Regimen Posted May 11, 2015 Posted May 11, 2015 I got a 2000 XJ as my first car, I bought it from my neighbor who had served in the marines stationed on the Hawaiian islands. Three years later, after spending endless time, money, sweat, and blood on it. Someone rear-ended me, totaled the Jeep and bent the uni-frame out of shape. I had always liked comanches and cherokees, so I decided I would find an MJ to transfer my XJ's heart, soul, and skin on to. I found a 1989 Eliminator in Lake Havasu City, Arizona with 130,000 miles, rust free, and a clean title. It was too good to let go. After an 8 hour drive through a ton of desert and Las vegas at rush hour, in a Jeep held together by prayers, I finally had it home. Little did I know that this MJ had spent time in Hawaii too :thumbsup:
Regimen Posted May 11, 2015 Author Posted May 11, 2015 The plans for the MJ include a full 2000 XJ swap, interior, exterior, and drivetrain. However, I might try to pick up an AX-15 to hook up between the 2000 engine and 231 T-case. Suspension will include around a 6in lift with long arms and an SOA. My end goal is to have a reliable camping/wheeling/hunting truck which can function as a daily driver if needed. I intend on posting plenty of pics as I go.
Kickinmule Posted May 11, 2015 Posted May 11, 2015 Welcome Haole, I think that's how you spell it? Anyway yep post up some pics. The 97+ swap gets lotsa looks around here!
Regimen Posted May 12, 2015 Author Posted May 12, 2015 This is the Comanche, previous owner had repainted the truck white.
Regimen Posted May 12, 2015 Author Posted May 12, 2015 This is my 2000 XJ donor, the suspension will go to my brother's XJ and ill use all that I can on my Comanche. The reason for mentioning Hawaii in the introduction... At this point I have almost finished stripping the interior of the comanche. I have also started stripping the XJ. I have seen MJ builds and dreaded the thought of fixing a rusted through floor, so needless to say I was happy to find this under the carpet.
Regimen Posted May 16, 2015 Author Posted May 16, 2015 Yeah, the whole jeep is basically rust free and it seems like a great MJ for the 97+ swap, since the interior was mostly trashed.
Regimen Posted May 20, 2015 Author Posted May 20, 2015 Finished stripping the interior, almost like it was at the factory Then took on the drive train. I had a picture of the engine bay before removing it, but ill have to find it. Anyone looking for an I6 haha? it's got 130,000 miles on it
Regimen Posted May 22, 2015 Author Posted May 22, 2015 Yeah, the transmission would make a great boat anchor, but I'll be replacing my whole DT anyway.
Regimen Posted May 30, 2015 Author Posted May 30, 2015 I have been working on the jeeps almost every day so far, and I am waiting on some various parts to be delivered. I have finished pulling the dash, it was fairly straight forward, but a pain to not break any wiring harnesses. I received a package today with a heater core, evaporator core, grommets and stuff for the valve cover, and an upper brake light/cargo light from a Mazda pickup truck. I will try to pull the engine tomorrow, I have it almost ready, just need to disconnect a few more things.
Regimen Posted May 30, 2015 Author Posted May 30, 2015 I got the XJ drive train taken out, and a friend helped me steam clean it.
Regimen Posted June 3, 2015 Author Posted June 3, 2015 Thanks, it's coming along pretty well, and I've got some big plans for the Jeep.
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