[Metzroth]

So, I drove a total of roughly 11 hours to look at Jeeps in the past week and I finally found one within my budget that seemed in good enough shape for me to want it. The weirdest part is it had a ridiculous amount of miles...280,000. The Jeep is a 2000 Cherokee Classic, silver in color. Has power options, cruise, etc. all the basics. The trans shifts awesome with no slipping and the fluid isn't burnt. <My biggest concern considering the miles. It runs amazing and made the 160 mile trip back to school without a hitch (even appears to be doing decent on fuel which is a bonus). It tracks fairly straight down the road (might need a slight toe adjustment), and doesn't have any weird knocks or squeaks or ticks on the road. The one problem I noticed is that there seems to be some play somewhere in the driveline because when you put the trans in gear there it sounds like there is a knocking noise back near the rear end (maybe u-joints?). Anyway, the Jeep is stock which is how I would rather buy it because I would like to know that all of the modifications are done correctly. Hopefully over the next couple years I can build a decent road worthy trail vehicle.

My only question for you guys is where do you start your builds? The jeep is stock and I plan on building it over the 1-2 years so I wan't to do it in the most logical order. I WILL use the SEARCH feature as well but I thought I could get some feedback if anyone was willing to contribute. Thanks for providing an awesome source of information! I plan to be around for a long time and hopefully I can contribute something myself in the future.

[Jason845]

For right now, change every fluid you can think of, with that many miles, god knows how old some of them might be. Do a tune up. Make sure everything is running right in stock form, so as you go, you will know where the problems are comming from. Edit: SEAFOAM!

As far as a lift and tires go, think about what you want and need, then go up a step bigger because you will do it eventually anyway

[Motorcharge]

Read through this:
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f177/xj-mj-non-technical-section-faqs-please-read-934394/

It should answer a lot of questions you might have and basic questions you hadn't thought of.

x2 on the fluid changes and tune up. I'd also run fuel injector cleaner through your gas thank, it should help with gas mileage some. As for the miles, it's not uncommon for a 4.0 at all. They're more or less bomb proof and will run forever with basic maintenance.

Also,

[Metzroth]

Awesome, thanks for the advice. The motor only has 86K miles so it should run 200k or so with proper care (I hope). I'm scared of changing the TRANS fluid as it may cause the trans to start slipping. I already ordered AMSOIL fluids as far as motor oil, gear lube, etc. (transfer case, axles) and will def change all that asap. I should probably change brake fluid as no one ever does that and I do plan to do a tune up. Also, I'm a firm believer in seafoam as well I already ran it through the gas tank and I plan to run a can or two through the intake manifold as well to free up some of the gunk in there. O2 Sensors are probably SUPER old so I will change those too...$$$$ Pics will be up later today. I'm going to go hose her off. Thanks again for the link. I have all day today free so I will read through that. As far as lift/tires...I can honestly say I have no desire to go any bigger than 33s. I don't want all of the stress on driveline that I would get with 35s or larger. Atleast until I'm done with school (2 years) this will be my DD so I need to keep it SOMEWHAT reasonable. Will have to read about tire sizes/lift heights. I know I wan't the ability to articulate and I'm told that will require a long arm kit, sway bar disconnects, and I'm sure alot more. I've started reading about SYEs and I know that will be necessary too. Over the next couple months I will do all of the maintenance and then maybe come spring I will start building if I get the jeep paid off. Shouldn't be too difficult as I got it for $2300.

[leftlanetruckin]

Welcome aboard!
After the fluid and tune up stage is finished, here is the order I would do it all:
Frame stiffeners.
Rear disk conversion if you have the 8.25. If you somehow got a 35, do the 8.8 swap.
Beef up the steering (new tie rod and drag link).
Then do the lift and trac bar.
Depending on tire size, maybe a regear will be in order too.
Just my .02.

Martin

[Metzroth]

That is exactly what I want... everyone please put in their .02. I completely agree with your idea there, get everything ready for the lift/tires before getting the lift/tires, not the other way around. I looked at several Jeeps who did it in the reverse order and never got to the second part. PICS are in the works, just gotta figure out how to get them here.

[Metzroth]

[Metzroth]

[Metzroth]

[Metzroth]

[Metzroth]

Pics as requested

I love my Jeep! I'm pretty sure I'm hooked for life.

[leftlanetruckin]

What pics??

[Metzroth]

Do they not show up?

[Metzroth]

http://picture.vzw.com/mi/478018018_1674647410_0.jpeg?limitsize=580,480&outq uality=56&ext=.jpg&border=1,0,0,0

http://picture.vzw.com/mi/478020069_1674655194_0.jpeg?limitsize=580,480&outq uality=56&ext=.jpg&border=1,0,0,0

http://picture.vzw.com/mi/478017621_1674645950_0.jpeg?limitsize=580,480&outq uality=56&ext=.jpg&border=1,0,0,0

http://picture.vzw.com/mi/478016445_1674641482_0.jpeg?limitsize=580,480&outq uality=56&ext=.jpg&border=1,0,0,0

[Jon00XJ]

use photobucket