So, after reading about these machines I decided I wanted one. Last night I managed to pick up this '01 xj.. Has 145k miles. Straight 6. But its 2wd.. I read other post on here about storys where the 4wd on these things usually isn't even needed ?? And it saves you from having to fix a few extra parts? Like the title says its my first jeep and this is my first post. You guys dominate the jeep forums. Nice to be on board 👍

 

Welcome aboard and congrats on the purchase. While it is true that many, many trails can be done in 2wd, it's also true that when you need 4wd you NEED 4wd or you are not making further progress. I would say enjoy what you have and if you decide you want a 4x4 later on you can either convert that one or sell it and buy a different one.

 

So first thing is maintenance. Just assume everything needs to be done. Especially the cooling system in that. Google 0331 head to educate yourself. Now don't get all nervous about that after you read about it. But you need to be aware of it. I subscribe to the notion that if I didn't replace it it is original.

 

Congrats MK.

Years back I had a '80 GMC Jimmy 2wd,auto,6cyl. Used it as a hunting and camping vehicle as well as a DD. It had a 4:10 12bolt rear with "posi-traction". Very good off road vehicle with a set of mud tires on it.

 

Welcome and congrats on your first XJ

Check out the How-To's on this site. Very good info

 

In the nearly 3 years I've had my Jeep, I'm surprised how little I have had to use 4WD. And I live in a region that gets clobbered with snow and ice. With a quality set of tires, and decent ground clearance, I almost never need it for camping, fishing, etc.

The only time I seem to need it is when a quick snow/ice storm hits with little warning and the plows haven't had a chance to hit the roads yet. Or when I have been winter/snow camping and we decide to go back deep in the woods with non-maintained roads with 12-14 inches of snow and ice layers in them.

We don't have much opportunity for technical off-road trails here, so unless I'm in deep snow, I rarely need it. But considering how many cool places I went when I was a teenager in an ugly 1979 AMC concord (2wd/rwd) with zero ground clearance and worn out street tires, I could definitely do way better in a slightly lifted XJ with premium tires.