The book is no longer in print but try this link if you are interested in a e-book version. I don't know if it still works or not. play.google.com/store/books/details/Jeep_Cherokee_XJ_Performance_Upgrades_1984_2001_Re?id=Q2mEBgAAQBAJ&gl=US&pli=1
One bad XJ! I’m in the middle of building mine.can you tell me what spring rates you are running front and rear? Can’t seem to access your website anymore?
Sure. Fronts are 250/350 and rears are 130/200. Its soft. But my rig is relatively light and have a 5" rear wheelbase stretch. Yours might be different.
I agree they're good but honestly I don't see too many rigs with them. I'd rather run those then the Milestar Patagonia which everyone and they're mother has.
So I just started an xj project and I'm planning on taking the wife on a weekend trip to uwharrie which is pretty local to us and I am trying to get this jeep somewhat trail worthy. Do you have like a top 5 of things you suggest I do in order to give me the best chance of having a good trip and coming home in one piece? Outside of a lift and tires I already put a 5.5 inch long arm 3 link lift with 33s. Thank you!!
#1) is always make sure it is properly maintained (oil and other fluids, cooling system, brakes, battery, spark plugs etc) As part of this, I highly recommend upgrading to HD battery cables. One good company I recommend for this is K's Suspension. #2) proper recovery gear, tools, and spare parts. You don't have to go crazy and carry every tool known to man, but at a minimum basic hand tools, jack, lug wrench, recovery strap etc. Spare shafts for your Dana 30 would be wise. #3) protection - rocker protection, HD diff covers, LCA guards, transfer case skid plate, gas tank skid plate, bumpers. When you are ready, plate the frame rails if you plan on keeping this rig, and then I highly recommend the 2x6 rocker replacement. With the front bumper you can add a winch which goes back to #2. #4) traction - add lockers, and change the gearing in the diffs at the same time. This is a good time to evaluate future upgrades and if you want to spend money on your current axles or something stronger depending on budget. #5) you are getting serious so seriously consider a cage
Thanks for the comment. Its a 1/4" braided hose and yes it can work on any XJ but it carries a much larger volume than the tiny stock hard fuel line. You may need to prime the pump several times to get the pressure up before starting. See my comments at the bottom of this link for more guidance: ericsxj.com/2012build/updates6.htm
Could you show a closeup of the rear quarter panel/ fender armor deal you have? Does that go up and over the body or is it cut out? I bought one where the previous owner cut the the fenders out through the seam weld and im just wondering if I should try to repair that or just replace with something like what you have. You have a beautiful and capable build. I’m lucky to have just discovered your Channel and would love to buy the book.
Lot of inspiration here. I love how the fenders are all tied together for a very solid XJ. I like the hybrid cage. This is the greatest build I’ve seen yet in terms of tidiness and capability. Great machine you’ve got here.
I've built 2 Cherokees and I'm looking to build a 3rd. My next project I would like to build as an overland multipurpose Jeep. I like the concept of the hybrid exoskeleton and interior roll cage that connects to the front bumper and rear. Does that help eliminate the unibody flex? I really dig your tube doors and had a few ideas on how I wanted to build my own.
Yes the cage certainly does add to the overall stiffness of the unibody but it is not a substitute for plating the frame rails. Best of luck on the build!
Beautiful! Someone who has actually had their XJ longer than I have and built it right. I have a 98 I got in 2004 with just under 74k miles on it. We have been together all the way to 203k, just a bit of death wobble in-between....
OMG, I just realized this is that Blue XJ with 33s I loved so much way back when I first got mine. So happy you still have it and kept making it better.
Great XJ but can't wach the video all they way through because you shake so much I started getting nauseous. Buy a gimble, change your settings or have someone else help you.
