Crash

Yes, late model XJ center console is plug n pray. May need to make small brackets to secure the back. I have one in my renix XJ. The late model one has a mount that goes from the floor to under the compartment, but I didn't use that, it fits good in between my seats.

My project Mj had some weird looking horizontal grille on it like the one in the pics. Definitely doesn't look right.

Got most of the paperwork taken care of for title transfer/reg. Just have to get it emissions tested and inspected. That will be done early next week. And I will get to drive it it! Also need to find time to pull off the utility bed. And swap the other bed over.

I would consider doing something like a lot of XJ guys do with replacing rockers. And use some square tube for added strength.

Looks good, mine had buckets in it already (= Getting a 97-up XJ console to put in mine. Cupholders FTW!

Just read through your build. I applaud your originality and the work you have done. One thing I wanted to ask is, thought about putting an hourmeter in it?

You will have a much better ride and more reliable with the ome, bilstein or other quality shock vs re

As others have mentioned, this is a common issue with the ballast resistor failing. It is on the driver side inner fender in front of the egr vacuum solenoid. Disco the wires and jumper them together. If necessary, a paper clip will work for this. Then try to start/run it. If it runs, you found your problem. You can permanently bypass this without issue. Or you can buy a new one and hope it doesn't fail.

If you build an XJ, frame stiffeners are a MUST. ZJ/WJ would be better for comfort, and WJ's had a heated seat option. Not that you can't swap into an XJ, but that adds time and cost. All 3 can be had with a 4.0L, so there is a non-issue for reliability.

Buy matching hex head bolts to replace those lame torx bolts.

Pull the axles, for better gears, leafs will swap. drive shaft may be a different length. But can have a good shop modify that for you. Suspension should be plug n pray. Most other items will swap as well. IF the bed is in good shape and you have the room/cash get that and keep as a spare? 4 cyl auto would not have an AW4. Only late, late model XJ's with 4 cyl /auto had AW4. Will have a Chryco trans if it's auto.

I hope you donate the black/non-chrome parts to us folk who do not want chrome. haha.

Read through your build. I think you have done a nice job. Couple things I would like to mention from experience and advice. I like the blue color you picked. I am kind of torn on what color to paint my MJ, it has the late model xj front end lighter metallic blue that was found on later models, kind of want to go with that since there is not much to the cab and bed. I kinda want to do bedliner in the bed anyways. You mentioned replacing your steering box, did you replace/upgrade the spacer? Do you have frame tie-ins for your bumper? If your answer to either of these questions is "No", do it! You can pick up both of these items from JCR, Tnt Customs, etc. When I was installing my custom tube bumper on my XJ it was a PITA with the stock spacer. It wasn't broken, but its a tiny amount of Al and they are known for breaking. Ordered the JCR spacer, itaddsan additional bolt for spreading the load and is way more beefy than the stock POS. As far as lift I would consider piecing it together/buying used. You will get a better quality "kit". For the front end, XJ parts are plug n pray. And, I honestly see no reason to go taller than 5" and SUA rides way better than SOA. Most people net a min of 5"+ when going SOA. IF you end up at 4.5ish already, depending on the specific setup, extended shackles and such will give you the additional lift necessary. Definitely upgrade your headlight wiring harness.. Putco, LMC truck, ARB, custom etc. Even with stock sealed beams it makes a HUGE difference in light output. If you ever decide to go with bucket seats, install one of the 97-up XJ center consoles. It looks clean and has built-in cupholders.

I'm guessing it's a universal utility. I don't need it, or really want it. I considered for a moment to make it a trailer, but I have too much stuff/projects as is. Have a few potential buyers at this point. Or might try and sell my other project mj, xj, and the bed as a bundle if one wanted to buy them all.

Just read through your thread. Overall I like what you have done. I'm planning on going LSx, with Novak bits (Mounts, headers, rad, etc) I believe that the LSx with their shorty headers solves the UCA contact problem. I've always had the intention of running some lift though.

For bumper, I would say just pick up or make a set of the extended "sandwiched" brackets like jcr and other aftermarket companies sell.

From my understanding, this is correct.

If all else fails, I use vise grips with rubber/other protector on the shock shaft. And/or pull the air box for more room to work.

I agree, driver side there is a piece that 2 wire connect to. Right in front of the egr vac. solenoid. Check the connection, and to confirm, remove the connectors and jumper them together. If your heep runs, bypass this circuit with a solid connection.

DIY, or maybe search cherokee/xj dash cover. Some companies do not know their @$$ from their elbows.

Tell me you are going to at least shave the axles?

The TPS for an auto trans is plug n pray for a manual trans. Just has an additional plug. I work at a Carquest auto parts, and the computer did not even show a listing for a manual trans. Auto trans TPS prices that I have seen have always been significantly cheaper.

Maybe consider a SBC swap? Novak makes the adapters/mounts for it. Would definitely put a lil pep in her step.

Update, months later.. So, this truck still sits as is. But, I picked up another running/driving MJ 4.0L/2WD/5 speed from a friend of mine. Fortunately, he has done a good amount of the work I would have wanted to do. This includes 97+ XJ front header/fenders and doors/mirrors. It will stay 2WD for meow, but I would like to add a 97+ center console. However, I will be getting rid of the utility bed and swapping the regular bed from my prior project. I had a D35 (sigh), but the PO to my friend put 4.56 gears in it. Yes I know, ticking time bomb, but I have a C8.25 with 4.56's that I thought about setting up for an SUA MJ for when it goes Boom! Unfortunately it has some lame Ford wheels on it, but the tires are practically new off-brand AT's that I may just switch wheels and run for a while. Otherwise, I can swap my 31's from my other project MJ. Debating on what to do with my other MJ and the donor XJ. Might see if I can sell as a bundle. https://www.dropbox.com/s/qddow7wnvv6lorv/2015-02-06%2016.30.21.jpg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/w049zeplvdh4pjd/2015-02-06%2016.30.13.jpg?dl=0 https://www.dropbox.com/s/8ytu1w9n6ze7jgn/2015-02-06%2016.29.58.jpg?dl=0

A GM LSx engine swap makes more sense. And Novak Conversions makes anything and everything you could want to make it fit/run.