Smokeyyank

Had that one not too long ago. Great summer beer!

Lol that was brutal.

Picked up four brand new Summit machine joints for links. Things are monsters.

Yeah who knows. The longer I look the more questions I have. Does it have wheelie bars? Things probably got an insane power to weight ratio.

I have soooo many questions..... Like is the PT crusier the engine or storage? Does your butt get hot if you're on the back seat? Which lights work? Do all the wheels turn or just the front?

Been listening to power/fantasy metal lately. My daughter who's 4 has been asking for it especially the fantasy stuff. Can't complain at least it's not Daniel freakin tiger.......

Yeah but current XJ prices suck. Good time to sell, crap time to buy. Used to be able to find decent ones around 2k now it's upwards of 4-5k. Not even going to mention crack heads trying to pull 10-20k on some of their rigs.

Did I hear Crack??! That's a "joke" of a price.

I run one of these things in my WJ. Does fine and adds just enough bass to round out the music. https://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-KSC-SW11-Compact-Enclosed-Subwoofer/dp/B00BO8O9XQ

I have one in my WJ and while it hasn't had issues just nothing I would dump money into or look too for an "upgrade".

Say no more...... things break if you look at them funny

Follow me for more tips

I'd put that flair money elsewhere . IMHO things are ugly AF and serve no purpose. If you want the clearance just do a quality trim job and bumpstop. Best trim is here, http://www.yuccaman.com/jeep/trim.html I'm also assuming since you're going up to 35's you already have the gears and rest of the axle set up to handle that? If not I'd step back a few and do that before you slap a lift and tires on. Stock gearing on 35's is going to be a absolute turd. Also based on what you're saying 31-33's would do exactly what you want. No need for 35's.

D44a is junk. No aftermarket support and different bolt pattern.. I'd either go with a 8.25 or a 8.8. Both will handle that power just fine. Biggest problem with the 8.8 is being shorter so needing wheel spacers. Also for you suspension set up you're sprung under so I find it a little hard to believe you had that much axle wrap but you can always add a traction bar. Cheaper and a lot more manageable than going links.

At a minimum a double shear one. https://www.ironrockoffroad.com/product/xj-zj-adjustable-double-shear-track-bar-kit.html https://ironman4x4fab.com/collections/mj-suspension/products/mj-track-bar-system

Biggest challenge swapping in a V8 to a MJ. Tight squeeze to get a proper cooling system in there. If you do swap it in I'd put new heads or at least have someone pin the valve seats. 4.7's aren't cheap to rebuild I know. As for the rest of the swap, WJ is bigger so you're going to need to figure out a way to make those parts fit if that's what you want to do. Seats are going to be tight as they are taller than XJ/MJ seats. I personally would junk the 247 and quada-drive and swap in a 231 or 242 and either XJ axles or something other than the WJ ones. Low pinion 30 with CV axles and faux 44 just isn't an ideal option to swap in.

I haven't ventured too far into the realm but my dad has painted a few cars and I've picked up a few things over the years. One thing not mentioned is you need to have a good compressor that is able to keep up. Rest won't matter if your compressor is junk. I would also make sure your "booth" is able to stay as clean and leak free as possible and try to utilize a downdraft airflow system. Keep all dust to a minimum and try to have your intake air as clean as possible. I prefer negative pressure as it get's the air out quicker so less chance for things to linger in your booth. For paint guns check pawn shops. My dad has picked up a few guns for pennies on the dollar. He has a devilbliss and a TCP global. I would put more focus on your clear gun vs paint. Suits whatever is comfortable if you're just doing a few car's disposable would be my suggestion.

I guess the one advantage of renting would be not having the deprecation factor along with any mechanical burden, but I can still see the point. Are you looking at diesel or gas?

Personally the cost of most new vehicles is outrageous and I wouldn't go that route. No reason a basic truck needs to be 40-50k. Not sure what your budget is but assuming around there. Have you thought about just renting a truck when you need one? Keep the MJ maybe get a Honda or something easy to just daily. Take all that cash restomod CJ and keep a decent MJ. Have a Honda because you own jeeps and need something reliable.

The head issue with the 00-01. 97 was the crossover year and is a electrical mess. If it was 4wd then obviously you only get the HP30 up to 99 but I know you aren't looking for a 4wd.

I'd vote 98-99 XJ for a few reasons. Overall they are easy to work on, parts are cheap, they are pretty simple from a technology standpoint, and familiarity with the drivetrain is nice. Both are going to be used cars and have their unique set of issues. I think the XJ would provider a better resale point when you get there.

Nothing huge, just a cosmetic update. At the JY last week I stumbled on a 01 gauge cluster with white faces. I like the look of it the only downside is that the odometer stays on the cluster so I gained 40k.

Thanks Cruiser, was waiting for you to share some knowledge. Wil I need to do anything with the head? Here's what the engine set up is. 96 4.0L block with 91 7120 head on it, with 99 intake manifold & 91-up exhaust manifold. Renix fuel rail with Volvo 746 injectors. 96+ throttle body that’s been bored out to 63mm. Renix distributor & alternator. 98 power steering pump & bracket.