Hey y'all, I'm looking at an '00 in great shape for a reasonable price. I've had a few Jeeps in the past, but never a manual XJ- which I want. Unfortunately, after much resolve, I've been unsuccessful in finding a 5 speed (4 door, not rusted/beat to ****). Thank you New England!

That being said, it's currently on 35's with stock 3.55(?). The current owner was planning on going the 8.8 route. As the Jeep will not be my dedicated daily, I plan on swapping in a 5 speed (some road/highway driving, camping rig; not a crazy wheeler).

I've got no notions of driving around on 35's with stock gearing...that being said, would it make sense to throw in 4.56's in the 8.25 as it sits, ride it like that and then install the 5 speed once I've acquired everything?

Yes, I understand that the swap is a bit of an undertaking and I also understand that 99.7% of those that inquire, never actually do it.

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I'm still looking at other options but it's the best to pop up in a long time. (Fully patched floors and rails, solid steering upgrades; however, it's got a 6.5" short arm RC Lift and stock gears) Everything else up here is rusty, 2 door, and waaaaay overpriced for a 'clean' rig.

 

Road Trip! Down my way rust free XJs are a dime a dozen.