I've got a contender for the most basic MJ.
Just won a Copart auction for this 87' Sportruck. It got hit in the rear and evidently got totaled out. No A/C, Manual Steering, bench, manual windows, 4cyl, 2wd. I was regretting bidding on it till I saw it in person. Its got new kicks, new brakes and brake lines, new gas tank, rear bumper is almost perfect, NO RUST that I can see, and it runs like a singer sewing machine. I still need to give it a good shake down but I think I'm gonna be happy with it. Now I just need to get a back glass and replace a tail light and get a rebuilt title for it. I might DD it till the summer rolls around.
The 5.9 earning its keep again!
Straight as a board.
I stopped by LKQ on the way home and pulled three spoke steering wheel for it...I'm not really a fan of the old two spoke style. That will probably be the extent of the "build" for this one unless I find a nice grey XJ interior in the yard. The XJs are starting to dry up around here.
I also pulled a 4.10 8.25 from a 96 XJ while I was there, it was 27 spline so I pulled some 29 spline axles and a carrier to swap in. Still need to set it up though. It might find its way under the MJ or I might keep it for a future build.