The Build
This is the ever growing list of mods I've done to my XJ. I'll keep this list updated as it evolves over time.
Zero to Hero
This XJ of mine was far from what it is today when I bought it. It cost me a total of $700. Which got me a blown up engine, broken front control arms, a practically stripped out dana 35c, years of neglect, and a huge amount potential.
The plan I had for it was to slowly build a very capible and budget freindly XJ. The end goal was to build The Jeep Cherokee Rubicon Edition. AKA The Ruberokee.
I understand everyones budget is different then mine. But with a little planning, saving up, and time anything is possible.
Suspension - Steering - Brakes
I knew that going to a long arm suspension setup was the only option. After a ton of research and because at the time I wanted a solid bolt on kit for the ease of installation. I decided on the Rusty's Offroad 4.5" Long Travel Kit.
This kit has been awesome and beefy enough to handle everthing I've thrown at it from easy mountian trails to Hell's Revenge in Moab, Utah.
The suspension Mods dont end there. After some testing I installed the following:
- Fox 2.0 Shocks
- Currie Anti-Rock front sway bar
- Ironman4x4fab track bar system
- Teraflex Front lower bumpstops and modified poly upper bumpstops (approx. 4" uptravel)
- 4" rear bumpstops and leafspring bumpstop u-bolt plates
The steering and brakes are still a work in progess. At the time when I installed the long arm kit I opted for very budget friendly options.
I'm currently running a "one ton" style drag link and tie rod kit from Rough Country (which is one of the only Rough Country products I would recommend) and a stock steering box.
The brakes in the front are stock and I did a rear disc conversion on the rear. Which if your doing a Rear Disc conversion on a XJ dana 44 then check out this forum post on NAXJA.
NOTE: I have been secretly planning a steering and brakes overhaul. So once I have that all worked out I'll update this page.
Drivetrain
Since the very beginning of this build I knew that I wanted to stay true to the herritage of the Jeep Cherokee. Which is why I searched relentlessly for factory Jeep options that would essentially bolt right up without any major fabrication. Needless to say, I found exactly what I was looking for.
For axles, I ditched the 27 spline HP Dana 30 front and the Dana 35c axles. Now its sitting on a 2006 Jeep TJ Rubicon LP Front Dana 44 and a 1986-87 Rear Jeep XJ Dana 44 which both have factory 30 spline axle shafts. They have been upgraded with the following:
- 4.10 yukon gears and hardware
- Yukon Diff. Covers
- ARB Air Lockers front and rear
- Front Chromally axle shafts
The rear axle shafts are still stock. But I do have plans in the future to upgrade to RCV axles in the front and Chromally shafts in the rear.
For Driveshafts I'm running 2 custom length Front Jeep XJ drivelines. Both also have adaptor u-joints (1310-1330) on the axle side.
The rest of the drivetrain is as follows:
- Jeep HO 4.0L
- Jeep AW4 Auto Transmission
- Jeep NP231J w/ SYE
Up to this point the only original drivetrain component is the AW4 transmission. Knock on wood, lets hope it continues to hang on haha.
Last but not least, I'm currently running 35x12.5R15 Milestar Patagona MT/02 tires. These have been great all-around tires. I do like the idea of running a 37" tire in the future.
Interior
The Interior Is by far the the most neglected part of this build. Luckily the rust is very minimal. Other then a few mods, the interior is your typical no carpet XJ thats pleaged with water leaks.
I do have big plans for the interior. So stay tuned for future updates.
Exterior
I've spent a ton of time trying to make it look good. It's still rough around the edges but not bad over all.
Exterior Mods are as follows:
- Rusty's Offroad Fender Armor
- Rusty's Offroad Rocksliders
- Rusty's Offroad Transfer case Skid
- Rear Quarter cut-n-fold
- Custom front bumper and recovery points
- Refurbished trim
- '97+ Jeep XJ front window and rear window and trim conversion
Just like the rest of the Jeep its a work in progess. I have few more exterior plans that will get done in the future.
Never Ending Project
My XJ up to this point has felt like a never ending project.
But with that said, I do have a end goal in mind. A ending that I will be happy with. I'm not sure when that will be, but it has to come so I can build new rigs in the future. I have ideas that have never been done before, especially with the Jeep XJ platform.
This XJ will always be the "OG" on the Wrenches to Adventures channel.