Rather than just list 10 things I've done to my XJ and say its the best 10 things to do, I'll list 10 things that are good for ALL XJs, like the thread is intended for:

1. Better headlights or auxillary lighting
2. Any upgrade to the cooling system
3. Roof basket
4. Aftermarket header
5. Replace headliner with bedliner or rubberized undercoating spray
6. Cold air intake or K&N air filter
7. 3"-5" suspension lift
8. 31"-33" tires
9. Hood vents
10. Transmission cooler

 

I tried to do the same with my post, i just so happens I've actually done most of the work already, LOL...the first 10 steps I posted I feel every cherokee can benefit from...

Routine maintenance i.e. fluid changes, tune up, etc.
injector upgrade
throttle body and IAC cleaning
cowl snorkel
big 3 wiring upgrade
alternator upgrade
bumpers
recovery points
Bilstien shocks
tool kit/tow straps/extra fluids for the trunk

 

Not to bad. But it's impossible to please everyone.

I will give you a plus one on vents lift and tires. Almost every cherokee owner wants/needs this. Even my 72 year old father loves his lift and tires.

 

Top 10 list to do to my XJ-
-replace broken Emergency Brake handle and attach cables to rear ZJ discs
-weld back on broken off front sway bar bracket and reinforce it
-find 'clunk' in front right suspension, loose shock mount, track bar bushing
-experiment-replace valve springs with ford 4.6 conical and see if performance increase
-add 1.7 ratio roller rockers
-add side mount supercharger
-13" front disc brakes with dual piston calipers (already have ZJ rear discs)
-35" Duratracs on my 16" steel wheels (already have 4.56s)
-?1" more lift (on 4.5" now) lengthen long arms 1/2" and trim fenders to clear 35s
-#10 Rear anti-wrap/traction bar
-DONE

 

Okay I'm confused now. Is this thread about making a top 10 list of what to upgrade for new Cherokee owners, as kind of a guide or are we listing 10 things we want or need done to our personal XJs specifically? Cause of its the latter my list would be waaaay different.

 

That's why I posted two lists...one was must-do's for any cherokee owner, and one for the off road enthusiast....

 

1. Find and diagnose all electrical issues
2. Radiator Flush
3. O2 Sensor Replace
4. Cat Converter replace
5. Troubleshoot the buzzing sound coming from under the engine compartment
6. Brakes and u-joints that need to be fixed
7. Headliner/interior panels/cupholders
8. K&N Air intake/Cone filter upgrade
9. Bumpers and Sliders
10. 4 1/2"-5" Lift
11. 33"-35" Tires
12. Gearing
13. Skid plates
14. Roof Rack
15. Winch
16. Lockers

Was I only allowed to list ten things?! Because my list went a little long haha.
It's actually nice to have this listed out so that I can reference it later. I will also be using this same list to post in the cherokee projects/builds area of the forum.

The first six or seven things are things that I need to do just for the sake of the Jeep's maintenance. I just bought it a month ago and it needs a little TLC... I'm sure this will change a little bit as time goes on and POSITIVE there will always be more things added to it lol

 

1. Tires
2. Tires
3. Recovery points
4. CB
4.5 winch bumper and winch
5. lift
6. frame stiffeners
7. lights
8. lockers
9. rear tire carrier
10. probably time for new tires

 

Damn, if you've got to start your mods with electrical stuff, coolant flush and sensor replacement, you bought the wrong XJ.

 

I have to start by passing smog in California haha. So I am doing maintenance and such first just to run as smooth as possible. The electrical is the only thing I didn't see coming but it's just a brake light on the driver's side to be fixed.

 

Then I definitely bought the wrong XJ;
1 Fix da motor (knocking)
2 Put on an exhaust system
3 Replace dry rotted tires
4 All fluids change
5 U joints replacin
6 go thru steering parts
7 Repair / Replace front seat ( it's a rockin)
8 Get it legal
9 Drive it and get the bugs out
10 Start doing the fun mods

 

the DD
1-thermostat
2-find "clunck" in front end
3-new exhaust (already replaced header)
4-swap out the 3" Rough Country lift that the PO installed (way to rough)
5-replace front clip and header panel
6-replace door speakers (already did the sound bar)
done.

the trail rig
1-cut fenders to fit my new 33's
2-gears
3- adjustable upper arms (to compliment my junk yard long arms)
4-longer Bilstiens
5-install the d44 thats on my garage floor
6-cro-mo d30 shafts
7-have my stiffeners welded on
8-rear disk conversion
9-sye and driveshaft
10-lockers
(will never be done! lol)

 

v8 swap 1 ton axles and 40s.

 

Not counting what I've already done, the next 10 things I plan on doing are:
1) Build a custom cowl snorkel
2) BBK 62mm throttle body
3) Borla 2-piece header
4) Banks monster exhaust
5) Kenwood touchscreen Navigation Headunit
6) Complete Polk Audio sound system
7) Soundproofing interior
8) Interior/Exterior LED light upgrade
9) Mastercraft Baja RS front seats
10) New custom headliner of some sort, haven't decided on a pattern yet

 

heh... since we're being honest
1. stop water from leaking through windshield into the dash
2. replace u-joints
3. slap a diaper on the oil pan
4. eliminate alternator whine in stereo
5. alignment - 3rd time charm?