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Which XJ to get?
Having already picked up my first Jeep vehicle, an 03 Rubi (ducking
flying tomatoes), the missus and I have certainly broadened our experience of what enjoying the backcountry can mean. Previously and still occasionally, we would haul our camping gear on our backs to the most remote locations. The Rubi now makes it possible to go to nearly the same places and be able to bring chairs and tables! While we love the Rubi, sometimes its absence of space is a little limiting. Normally we schlep gear in the Subi Outback, but it definitely wouldn't make it up to the top of the John Bull trail. So, something with more space and good off-road capability is in order. Ability to tow without getting pushed around by the trailer is also a plus. Had considered the 1985 Toy Pickup or 4Runner for it's fuel injected engine and solid front axle, but they are rare as hen's teeth around here. When they do show up, they are usually pretty built-up (beat-up) and command >$3000. On the other hand, there are LOTS of XJ grocery getters that are popping up on the market, now that the IFS SUV's seem to be the rage. Pretty cherry condition and probably never seen any off-road use, mebbe not even had the transfer case used! I'd like to get it for moderate off-roading (Single Black Diamond) and modifications for as little dinero as possible. Don't know much about XJ's though. I saw the write-up in one of the Primedia mags on the sub-5K XJ build-up for Moab which gave me some ideas. -Which years/options are most desireable and why? -Which years should be avoided? -What sorts of special wear and tear need to be looked for in the XJ design? -Which mod's will yield most bang for the buck? Fender-trimming, lift, bigger tires, anything else? Do I really need a new bumper? Thanks in advance for your learned opinions. |
Re: Which XJ to get?
The latest JP magazine has an article about which years/ options of
XJs and other Jeep models to look for. Had a 91 - it got around very nicely on the trails, but it was like driving in a can of loose marbles. John Davies ex-'91 XJ, now a '96 Lexus LX450 with sliders, bumpers, 3 e-lockers, MTRs, OME |
Re: Which XJ to get?
The latest JP magazine has an article about which years/ options of
XJs and other Jeep models to look for. Had a 91 - it got around very nicely on the trails, but it was like driving in a can of loose marbles. John Davies ex-'91 XJ, now a '96 Lexus LX450 with sliders, bumpers, 3 e-lockers, MTRs, OME |
Re: Which XJ to get?
In article <7t2dnVE_CPkDy8aiRTvU2Q@speakeasy.net>, tmoonNG
<theodoremoon@NGhotmail.com> writes: >-Which years/options are most desireable and why? In '92 or 93 they designed stronger unibody loadbearing members so the bodies wouldn't fold in on themselves after 100,000 miles. '97 was the subtle body changes and major interior overhaul. 2000 saw a redesigned intake manifold, good for a few extra HP. > >-Which years should be avoided? > Any model with the four cyl engine, GM 2.8L V6, Bendix EFI, or the turbodiesel. Personally I would avoid anything prior to '93, just from a general age/condition point of view, and by that time they eliminated the problematic front axle disconnect. >-What sorts of special wear and tear need to be looked for in the XJ design? On the 4.0L I-6, look for leaking valve cover and/or oil filter adapter. Both relatively easy fixed. The Crank Position Sensor tends to be problematic on older I-6's as well. > >-Which mod's will yield most bang for the buck? Fender-trimming, lift, >bigger tires, anything else? Do I really need a new bumper? A modest 3" lift will fit 31x10.5" tires. You'd need a new bumper if you want to install a winch. If not, definitely install adequate tow hooks. > >Thanks in advance for your learned opinions. Good luck. My '93 found a buyer, otherwise I'd offer it to you! * * * Matt Macchiarolo www.townpeddler.com www.wolverine4wd.org http://wolverine4wd.org/rigs/macchiarolo_ml.html |
Re: Which XJ to get?
In article <7t2dnVE_CPkDy8aiRTvU2Q@speakeasy.net>, tmoonNG
<theodoremoon@NGhotmail.com> writes: >-Which years/options are most desireable and why? In '92 or 93 they designed stronger unibody loadbearing members so the bodies wouldn't fold in on themselves after 100,000 miles. '97 was the subtle body changes and major interior overhaul. 2000 saw a redesigned intake manifold, good for a few extra HP. > >-Which years should be avoided? > Any model with the four cyl engine, GM 2.8L V6, Bendix EFI, or the turbodiesel. Personally I would avoid anything prior to '93, just from a general age/condition point of view, and by that time they eliminated the problematic front axle disconnect. >-What sorts of special wear and tear need to be looked for in the XJ design? On the 4.0L I-6, look for leaking valve cover and/or oil filter adapter. Both relatively easy fixed. The Crank Position Sensor tends to be problematic on older I-6's as well. > >-Which mod's will yield most bang for the buck? Fender-trimming, lift, >bigger tires, anything else? Do I really need a new bumper? A modest 3" lift will fit 31x10.5" tires. You'd need a new bumper if you want to install a winch. If not, definitely install adequate tow hooks. > >Thanks in advance for your learned opinions. Good luck. My '93 found a buyer, otherwise I'd offer it to you! * * * Matt Macchiarolo www.townpeddler.com www.wolverine4wd.org http://wolverine4wd.org/rigs/macchiarolo_ml.html |
Re: Which XJ to get?
"Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message news:20030907141731.28496.00000463@mb-m18.aol.com... > In article <7t2dnVE_CPkDy8aiRTvU2Q@speakeasy.net>, tmoonNG > <theodoremoon@NGhotmail.com> writes: .... > >-What sorts of special wear and tear need to be looked for in the XJ design? > > On the 4.0L I-6, look for leaking valve cover and/or oil filter adapter. Both > relatively easy fixed. The Crank Position Sensor tends to be problematic on > older I-6's as well. Look for leaking/corroded rear output shaft on the transfer case (Command Trac only)... later ones had the boot to protect this vulnerable area. Earlier XJ had a problem with the rear hatch lock busting out of the fiberglas... fixed by '93, at least. Look for the missing manifold vacuum plug... if I'd noticed mine during barter, I could have used it for a few points, perhaps. It should be capped... find it on the vacuum routing sticker ("unused"). > > > >-Which mod's will yield most bang for the buck? Fender-trimming, lift, > >bigger tires, anything else? Do I really need a new bumper? > > A modest 3" lift will fit 31x10.5" tires. You'd need a new bumper if you want > to install a winch. If not, definitely install adequate tow hooks. I've been looking at the Draw-Tite front hitch receiver... lots of neat accessories, including a winch mount good for 8000# straight pull (only 300# vertical, so no GodsMustBeCrazy fun). Cheap, too... has tow hooks built in. __ Steve .. |
Re: Which XJ to get?
"Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message news:20030907141731.28496.00000463@mb-m18.aol.com... > In article <7t2dnVE_CPkDy8aiRTvU2Q@speakeasy.net>, tmoonNG > <theodoremoon@NGhotmail.com> writes: .... > >-What sorts of special wear and tear need to be looked for in the XJ design? > > On the 4.0L I-6, look for leaking valve cover and/or oil filter adapter. Both > relatively easy fixed. The Crank Position Sensor tends to be problematic on > older I-6's as well. Look for leaking/corroded rear output shaft on the transfer case (Command Trac only)... later ones had the boot to protect this vulnerable area. Earlier XJ had a problem with the rear hatch lock busting out of the fiberglas... fixed by '93, at least. Look for the missing manifold vacuum plug... if I'd noticed mine during barter, I could have used it for a few points, perhaps. It should be capped... find it on the vacuum routing sticker ("unused"). > > > >-Which mod's will yield most bang for the buck? Fender-trimming, lift, > >bigger tires, anything else? Do I really need a new bumper? > > A modest 3" lift will fit 31x10.5" tires. You'd need a new bumper if you want > to install a winch. If not, definitely install adequate tow hooks. I've been looking at the Draw-Tite front hitch receiver... lots of neat accessories, including a winch mount good for 8000# straight pull (only 300# vertical, so no GodsMustBeCrazy fun). Cheap, too... has tow hooks built in. __ Steve .. |
Re: Which XJ to get?
I have that front hitch. I wonder about putting 8,000 lbs on it though.
KH "Steve Cowell" <scowell@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message news:s8L6b.458$Ee5.113@newssvr23.news.prodigy.com. .. > > "Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message > news:20030907141731.28496.00000463@mb-m18.aol.com... > > In article <7t2dnVE_CPkDy8aiRTvU2Q@speakeasy.net>, tmoonNG > > <theodoremoon@NGhotmail.com> writes: > > ... > > > >-What sorts of special wear and tear need to be looked for in the XJ > design? > > > > On the 4.0L I-6, look for leaking valve cover and/or oil filter adapter. > Both > > relatively easy fixed. The Crank Position Sensor tends to be problematic > on > > older I-6's as well. > > Look for leaking/corroded rear output shaft on the transfer case (Command > Trac only)... later ones had the boot to protect this vulnerable area. > Earlier > XJ had a problem with the rear hatch lock busting out of the fiberglas... > fixed by '93, at least. Look for the missing manifold vacuum plug... if I'd > noticed mine during barter, I could have used it for a few points, perhaps. > It should be capped... find it on the vacuum routing sticker ("unused"). > > > > > > >-Which mod's will yield most bang for the buck? Fender-trimming, lift, > > >bigger tires, anything else? Do I really need a new bumper? > > > > A modest 3" lift will fit 31x10.5" tires. You'd need a new bumper if you > want > > to install a winch. If not, definitely install adequate tow hooks. > > I've been looking at the Draw-Tite front hitch receiver... lots of neat > accessories, > including a winch mount good for 8000# straight pull (only 300# vertical, so > no GodsMustBeCrazy fun). Cheap, too... has tow hooks built in. > __ > Steve > . > > |
Re: Which XJ to get?
I have that front hitch. I wonder about putting 8,000 lbs on it though.
KH "Steve Cowell" <scowell@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message news:s8L6b.458$Ee5.113@newssvr23.news.prodigy.com. .. > > "Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message > news:20030907141731.28496.00000463@mb-m18.aol.com... > > In article <7t2dnVE_CPkDy8aiRTvU2Q@speakeasy.net>, tmoonNG > > <theodoremoon@NGhotmail.com> writes: > > ... > > > >-What sorts of special wear and tear need to be looked for in the XJ > design? > > > > On the 4.0L I-6, look for leaking valve cover and/or oil filter adapter. > Both > > relatively easy fixed. The Crank Position Sensor tends to be problematic > on > > older I-6's as well. > > Look for leaking/corroded rear output shaft on the transfer case (Command > Trac only)... later ones had the boot to protect this vulnerable area. > Earlier > XJ had a problem with the rear hatch lock busting out of the fiberglas... > fixed by '93, at least. Look for the missing manifold vacuum plug... if I'd > noticed mine during barter, I could have used it for a few points, perhaps. > It should be capped... find it on the vacuum routing sticker ("unused"). > > > > > > >-Which mod's will yield most bang for the buck? Fender-trimming, lift, > > >bigger tires, anything else? Do I really need a new bumper? > > > > A modest 3" lift will fit 31x10.5" tires. You'd need a new bumper if you > want > > to install a winch. If not, definitely install adequate tow hooks. > > I've been looking at the Draw-Tite front hitch receiver... lots of neat > accessories, > including a winch mount good for 8000# straight pull (only 300# vertical, so > no GodsMustBeCrazy fun). Cheap, too... has tow hooks built in. > __ > Steve > . > > |
Re: Which XJ to get?
My preference is for a 98 or newer, 5 speed, AC. 97 was the redesign
where the hatch was changed to steel, interior was redone. Downside is that they went to a slip yoke on the transfer case around 95 I thinks, this means that you will need to add another $500 to any lift over about 3". Heck, even the factory upcountry option had driveline vibe problems and that was less than 2" over stock. Older XJ's check door hinges, specially the 2 door versions. Look for rusted out floors under the rear seat. I have a 98 w/181,000+ miles on it and still love it, no lift but I'm running BFG AT/KO's in 235/75R15's, front and rear skids, front and rear hooks, goes everywhere I've wanted it to go and carries plenty of stuff, alot more since I added that 65" safari rack up top. We have our own web site at http://www.naxja.org just for XJ's and MJ's. "Steve Cowell" <scowell@sbcglobal.net> wrote in news:s8L6b.458$Ee5.113@newssvr23.news.prodigy.com: > > "Matt Macchiarolo" <mlmacchia@aol.comspambgon> wrote in message > news:20030907141731.28496.00000463@mb-m18.aol.com... >> In article <7t2dnVE_CPkDy8aiRTvU2Q@speakeasy.net>, tmoonNG >> <theodoremoon@NGhotmail.com> writes: > > ... > >> >-What sorts of special wear and tear need to be looked for in the XJ > design? >> >> On the 4.0L I-6, look for leaking valve cover and/or oil filter >> adapter. > Both >> relatively easy fixed. The Crank Position Sensor tends to be >> problematic > on >> older I-6's as well. > > Look for leaking/corroded rear output shaft on the transfer case > (Command Trac only)... later ones had the boot to protect this > vulnerable area. Earlier > XJ had a problem with the rear hatch lock busting out of the > fiberglas... fixed by '93, at least. Look for the missing manifold > vacuum plug... if I'd noticed mine during barter, I could have used it > for a few points, perhaps. It should be capped... find it on the > vacuum routing sticker ("unused"). > >> > >> >-Which mod's will yield most bang for the buck? Fender-trimming, >> >lift, bigger tires, anything else? Do I really need a new bumper? >> >> A modest 3" lift will fit 31x10.5" tires. You'd need a new bumper if >> you > want >> to install a winch. If not, definitely install adequate tow hooks. > > I've been looking at the Draw-Tite front hitch receiver... lots of > neat accessories, > including a winch mount good for 8000# straight pull (only 300# > vertical, so no GodsMustBeCrazy fun). Cheap, too... has tow hooks > built in. __ > Steve > . > > > |
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