Wilderness XJ Build
#1
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
Wilderness XJ Build
This past fall I sold my TJ and bought an XJ because I needed more cargo room. I do enjoy wheeling for sport, but the main objective of this vehicle is to get me to hiking trailheads so I can photograph the backcountry as that's what I do. Therefore, I shall call this my Wilderness XJ.
Here's what William looked like when I brought him home:
He already had a 3" BDS lift which (after much vacillating), I decided is plenty for my needs. However, I wanted 31" tires and am a fan of the BFG KM2 so that had to happen.
It gave it a bit more of an aggressive look:
Below is my current setup:
Suspension:
How William currently sits:
Here's what William looked like when I brought him home:
He already had a 3" BDS lift which (after much vacillating), I decided is plenty for my needs. However, I wanted 31" tires and am a fan of the BFG KM2 so that had to happen.
It gave it a bit more of an aggressive look:
Below is my current setup:
Suspension:
- BDS 3 inch lift (full leaf packs)
- OME 3.5" leaf springs, OME ZJ coils
- 31x10.50x15 BFG KM2 Tires
- 265/75R16 Cooper ST-MAXX Tires
- 265/75R16 Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrain Tires
- 15x8x3.75 D-Window Black Steel Wheels
- 16x8x4 Black Alloy Wheels
- JKS Quick Disconnects with Custom Mount
- ORO SwayLOC with custom brackets
- Bushwacker Flat Fender Flares
- Rock Krawler Adjustable Track Bar
- Rough Country N2.0 Shocks
- OME Shocks
- Rough Country Steering Stabilizer
- OME Steering Stabilizer
- Ironman 4x4 Adjustable Control Arms
- Ironrock Offroad Rocklink 3-link
- Rubicon Express front lower bump stops
- 4.0L
- Golen 4.6L Stroker
- NP231
- Azzy's Design Works Transfer Case Shift Linkage
- AX15
- High Pinion Dana 30 Front Axle (Truss, Inner-C Gussets, Eaton Detroit Truetrac)
- Chrysler 8.25 Rear Axle (Truss, shock relocation, OX Locker)
- Optima Yellow Top Battery
- Motive 4.10 Gears
- Advance Adapters SYE
- Tom Woods CV Shaft
- K&N Cold Air Intake
- Banks Exhaust Header
- Walker Catalytic Converter
- Flowmaster 60 Muffler and Exhaust
- Borla Muffler
- Mopar HD Radiator
- Champion BC1193 Radiator
- 703 Injectors
- ZJ Tierod
- Crown Performance Brake Lines
- Engine Fan Override
- ZJ/Liberty Rear Disc Brake Conversion
- Custom AX15 High Idle
- Detroit Muscle Technologies XJ splash shield
- JCR Stage 3 Rock Sliders
- ZJ Gas Tank Skid Plate
- Riddler Dana 30 Differential Cover
- JKS LCA Skid Plates
- TNT Customs Belly Pan
- Ironrock Offroad Transfercase Skid Plate
- Dirtbound Lower Quarter Panels
- WARN MD8000 winch
- Detours Backbone
- Baddad Hidden Winch Mount (with custom changes)
- Surco Roof Rack
- JCR Offroad Adventure Rack + modified brackets + custom brackets
- Custom CB Antenna Storage
- Custom Gear Storage
- Dirtbound Offroad Mojave Rear Bumper and Tire Carrier (with custom changes)
- PIAA 510 Driving Lights with OEM Switch
- Hella H4 Headlights and Putco Wiring Harness
- Auxbeam LED Light Bar + Rear Floods
- Baja Designs 704003 LED Light Bar
- JCR Side Lights
- One Way Light Interior LEDs
- ZJ Seat Conversion
- WRX Seat Conversion
- Sound System with Stealth Sub Enclosure
- Seat Warmers
- Dynamat, carpet, Wheelskin
- Rear 12v power
How William currently sits:
Last edited by WillyXJ; 06-13-2024 at 10:19 AM. Reason: Updated mods list
#3
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
I bought five tires rather than just four as I'm a big fan of rotating the full-size spare into the mix and not having to worry about tires being different sizes if I get a flat. But, that means the stock spare comes out of the cargo area and instead of putting a big ol' tire back there, I opted for a Surco rack and mounted my hi-lift jack, axe, and shovel as well. I need all the cargo room I can get for my gear (and sometimes others' as well).
Last edited by WillyXJ; 12-17-2016 at 03:38 PM.
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Doomsdaykitten (10-03-2022)
#5
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
One of the best mods I did on the TJ was also required on the XJ - JKS Discos. Instead of using a hammer to get the stock pressed pins out, I used my U-Joint press tool which worked really well...on the driver's side. It wouldn't fit on the passenger side because it was big enough to have the steering stabilizer get in the way. I ended up taking the stabilizer off to complete the job.
It got tested on a trail and I really like the ride of the XJ better than the TJ. It feels much more stable.
It got tested on a trail and I really like the ride of the XJ better than the TJ. It feels much more stable.
Last edited by WillyXJ; 03-06-2016 at 04:21 PM.
#7
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
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#8
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
I originally wanted the hunter green, but those were really hard to find with a 4.0L and 5spd and those I did find were out of my budget. Came across this dark red one for a decent price and I'm actually quite fond of the color now.
#10
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
Before selling the TJ, I pulled my winch off it so I could use it on the XJ. Here's another time where I vacillated for awhile as I couldn't decided between a winch bumper from JCR or the backbone from Detours. After much consideration for both, I opted to go with the more budget-friendly backbone and keep the stock bumper. I actually like the stock look of the bumper and endcaps, too, so that's a win-win!
Getting the backbone installed was a breeze as the holes all lined up perfectly.
It was getting the bumper skin cut to fit where I had a bit of trouble as I don't do this sort of thing for a living. It did fit in the end after taking it off to make adjustments about 13 times. I also took the opportunity to take off the bottom plastic piece of the bumper and cut the end caps to match. Gives it a cleaner look and a better approach angle.
And now for the obligatory profile picture:
He's coming along quite nicely, I think.
Getting the backbone installed was a breeze as the holes all lined up perfectly.
It was getting the bumper skin cut to fit where I had a bit of trouble as I don't do this sort of thing for a living. It did fit in the end after taking it off to make adjustments about 13 times. I also took the opportunity to take off the bottom plastic piece of the bumper and cut the end caps to match. Gives it a cleaner look and a better approach angle.
And now for the obligatory profile picture:
He's coming along quite nicely, I think.
Last edited by WillyXJ; 03-06-2016 at 04:22 PM.
#11
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 335
Likes: 57
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Golen 4.6L
If you look at the profile picture after I had the 31s put on, you will see that the tires (specifically rears) won't fit in the wheel well without rubbing. I encountered this quite a bit on this wheeling trip and here's a shot of the front (at one point my flare even popped off):
With more vacillating (apparently I'm quite indecisive!) between going back to smaller tires, different backspacing, or fender trimming (which I was opposed to from the beginning), I decided to get some of these to put on:
Now that I have the box, I need to get to cutting...
My other project is to tackle this unfortunate problem:
With more vacillating (apparently I'm quite indecisive!) between going back to smaller tires, different backspacing, or fender trimming (which I was opposed to from the beginning), I decided to get some of these to put on:
Now that I have the box, I need to get to cutting...
My other project is to tackle this unfortunate problem:
Last edited by WillyXJ; 03-06-2016 at 04:23 PM.
#12
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Cumming/Dahlonega, Georgia
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Flats or Cut-Outs? Either way, I'm interested to see how they look! My XJ is sitting at about 3.5" with 31's, and I haven't seen many of us smaller build guys get Bushwackers.
#15
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Cumming/Dahlonega, Georgia
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L