kampcool

Greetings from Michigan! The Wife and I purchased a 98 sport xj 4x4, in 2000, BDS 3"lifted by the dealer. Its been the best vehicle we have ever owned. The salt has taken its toll on my unibody, and stuff is starting to fall off during my Winter commutes into work. So, I have been on the lookout for a winter xj upgrade. Took purchase today.














2000 Cherokee Sport, with a 3" SkyJacker kit. K&N air box (elimination) kit, some neat foo foo stipes (jury is not out on those yet......) Its got an aftermarket tow kit, Spare tire speaker, and most importantly, a solid body. (160,000 on the 4.0, btw..).

So my plan is to totally cannibilize the 98 , and rebuild the drive-train, and insert into this body. Then take all of this Jeeps Drivetrain, and do the same (when I find the next clean body) That should get me into retirement. (15-20 years)

Anybody have a better strategy, or concerns with putting a 98 4.o, into a 2000's place? Thats why I am here, it looks like I have alot of reading to do. I know these engines are different, (distributer/heads, and such) Computer controller issues, worry me here. Any suggegtions, where to start, (or a better plan overall) would be highly appreciated. I have the whole Summer, to get er done.

kampcool

Here are some shots to help you guys get an idea (dont let the night photos fool you) 172,000 miles (all of them HARD) 2 accidents have left only 3 of my doors opening. The wife put it into a guard rail on a lake, with my children inside (late for school on black ice (nobody hurt)). I was rear ended by a Ford Expedition one year omw to work in a traffic JAM (TOTALLY DESTROYED the front end of that Ford, which had to be towed) and I was just fine to continue on to work. She also gets the "death wobble" every 2 years unless I change the steering stabylizer. "GO FIGURE" <grin>.














I love the "stance" of this 98 compared to how the guy set up My 2000. Same 3" Lift and Tire heighth of 31", but the backspacing on my american racing rims and tire width on my 98 ,"IS THE WAY I WANT TO CONTINUE". I dont want to get taller (gas mileage) and I dont want to get more narrow (I have fell in love with the wider stance stability in the snow vs. its short wheelbase on highways in 2" of snow or more). I drive 60 miles (one way, to and from work).

Dont get me wrong, I do Hunt and Fish here and there, and This 98 has been in the Swamps of the U.P (stuck lol!) but thats what its all about, versitility. The Primary USE of my JEEP (and this build) will be to get me to work and home (120 miles a day) 5 months out of the year.

Thanks for having me here, and as you can imagine, I am TOTALLY stoked to be driving that 2000 home from work today. (Its like the doors are from different planets). The liftgate opens, and all the speakers work. (SWEEEET). I have been looking for a solid upgrade for 3 years. Up here in Michigan, the "JIG" is up, and all the used dealers want a fortune for these XJ's, BECAUSE THEY KNOW!!!!!!!!!! Also, there has been a used car high demand lately, up here. (double slam).

God-bless the guy who just sold me his toy. I am totally Cherokee Nuts, right now. (again, and again........)

ol"blue

Welcome to CF. That '00 looks great.

1ATony

Welcome to the site.New one looks pretty cool.

kampcool

Thanks guys, I have already begun working on the 2000. new pads/rotors, oil change, spark plugs, cleaned the k&n air filter out, replaced battery. Taking it in today to replace the muffler that fell off. I installed the stereo properly, and fixed the center counsole (a rear plastic pedestal was broken, so I fabbed up a metal one on the inside.) Tight as prom night, now.