK with snapping
a bolt. Makes the job go that much faster.
I've seen them on Amazon or Ebay or whatever for like $300 without shocks. What do you consider a small fortune?
I’m looking for a complete kit under a grand. Everything suspension wise is gone under my XJ. Coils are weak, leafs are sagging. I’m pretty sure the leafs will need replacing. A kit with the add-a-leaf isn’t gonna do the job. Yes. I too have seen them for that price but then read reviews that said don’t fool with them. Rough Country and Rubicon Express are really the two I’ve researched the most but like I said reviews are all over the place. I just don’t trust them. I need reviews from real people running these lifts.
I’m looking for a complete kit under a grand. Everything suspension wise is gone under my XJ. Coils are weak, leafs are sagging. I’m pretty sure the leafs will need replacing. A kit with the add-a-leaf isn’t gonna do the job. Yes. I too have seen them for that price but then read reviews that said don’t fool with them. Rough Country and Rubicon Express are really the two I’ve researched the most but like I said reviews are all over the place. I just don’t trust them. I need reviews from real people running these lifts.
Look at Zone Offroad and Rubicon Express. I personally wouldn't go cheaper than that baseline. If you want to spend more, there are a lot of options. But those would be as 'budget brand' as I would go because they're quality parts at the lower end of the price scale.
Look at Zone Offroad and Rubicon Express. I personally wouldn't go cheaper than that baseline. If you want to spend more, there are a lot of options. But those would be as 'budget brand' as I would go because they're quality parts at the lower end of the price scale.
Thanks I’ll take a look. Are you or someone you know running one of these?
I ran some RE parts on my Cherokee, and I've helped with several installations of both brands. They both have a very solid reputation, and Zone is a subdivision of BDS Suspensions.
I ran some RE parts on my Cherokee, and I've helped with several installations of both brands. They both have a very solid reputation, and Zone is a subdivision of BDS Suspensions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SatiricalHen
I've used quite a few RE parts personally and I like them. I haven't personally used zone, but I've heard a lot of good from them.
Okay good to hear. So do you guys think a kit is a good route or the ol Jonny Cash way “one piece at a time”? It’s looking like the RE is gonna be a little more budget friendly. There’s a good bit of extras that come in the kit.
