Uncle Sam's gift.
 

Hello everybody, name is Scott.
So I did up my taxes this year, finally filing on my own, and Uncle Sam has seen it fit to grant with a very liberal return. Ha-ha
Anyway, I’ve been longing for a jeep since I was seventeen, but was always deterred away from it by awesome deals (first car Mazda Mx3 I picked up in a trade for some sunglasses). Now that I have a nice chunk of change I’ve decided to invest in a lifetime vehicle. OF COURSE I’m going with an XJ, no other option really. I’ve been following the forum for a few weeks now, read some awesome builds, and quelling my appetite by planning my own build while waiting for the return to come in. Ideally, I will find a two-door five speed pre-96 model 4x4 of course bone stock. Plenty plenty plenty of ideas, far too many to list here.
Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself, look forward becoming a part of the Cherokee family and doing some wheeling. Btw this will be my first 4x4.

welcome to the site abq has plenty of xjs floating around

If you want a 5-speed stay away from the Renix era, those trans are junk. Any 5 speed High Output has the AX-15 which is the good XJ 5 speed.

Welcome. I'm in the same boat you are. Used my return to get my first XJ. I'm new in the off-road scene too. But like you, LOTS of ideas.:thumbup:

Hey, thanks for the input guys!
When you say the Renix era, are you referring to the Peugeot 21 spline? I have read a few things about those, apparently some long-arm conversion kits can't be used so I thought the same thing about staying away from them. It's just going to be tough finding a 90's manual in my price range. I don't want to use all of my money just to get the stock xj

Welcome to the site

Welcome to CF.

Finally!!!
 

So after weeks and weeks of waiting on my refund to come in, and even more and more weeks scouring CL for the right Cherokee I've come to fruition! Just picked up my 1990 Cherokee Laredo. She is bone stock, with a straight body, faded paint, and the kicker: 113xxx original miles. :D and what's more I picked up this beast for a flat 1800, 1200 less than the guys asking price. Now not to paint an immaculate picture, there are plenty of things that need to be fixed up, mechanically and cosmetically. anyway, I also scored a Rusty's 3" lift with full leaf packs, adjustable lower control arms, T-case drop-kit, drop pitman arm, and Track bar re-locator kit for a sweet sweet three hundo. Watch out for my Build Thread to be coming in the next few weeks. project name yet to be determined.