Feelininvincible

I have several 4x4 XJ's in my 1500 price range, but they are all automatic. Maybe I'm wrong in my thinking. Wouldn't it be better to have a manual with larger tires for gas mileage savings? Down here in south Texas(I'm a transplant) the 4x4/offroad market seems to be a lot less available unless you have lots of Benjamins.

See I have a 63 Scout with a TBI 350, 4 link rear, dana 44 with detroit 4.56's, 14 bolt FF lincoln locked with 4.56's, full hydro steering. BUT that has been in storage in Idaho for almost 4 years. I have been stuck driving a toyota corolla. REALLY! I need a damn rig! So the wife decided she would loan me 1500 to get started. Then I gotta sell the car(heart breaking) to pay her back and use the profits for extras.This is all why I have a financial limit. Rant over.

So I also found an xj 4.0, 4x4, 5 spd with a bad engine for 650. I was thinking offer 500 and get a long block for 995, install it and roll on.
Or I buy a running 2wd auto trans and convert it to 4x and 5 spd. Running all possibilities around the paper pad.

So back to the trans question. What is the best way to go with an XJ auto or manual when running 33" to 35" tires. What is the best gear ratio for these rigs with those tires sizes for the best possible fuel mileage?

xjdirtbath

As far as im conserned I like the auto trans, I have had both and the auto is just fine. I wouldn't get to worried about auto vs 5 spd.
Alot of guys go to 456 gearing when running anything over a 33" tire. But, you do need alot of lift and trimming to clear 33's or better due to the cherokees small wheelwells. I run 31's with the stock gearing with no problems. I have to use 4L instead of 4H for the trails but thats no prob. If you do go to a 33" or better tire you will need to upgrade to a D44 or a ford 8.8 inch rear axle. The D35 shafts just cant handle that much tire. Hope this helps your decision.

DUDE454

Now i dont have that big a tires, but ive seen people on here with D35's with 35's now to be safe i would still upgrade, but if your not doin anything too crazy you should be ok. Look at Char92dj8, hes got a D35 with 36's but i think he reinforced his a bit.

Feelininvincible

Thanks for the info from both of you. That does help. Especially in the lift choice. I might still stay in the 33" range though.

dbcooper1999XJ

I wouldn't do the 2x to 4x swap, just too much $$$ investment, spend your cash for a XJ already equipped with 4x drive. Auto V's 5 speed is personal preference. I like the auto, less foot work off road. And you will be depressing the clutch a lot. I run 33' BFG mud terrains with a 4 1/2" lift. My gearing is stock so my trans tends to down shift going up steep grades, nothing to strenuous though. I had to do minor fender trimming and fender flare trimming. I still have slight rub in crazy twisted sections. I can live with that. Right now you can name your price for most jeeps, that is if the owner really needs the cash. And with 1500 buckos you can score a jeep already lifted with mud tires. It just depends on how long you're willing to search. I found mine after about 6 months of seriously looking weekly. Asking price was $5500 but I walked away with it for less than $3000. It pays to look at the vehicle you want with cash in hand.

Hope this helps, happy trails!

zetsxj

Wow Jeeps are expensive in Texas. I just bought my '91 Limited XJ for $700 and I'm running it now, runs and drives perfectly and the 4x4 works great too. $500 for an XJ without an engine is ridiculous I would look around more. People now are looking for gas savers, maybe you should consider trading your corolla for an already lifted xj?

superj

where in south texas?

they arevery expensive in south texas because of the hunters and the beaches but if you are willing to drive a bit, check houston and san antonio, much better selection and prices.

Feelininvincible

I'm in San Antonio. I've looked from Dallas to Del Rio and over to Houston and of course here in SA. I don't want anything from Corpus because of the rust issues. I guess I am in just too much of a hurry.

superj

Ohhhhhh, your not in south texas then, your in central texas (to us in south texas, san antonio is northern texas).

Feelininvincible

My appologies. All they say around here on the radio is south Texas this and that. Either way. I went to look at a 98 yesterday in Dallas. I thought I asked all the pertinent questions and re-interated I was driving 6 hours to look at this this. He assured me it was in great shape and just needed a A/C belt. We all know the 4.0 in 98 was a serpentine belt. I thought I was gonna get a deal. It was a 4.0, 5spd, Cherokee sport with 166k for 1800. I thought I'll bring 1500 cash and rock out. The power steering pump was bad, a/c blew hot, stereo smoked when on, cracked windshield, 4 bad tires, dents and creases on all 4 corners and grease stained seat. The pass window wound roll up or down, and he was a dealer out of his home so I couldn't get him down. He showed me the auction ticket. He paid 1125 for it. Needless to say I wasted a day and some gas. Back to the craigslist board.