So earlier in the week I asked the forum about some things to look for when buyig an XJ and decided not to go with the older model I found. I posted an add on craigslist in my area wanting an XJ and a lady called me yesterday with a 98 for sale.

120,000 miles
4x4, AUTO
4.5" lift
Assorted 33x12.50x15 tires(lol)

Walked away paying only two grand and am pretty happy about my purchase. Look forward to learning alot from you senior members and others alike!

Things I don't like about the truck so far and want to change:

PO ripped out carpet and left it with nothing(Goig to Bed Liner the inside)
Tires rub bad in the front, I know I can buy spacers but I'm thinking a smaller tire might be a better idea...(any suggestions would be great!!!)
PO installed volt/temp/oil pressure gauges on top of dash, I know they are better than the dummy lights but they are not bolted down and I feel they could be installed a little better than that. Also want to figure out a way to turn the check engine and oil light off because of the factory connectors being disconnected.

Any input is welcome!

 

that looks great! i would just use a bed liner for a new carpet, as it is very easy to clean. i just open drain plugs and was out with a hose. as for the tires rubbing, have you heard of trimming your fenders. you can do that to make the tires not rub while still leaving it look stock. others remove all the fender flairs and do a really good at trimming that it looks like it was ment to be.

 

I would do a once over on your suspension and make sure the lift was done correctly, those look like awfully big shackles. Also check all your steering and u joints. For the rubbing I would rims with 3.5 inh backspacing, those might rub on your LCA's. Loos like a great buy for 2k, nice find.


Btw, what old lady drives a lifted xj? lol

 

Looks good except it looks like it needs new lower front control arms and new leaf springs. The control arms could be the issue with the rubbing. And how is the rear lifted? Blocks?

 

Post some more detailed pics of the lift im curious of how it was done

 

X2 on the pics, I hope it was done right

 

Haha she was like 25...

 

From looking at it why would you think it needs new LCA's and leaf springs?

 

Will post pictures later today of the lift and suspension, you guys got me worried now. lol

 

Prolly the same kind that drives a lifted ZJ and Yammer Jammer??
And nice find Sean, love the color!

 

The front wheels are pulled backwards into the back side of the fenders and not centered into the wheel well. That would indicate the PO didn't use longer LCAs. A really easy fix. Buy adjustable LCAs and set them to the correct length for your lift. Install them and take it to be aligned so you track properly.
This SHOULD help with most of your tire rub issues as well since it will push the wheel and axle up where it should be.

Also in the pictures your rear leafs look flat and the shackle is at 90 degrees to the ground. This implies (won't know until you get us other pics) that there is lift blocks in there pushing up on the center of the spring, causing it to flatten out.
Ideally, you want a slight arc in the spring and your shackles to sit at a 45 degree angle for the best ride quality.
The fix here (arguably) is to buy a 4.5" lift spring pack, the whole pack, and replace the flat/worn out leafs.

This brings up another pic request. Take a picture of the rear axle where it goes into the transfer case. I'm curious if the PO installed a SYE or just said to hell with it.

Also, it looks like the older style front flares with newer style rear flares. Can you take a pic of the front as well? You've got me curious too.


All in all, I think you made a good purchase if the shell is in good shape and the motor runs well. Everything else is easily fixable. I can't count the times I've bought someone else's headaches and spent a little bit of time fixing small issues and having a great ride after. Don't lose hope or give up on it jsut cuz us web wheelers are nit picking little stuff. Spend some time with it, get to know it and enjoy it. As time rolls on, you will decide what's best for YOUR xj and how best to mod it for your lifestyle. That's the beauty of Jeeps (all Jeeps, not jsut XJs) is that they are like legos. You build it, tear it apart, and then rebuild it again.

 

people have prolly already said this, but if possible buy a stock one, you dont know if that xj's been abused. if not, go over the lift very thoroughly.

-just checked, didnt see you already bought it. id look for signs of a sye at this point, youd need it with a lift that big! and maybe get all 4 of the same tire... not that its NECESSARY, but it would sure drive my ocd mad! hahah

 

Mithuth hit it right on the dot

 

the bumper ends seem to be miss-matched also kinda weird it's got custom exhaust too it looks like it goes over the leaf spring.

looks real nice though and great price for that many miles

 

Here are the pictures some of you requested... btw what is SYE? I'm such a noob in the jeep world, lol. I can tell you anything you need to know about a 1995 Bronco though!