I finally have an XJ again. I was an avid poster/reader years ago when I had my 1990 with the super bumper (2-door, 4.0L with the 5-speed and factory sunroof). I have had 2 XJs in between but one I only had for maybe 2 weeks as I discovered it had been rolled and the other had more rust than not rust. ANYWAY – now I’m back and I am not giving this one up (can, you know, finally afford to have a Jeep).
So, I bought this 2001 Cherokee Limited but it doesn’t have factory cruise, and it’s 2WD. However, I only paid $1500 and it doesn’t even have surface rust on the under body – which is extremely rare up here. I’ve been looking for one for the past 2 years but haven’t found anything even close to this price, especially without rust.
What it does have is a tow package, the Trak Loc LSD, Chrysler 8.25 rear, Great running 4.0L and seriously no rust. My plans for this Jeep are not like my 1990 – instead I want this to be my work horse. I want it to be clean but tough. So, here are my plans:
- HD Rear Leafs and new shocks/struts
- Rebuild the 4.0L with new head (found on ebay)
- Complete service (Will detail this as I go)
- 4WD conversion
- New Tires
- Paint the underbody with Herculiner
- Paint the front and rear axle
- Tint the windows (rear)
- Replace the stereo
- Replace the headliner
- I like switches so add something to use a toggle switch haha
- Add some sort of frame stiffening if necessary
- Repaint it the Steel Blue Pearl (AY97XBQ, PBQ)
- Add in the ashtray switch console
- Add a swing out tire mount
- Replace the headliner and possibly add the overhead console (not sure why it doesn’t have this since it’s either a Limited or Classic)
- Add factory cruise control
- Add a roof rack
- Replace the stero
- Add a sub enclosure from Quadratec and new speakers
- Fatmat the interior (I think between that and the hurculiner it should be pretty quiet inside)
- Possibly put some sort of tool box or organizer in the rear without sacrificing too much space
I’m sure that list will grow, but that’s what it is so far. I just want a really nice, ready to tow my trailer, run through the winter, and be my absolute work horse as I continue to remodel the house, take care of dogs, and take my newborn kids camping and whatnot (obviously that’s going to be a little in the future as they’re only 2 months old).
Link to JeepForum Build Thread
