Hello friends my name is Jeff .... Been around Herod for a couple of years had well built 11jk ... Then the kids came ... Fell into a 2000 xj sport ( for cheap) it's got some miles on it 189k runs good .. Needs some attention is there anything I should be aware of in my build path.... Thinking 3 inch lift 31... Armor ... Etc .... Need to get it looked at before the path starts .... Any input would be great thanks

 

Welcome to C.F.

00-01 XJ's came with the 0331 cylinder head that's prone to cracking. The 04+ 4.0 cylinder head with TUPY cast into the head is a good swap due to the increased runner thickness.

You're Dana 30 is a low pinion and can be replaced with the stronger high pinion from a 91-99 XJ.

You may have a Dana 35 rear axle, no need to explain why you should get rid of it. A common swap is any 8.25" from a 97+ XJ. They will have the stronger 29 spline shafts. You'll need the drive shaft and spring plates from the donor rig but I'd strongly recommend new u-bolts.

 

Welcome from England, I'm sure serious can sort out what ever you need.

 

The jeep has been running in 6 months ... Her husband pasted... So I jumped it with my car .... It took a little to get it started ... Ran like a champ no smoke no nothing .... Ac isn't work radio, and broke window on passenger side ... Other then some minor surface rust it's not in bad shap... I don't think I'll be pushing this jeep like my last one... Mild but fun for me and my son... Is 3 inch of lift good enough for 31 ... What if I wanted 33 is that to much ..... P.s my mechanic is checking it before this build path ???

 

The head swap is definitely gonna be a good thing to keep in mind for the future. 3" lift will be plenty to clear 31s, switching to aftermarket wheels with 3.74-4" backspacing is SOP on almost all build plans. Going taller than 31s you're going to want to look at fender trimming, and upgrading axles, gears, etc. If you're planning on just mild offroading(pretty sure we all said that at some point) your 3"/31s plan is more than capable. Hell, a bone stock XJ will handle far more than most people realize.

Don't sweat the miles, that's nothing on an XJ, just keep the head thing in mind.

PICS!

 

Should I get a compression test to find out if there is any leakage.... Or how do I find out???....at this point I am stuck with my axel .... If I can go 33 def some new rims what kinda lift do I need

 

That's my old jeep jk... Before the kids arrived ..... I kinda like to build it right but on budget ....

 

3" lift, check out Serious' site(post #2 above), if you can dream it he's got it.

 

The block typically cracks between cylinders 3 and 4. You can pull your "710" cap and see it if it's bad enough or you can flip the cap over and look for milky oil on the bottom.

 

Welcome to the forum

 

Welcome to the site

Tony