Crash

235/75 should fit no problem. I know 31's will fit in the back no problem, but you would rub in the front for sure.

It is my understanding that Rusty's has decent 4.5 lift leaf packs for MJ. Those and maybe their coils are the only things I would think about getting from there. But I do beleive that they have a kit. I definitely wouldn't run their track bar though. I've heard that Hellcreek makes a nice leaf setup. Although, I have heard conflicting things about them still being around or not. Best bet is to buy parts you want and have a BIY kit, vs Spending a large chunk of cash on a kit that may or may not have parts you want. For example, OME 934 coils, JKS or Currie ACOS, IRO trackbar/bracket, Currie steering (or maybe WJ/crossover steering swap), goferit tie rod flip insert for driver side knuckle, 24+ in stainless brakelines (pending exactly what you need), Clayton Long arm (maybe 3-link?), extended sway bar disco, for the front Hellcreek rear lift leafs, stainless extended brake line, maybe steel axle shims if required, extended shack if necessary. IF you go with bigger tires, REGEAR your axles Shocks, At a MINIMUM, Bilstein 5100s. 7100s/w/ resi are better.

Just read through your thread. Looks great! I like the look of the 97-up XJ front end a lot better than the early model XJ/MJ. I have the newer header/hood/fenders and doors on my MJ. If you have the means, upgrading the doors is something you should consider. You get a nice single piece window and better mirrors. And, your door lock cylinders will swap to the newer style doors. I was never sure before, but I have the old Renix lock cyl in my 97-up doors. I've thought about doing a vinyl wrap on my vehicles, because the cost is not that much, but I would want a pro to do it so that if something is wrong they can fix it and I don't have to. Haha. As far as your HVAC panel light, if you remove the dash bezel, you can check to see if the light works, but it not properly connected to the back of the HVAC panel. I guess you could change the bulb anyways since you are there, but something to check for. When I got my Renix XJ years ago I had no HVAC panel light. When I swapped a new stereo HU in, I noticed that when the lights were on that there was a small glow behind the panel. So, I removed the screws to check. And sure enough, the bulb worked but was not "plugged in" to the back of the HVAC panel.

Stuff I want: Renix full gauge cluster - Functional, decent shape. Rear bumper for MJ, with brackets Adjustable UCA's Non-spindle knuckles (prefer later model), maybe with good UB's and stub shafts? Possibly calipers for these as well? Renix ones may be accepted also, are the calipers the same for the spindles and renix 4wd non-spindle knuckles? Late model XJ manual front 4 door panels and manual regulators. MJ headliner and interior pieces. Lower on the list, since funds are tight - 4WD AX-15 (prefer ext slave), NV3500/50, and matching T-case.

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?