I recently acquired a 2000 xj with 66k miles. It came with a RE 3.5 lift, a 1" TC drop and 31's. It does not have a SYE . The things needing attention are the motor mounts ,bump stops and some surface rust in spotty places underneath. It has stock front and rear bumpers and stock steering components. It drives very well with no apparent vibrations at any speed. The engine is also completely stock. I guess my question is where would you spend your money next other than the items needing immediate attention? Oh, and the interior is mint with a new stereo and speakers. This thing will only see mild to medium trails. Thoughts?

 

Depends on what your goals are. looks? reliability? functionality?

I would focus on anything that might be a mechanical thing that is reaching it's service life. Spark plugs, wires, water pump, etc. then I would tackle any oil leaks. then bearings and seals. Things that are relatively easy to do, but could be costly or could strand you if they go bad. Then I would look at a bunch of other builds and see what they've done that you really like the look of. Unless you're up for custom fab, Every kind of mod has been done by somebody else before, so it's a great way to see what those mods would look like on your jeep.

 

Winch , recovery gear then rear locker

 

+1 on maintenance, and +1 on recovery.

IMO minimum recovery is a tow hitch and a d-ring hitch. Then stock front tow hook.

if you want cheap upgrades, quick disconnects.

when I swap out my stock wheels to 31s, the first thing I look for is a set of 4:10 geared axles to restore some power. That said a lot of XJ owner are okay with the common 3:55.

 

Get recovery points on it and hit the trails. You'll find out what you'll want/need from there - you may need nothing but a full tank of gas to get you places.

 

IMO ditch the lift put it back to stock and fix / maintain anything that needs repair or maintenance. A stock rig will do light to med off-road easily. Then add skid plates, tow hooks and carry "some" recovery gear.

 

Thanks guys. Going to put it on a lift for a thorough inspection. Motor mounts are ordered I'll be checking to see if anything looks amiss. All the the fluids have been changed and new plugs. I do have a slight rear main seal leak. Thinking about new bumpers in the spring. It currently has a 2" receiver. I'd like to keep it. What rear after market bumpers will allow this? Not finding much info.

 

most after market bumpers have a 2" receiver built in. Mine does.