Modified XJ Cherokee Tech XJ (84-01)
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Best Mods for XJ

Old Aug 5, 2013 | 08:30 AM
  #1  
Airborne_Jeep's Avatar
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From: Harrisonburg
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default Best Mods for XJ

So, been thinking of buying one, actually have a '99 Sport in the works right now.

I'm wondering after the obvious mods like Intake, exhaust, lift and tires, what other modifications I should consider such as transfer case upgrade, possible computer chip/programmer, electrical systems upgrades, front rear diff upgrades, etc.

For you information, the vehicle I am looking at already as these modifications done to it:

4.5" JJP lift kit
Rancho steering stabilizer
New brake rotors
33x12.50 General Grabber Tires

It is at 150,000 miles. This vehicle will be my daily driver. My wife and I are moving to Alaska the beginning of next year, and plan on seeing the more wild side of the frontier fairly often. I also have to consider that I may be driving this all the way to Alaska from Virginia so things like gas mileage and reliability are a major consideration.

Thanks for everyone's time. Look forward to your ideas.
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Old Aug 5, 2013 | 08:49 AM
  #2  
Xj88's Avatar
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From: Chattanooga
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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1. Maintenence
2. SYE/CV Shaft
3. Armor
4. A box full of tools, fluids, and spare parts so you don't end up stranded
5. Gears (if you havent already)
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Old Aug 5, 2013 | 08:58 AM
  #3  
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From: York, PA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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If gas mileage is a major concern, you're looking at the wrong vehicle.
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Old Aug 5, 2013 | 09:14 AM
  #4  
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From: San Diego
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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Might want to throw in an adjustable track bar
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Old Aug 5, 2013 | 09:56 AM
  #5  
thelegend's Avatar
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Originally Posted by PocketsEmpty
If gas mileage is a major concern, you're looking at the wrong vehicle.
Amen to that.... my wife's 5.7L gets better fuel mileage than my '00 XJ
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Old Aug 5, 2013 | 10:08 AM
  #6  
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From: Colorado
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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I would definitely invest in some decent self-recovery (winch) for the Alaska Wilderness. And a large caliber rifle or handgun for any unfriendly four-legged locals
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Old Aug 5, 2013 | 10:17 AM
  #7  
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From: +34° 25' 35.67", -81° 21' 12.04"
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Angry eyes.
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Old Aug 5, 2013 | 10:42 AM
  #8  
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Year: 2001
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Originally Posted by Lowrange2
Angry eyes.
This guy
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Old Aug 5, 2013 | 11:01 AM
  #9  
SoCalxJ4.0's Avatar
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From: Pahrump, NV
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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Lighting ( and putco or similar harness) air compressor, high-lift, survival kit. Machete.
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Old Aug 5, 2013 | 11:31 AM
  #10  
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From: west chester, pa
Year: 1999
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Originally Posted by Lowrange2
Angry eyes.
Don't forget a frown on the bumper to match
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Old Aug 5, 2013 | 12:10 PM
  #11  
PocketsEmpty's Avatar
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From: York, PA
Year: 1998
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Originally Posted by XJwonders
Don't forget a frown on the bumper to match
And a Mr. Yuk sticker for the back windshield
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Old Aug 5, 2013 | 12:44 PM
  #12  
salad's Avatar
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From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
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Originally Posted by Airborne_Jeep
For you information, the vehicle I am looking at already as these modifications done to it:

Rancho steering stabilizer
Is the seller advertising this as a feature? If so it's got deathwobble problems and the guy's a moron. There is a problem with the front steering or suspension.

Originally Posted by Airborne_Jeep
I also have to consider that I may be driving this all the way to Alaska from Virginia so things like gas mileage and reliability are a major consideration.
Buy a stock XJ then. 4.5" lift, oversize tires, probably stock gears, and known neglect aren't a turn-key solution for what you want. Probably gets 12-15 MPG.
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Old Aug 6, 2013 | 01:27 AM
  #13  
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From: Louisville,KY
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What is a JJP lift i never heard of them?
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Old Aug 6, 2013 | 01:29 AM
  #14  
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This is my ALASKAN toy 4.5" lift with 33 c8.25 out back and it does just fine
Attached Thumbnails Best Mods for XJ-image-2503318236.jpg   Best Mods for XJ-image-91745610.jpg  
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Old Aug 6, 2013 | 08:03 AM
  #15  
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From: Harrisonburg
Year: 1998
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OK, decided to go with a '98 Classic with a 3" RC, and 31X10.5 BFG AT's. And considering I need a 4X4 where I'm going, and every other one I've looked at doesn't get near the 17 that this Jeep gets, I'm pretty sure I'm looking at the better gas mileage for my options.

Alright, I've decided to upgrade the differentials and the transfer case. I have read that I could go from the NP231 to the NP242. Is this really a viable option? Is the NP242 really going to be able to take a tougher beating?

As far as diffs, Dana 44's or C8.25? Just wanna know which route is better for a DD/frontier weekend getaway car.
Attached Thumbnails Best Mods for XJ-jeep.jpg  
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