Hello! I have a 1990 XJ I bought from a friend at work. I originally didn't plan on doing anything to it as I don't know much about cars and never really cared to know before. I thought cars that guys worked on and tricked out were cool, but I never thought that could be me. However, I've changed oil and all the other fluids, spark plugs (which was new for me) and even got it set up with a proper plug for trailer lights. These small projects have inspired me to learn more about my car, and I want to learn how to change it in a big way. You might say I'm addicted to car things now. I've got a list of things I want to do now, and want to do as much of it myself as I can, even if it's hard. I want that challenge, it's been really fun so far. So what order should I do these in, and are there any good resources to get details on the following:

-New fancy roof rack, with those cool circle lights on the front, above the windshield.

-make it so i can swap the regular doors for ones made of tube steel in the summer (for cruising the mountains here in CO &#128513

-change the transmission from the automatic that it came with to a manul. I know that one's probably pretty involved, I just really like manual cars and was bummed this thing, from 1990, had an automatic.

-replace the exhaust and muffler, as the current ones rattle around sometimes and it's annoying, especially when trying to hit on the girl in the drive through listening to CLINK CLINK CLINK CLINK!

-give it a lift kit, I think 4 inches looks the best on these, from what I've seen online.

I know that's a lot and maybe I have no business attempting some of that, but I'm good with tools and always get something done if i want it done. Just don't want to wing it on those projects, it's a really nice car. If you even read this thank you, if you responded, thank you x 1000.

 

Welcome from PA

it's cool to hear about people getting involved with vehicles.

Everything on your list can be done at home. But after the lift is installed you will need to go to a shop and have it aligned. Preferably a 4x4 shop. Not just your average chain shop.

The transmission swap and lift are obviously the most in depth on your list. Both require alot of different tools. And chances are you'll have to but one or two along the way that you didnt expect to need. A basic socket set and some screw drivers wont cut it. I dont know your tool situation but I've seen people whip out a $30 socket set for a weekend long project a handful of times and not even be able to start the project due to not having the needed tools.

This forum is extremely helpful. Check out the How To section for tons of good info.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/how-tos/

The search function works pretty well for finding previous threads. Some are many pages long with good information. Please dont bring old threads back to life.

I hate steering away from this site but a youtube channel called BleepinJeep has a ton of awesome videos about XJs. Worth checking out

 

Spark plugs and oil change is the gateway drug.
welcome.
(Your "clink, clink, clink" is just the exhaust tapping on the rear leaf spring or similar. Get under there while running, probably just tighten up a hanger or get the hacksaw out)

 

It could be the pipe or hanger tapping the crossmember

 

Perfect answers all, thank you so much! It felt good to read that all that can be done at home. I'm fortunate in that I have a lot of tools passed down from parents and grandparents, so that shouldn't be an issue.

 

You need to catch up on maintenance first, and it is a good learning experience.

https://pop.h-cdn.co/assets/download...-checklist.pdf