2000 XJ (work in progress)

[dieselenthusiast]

I‘ve always wanted to build an XJ for an all purpose utilitarian rig. I found this XJ on Craigslist with $168,440 miles. The price was right and so the build begins.

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2596/3601/31489300048_large.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2596/3601/31489300050_large.jpg

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http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2596/3601/31489300051_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

The short term plan is to do all the required maintenance. This poor XJ has been neglected and is in need for much TLC. The long term plan is to build it with quality parts. Like with all things, funding will determine the speed in which the progress will happen.

First, I felt the need to clean the engine compartment so I know what's leaking and what's not. I used engine degreaser and Simple Green.

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870005_large.jpg

Like I said, I bought the XJ for a reduced price knowing that it had been seriously neglected. For example: the overdrive was not working when I bought it. After I made the purchase, I drove the Jeep all the way home (1.5 hour drive) and it never shifted once into overdrive. So when I got home I started an Amsoil drain and fill interval. I pulled the plug and averaged about 3 quarts each day and continued this cycle for 4 days. I seriously suspect that the fluid could have been the original factory transmission fluid because it was the color of used engine oil. HOWEVER, after my second transmission drain and fill, my transmission shifted into overdrive!!!!!! I have changed my transmission fluid now 4 times with Amsoil ATF. It shifts a lot better.

As with any good maintenance, I didn't want to neglect the power steering fluid. So I used the ol’ turkey baster and guess what I found?

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870002_large.jpg

And this is what it should look like:

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870004_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

The previous owner bought new tires and never had them rotated. According to the receipt, these tires have approximately 12,000 miles on them. Anyway, I finally had the chance to rotate them. And as you can see, they still have lots of good rubber on them.

The Jeep pulls to the right, so I will be taking the vehicle into Firestone for a lifetime alignment.

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2596/3601/31489300054_large.jpg

[bigjim350]

Looks like a great start

[Mudderoy]

Very nice write up, it's always fun to watch a build. Great luck with that over drive issue. Mine started having an issue with over drive back in July. In December the transmission was rebuilt. I had 175k on it.

[denverd1]

It's in great shape! Nice work on the trans.

[KH96XJ]

Looking forward to watching your progress.

[Brasscatz]

Great looking Jeep!!! Looks like you're gonna have a bunch of fun!!

[dieselenthusiast]

Thanks everyone for your encouraging words.

I decided to go with the DPG Super Ultimate 4" Hybrid lift kit. I like this kit for many reasons, but mainly because it fits 31"-32" tires with no trimming, had great on-road manners, and meets my needs as a daily driver/utilitarian vehicle.

The kit includes:

OME Long Travel Shocks
OME Leaf Springs w/ D22XL Extra Leafs
OME Coil Springs & Spacers
JKS Quicker Disconnects
JKS Adj. Trackbar
JKS Adj Lower Control Arms
DPG Adj Rear Bumpstop Plate Kit
New U-Bolt Kit
Front Extended Bump stops
DPG Swaybar Disco Cables
Leaf Spring Bushings
DOT SS Brakelines (F&R)

[dieselenthusiast]

When I bought the Jeep, the only air ducts (vents) working on the XJ was the defrost. No matter which position I moved the vent control knob, it only blew air through the defrost vent. Anyway, I figured the vent door was probably broken, but I learned otherwise. Thanks to the NAXJA forum, we found the problem. I had a vacuum leak coming from the accessory line under the hood. I guess a vacuum leak disengages the vent door and causes the door to default to the defrost position. Anyway, it all works!

Here's a list of things I did when I first bought the Jeep.

1. Changed the plugs (I seriously think that we may have possibly changed the original plugs at 169,393 miles, I know it doesn‘t seem possible, but I had a misfire code on each cylinder and the plugs were completely toasted)
2. Replaced the coolant
3. Changed the front and rear diff fluid
4. Reattached the A/C and Heater vacuum line
5. Replaced the broken windshield wiper nozzle
6. Replaced the wipers
7. Replaced license plate bulb
8. Replaced the bulb for the engine compartment
9. Tightened wiper motor bracket
10. Replaced loose muffler with new clamp
11. Changed the transmission fluid, filter, and gasket
12. Replaced the serpentine belt
13. Changed the thermostat
14. Greased all zerks
15. Checked brakes
16. Changed transfer case fluid
17. Checked U joints
18. Checked ECM for codes
19. Checked battery charge
20. Checked alternator output
21. Checked starter draw

[dieselenthusiast]

I took the Jeep to Firestone and had a lifetime alignment performed. After the alignment, a lot of my front-end noise dissipated and the Jeep rides much smoother. The tech said it was really out of whack. Based on how well this Jeep was maintained by its previous owner(s), I wouldn’t be surprised if this was its very first alignment. Poor Jeep, I think she’s a lot happier now. :)

[dieselenthusiast]

After owning the Jeep for six months, I decided to sell the tires/OE rims that came with the Jeep and replace them with 15 X 7 Cragar Soft 8’s (4” inches of backspacing) with Toyo Open Country A/T 30X9.50R15, LT, Load C, 16/32 tread depth.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870040_large.jpg

American Racing fully chromed lug nuts

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870044_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

JKS Adjustable Upper Control Arms

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870046_large.jpg

JKS Adjustable Lower Control Arms

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870047_large.jpg

JKS Adjustable Track Bar

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870050_large.jpg

JKS Adjustable BumpStops

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870049_large.jpg

JKS Disconnects

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870048_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

Swaybar Disconnect Cables and Leaf Bushings

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870045_large.jpg

Rubicon Express U-Bolt Kit

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870057_large.jpg

Rubicon Express Front and Rear Stainless Brake Lines

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870058_large.jpg

I decided to add drop brackets. They aren't needed on a 4" lift, but they do keep the lower control arms near factory specifications which makes the ride quality that much better.

Rubicon Express Control Arm Drop Brackets

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870053_large.jpg

Rubicon Express Control Arm Drop Support Braces

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870054_large.jpg

Front Lower Bump Stops

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870055_large.jpg

[KH96XJ]

Hopefully when you do your discos the stud will press out a lot easier than mine did.

[dieselenthusiast]

Rubicon Express 1.75 Coil Spring Spacer

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870056_large.jpg

Old Man Emu Long Travel Shocks

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870059_large.jpg

Old Man Emu Medium Front Coils
930 coils, Medium Duty spring rate (160lb)

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870060_large.jpg

Old Man Emu Leaf Springs

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3741/33846870061_large.jpg

I ordered 4 degree shims to adjust for the pinion angle.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874001_large.jpg

I got a few longer center pins to go through the leaf springs and shim

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874002_large.jpg

OME SD40 Steering Stabilizer

After 173,000 miles, the stock stabilizer was shot.

http://www.quadratec.com/Assets/Images/18052/18052-lg.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

Here's the Jeep after it was lifted:

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874011_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874007_large.jpg

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http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874008_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

Hopefully when you do your discos the stud will press out a lot easier than mine did.

To be honest with you, I had a local shop install the lift, so I don't know what difficulties they ran into.

[dieselenthusiast]

I still don't have the Tom Woods custom drive shaft or SYE installed. Here she is cleaned up:

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874019_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874015_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

I decided to take off the OE 4.0 Litre decal.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874022_large.jpg

I used the wife’s hairdryer and dental floss. The hardest part was getting all the sticky residue off. Goo Gone did the trick. 15 minutes later, I had the decal off and all the sticky stuff removed.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874023_large.jpg

We decided that the turquoise New Mexico plate looked better on black

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874021_large.jpg

But the yellow looks good on the KJ

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874024_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

I was curious about the condition of the engine, so I pulled an oil sample

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874027_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874028_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

After much thought and consideration, I have decided to add the Chrysler LeBaron/New Yorker Hood Vents to the XJ project. These vents reduce under hood temperatures by a significant amount. I’m installing them for performance purposes only, but I think they look good on the Cherokee. I also like the fact that they are larger than most aftermarket louvers, proven to be efficient, and do not let rain, snow, or moisture under the hood. They are also a heavy duty Chrysler OE product. Gotta stay loyal to the family.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874033_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874034_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

I found the DynoMax Cat-back for $142 + free shipping from Amazon.

http://www.rockcrawler.com had the 4.0L DynoMax exhaust system independently tested on the 4.0L XJ. The dyno results showed a 6 horsepower and 8 ft-lbs of torque increase.

DynoMax
Part # 17340
2.25" system, Super Turbo™ Muffler with a 2.5" Polished Stainless Steal tip.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874038_large.jpg

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[dieselenthusiast]

We all know that excessive heat is the culprit for transmissions going bad. I thought I would help eliminate excessive heat by installing a transmission cooler.

Transmission Oil Cooler (DERALE Series 7000) GVW 12,000 lbs.
Recommended For:
* Towing or Hauling
* Stop and Go Traffic
* Mountain Driving
* Hot Temperatures

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874031_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

10,000 lb rated hitch hook and D-ring from Tiger Industrial

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/1864/2789/29658894003_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

I found this on ebay for super cheap. I have no clue how to use it yet.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874032_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

I got a great deal on the StrongArm 4291 Jeep Cherokee Liftgate Lift Support that fits 1997-01 XJ’s. I bought them on special where you buy 1, get $5 off the second and free shipping. Total cost was $29.40

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874035_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

Okay, I decided to get my headlamps and upgraded wiring harness from Daniel Stern:

http://www.danielsternlighting.com

Cibie replaceable-bulb headlamp units with built-in parking lamp
Part # 82438
$75.95/ea

Custom harness
Part # HARN-RIK2
$139.00

Narva 100/90w bulbs
Part# 48901
$20.00/ea.

Side Marker bulbs
Part # WX6W
$4.24/ea

Here’s my dialogue with Daniel Stern:

ME: “Does the Narva 100/90w produce as much luminance as the Osram 70/65w?”

DANIEL: “The Narva 100/90w produces more light flux (lumens) with somewhat lower filament luminance. Overall performance in the beam is more or less equivalent.”

As long as the lamps are aimed correctly per the link below, these lights are street legal in New Mexico.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.html

In conclusion, the Narva 100/90w will rob more juice, but the lights will last much longer than the Osram 70/65w bulbs, Part # 64205.

[dieselenthusiast]

With all this snow, I decided it was time to replace these wore out stock carpeted floor mats with something more purposeful. I’ve been very happy with the Husky Liners that we have in our other vehicles so I decided to buy front and rear Husky Liners. I got them at 4 wheel parts for 15% off and free shipping.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874045_large.jpg


http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874050_large.jpg


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http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874046_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

I noticed that the coolant in my overflow reservoir looked pretty fowl. So I decided to get out the shop (wet) Vac and clean it up. In order to reach the bottom of the reservoir, I added a few attachments.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874047_large.jpg

Once I got down to the bottom, my Shop Vac was losing suction. So I pulled out the vacuum tube and found this at the bottom.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874043_large.jpg

As you can see, this sludge is nice and pasty.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874044_large.jpg

Lastly, I finally got her clean.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874042_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

I took off a few more OE badges. Here's the before look:

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874054_large.jpg

You know the drill - Wife’s hair dryer, dental floss, and GOO GONE did the trick. They came off nicely as you can see.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874052_large.jpg

And here’s the after look.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874051_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

I've been wanting a multi-tool kit for a long time. The reviews on the Hi-Lift are excellent. I really like the telescoping handle and overall size of this kit. If you shop around, you will find they are very affordable.

Hi-Lift Handle-All: 4 Tools in 1

Telescoping implement handle
Full sized shovel head
Full sized sledge hammer head
Full sized axe head
Full size pick axe head
Branded gear bag for storage

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874056_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874057_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874055_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

We decided that the cargo liner would come in handy. The cargo liner matches the Husky front and rear mats. The fit is perfect.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874058_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874059_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

I took the OE Cherokee Sport decals off the door. Here’s what it looked like before and after:

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874074_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874073_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

Since taking on a more utilitarian role, I am changing the motor oil to accommodate 2,000 mile interval changes.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874048_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

We’ve been using the TRICO Winter Blades on the KJ for over a year now, and so far they have held up good. They have a protective boot that helps prevent snow clogging. The thick heavy duty blade acts as a powerful squeegee even during heavy rains or removing heavily soiled windshields. I liked the blades so much that I decided to buy them for the XJ’s front and rear. Even though the instructions recommend 6 month changes, I think these will perform well for at least two years depending on how much you use and abuse them. For those who are anal like me, each blade comes with an optimizer cleaning and conditioning pad for the rubber blade.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874078_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

I decided to go with the Bucket Boss 06066 Pro GateMouth bag to hold my off-road gear (winch remote, shackles, gloves, flashlight, tow straps, etc). It measures 17 inches long x 9 inches wide x 12 inches tall.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91fu%2BjcvRKL._AA1500_.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

Since this Jeep is for utilitarian purposes, I tried to buy bumpers that were practical for my needs. I chose JCR front and rear bumpers. They were affordable, well made, and very practical. Here’s a few quick photos of the bumpers, rear quarter guards, and gas tank skid bed-lined. Sorry about the pics, these parts were extremely dusty.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874082_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874081_large.jpg

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[dieselenthusiast]

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http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874114_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874118_large.jpg

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http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874108_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

I guessing that I lost somewhere between 1/2" inch to 3/4" inch in the rear and it doesn't appear that I lost anything in the front. I plan to order the JKS greasable shackles which should provide me with an additional 1" inch of lift in the rear. Here's where she sets right now.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874113_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874126_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

When my wife went to shut her passenger door, the glass on the side mirror fell and broke. Our XJ didn’t come with heated mirrors, so I thought I would replace it with a heated mirror. Since the Jeep already has the rear window defroster, the heated mirror should plug into the OE harness. According to Sir Sam, there are a few minor wiring things that needs to be done before it will work. One of the minor things that I need to do is buy a replacement mirrors for the drivers side.

I found this one on ebay. One down and one to go.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874156_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874157_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

A few months ago I drove the XJ to a friends house to hookup my trailer and get ready to cut firewood. After gathering my saw, fuel, gloves, hardhat, and bar oil; I went to start the jeep only to find out that it wouldn't turnover. There was no click, nothing. Since I didn't hear a click, I figured that my Neutral Safety Switch went bad on me. I didn't have much time to mess with it, so I had my buddy tow me into town down to the local shop. I went ahead and ordered a new N.S.S. online for a good price. A few days later I went by the shop to drop off my N.S.S. to find out that they hit the starter with a hammer and it fired right up. Anyway, they ordered a new starter. I now have a spare N.S.S., lol. Oh well, no biggie!

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874177_large.jpg?modal

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874178_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

Electrical Upgrade

I’m going to change out my electrical wiring for 1AWG, part # 2XJ-242-ANL-150(4) - which is the full kit and fuse setup. Eventually, I will upgrade to the Durango/Dakota/WJ/ZJ V8 upgrade (136A) Alternator.
Here’s the final product before it goes on the Jeep.

2XJ-242-ANL-150 (1 AWG, 150A fuse kit)
Cost: $207.00

CLAMP-B1 (Marine Brass Battery Clamps)
Cost: $7.50

“All the wiring is 1AWG welding cable with fine strands for flexibility and increased current-carrying capacity. All connections are pressure-crimped, packed with corrosion inhibitor, and sealed twice - first with vinyl terminal tape, then with polyolefin heat shrink tubing. This makes a connection that should never be contaminated or work loose over the life of the vehicle.”

Technical: http://www.kelleyswip.com/electric.html
Pricing: http://www.kelleyswip.com/price.html

[dieselenthusiast]

I’ve been looking at roof racks. There are three different types:

Type 1 is the gutter mount.
Type 2 is a generic rack that somehow ties into the factory roof rack system.
Type 3 is a custom rack that is solely designed for the XJ, for both full and short rail lengths.

After looking at several roof racks, I have decided to go with the custom rack made by Kevin’s OffRoad in Phoenix. There are many reasons why I like it, but I wanted to highlight 6 reasons for my decision.

1. Custom to the XJ and for the 2000/2001 short length rails
2. Mounts to the OE roof mount
3. 4 light tabs in the front and 2 light tabs in the rear
4. Mesh floor
5. Fully welded
6. Hi-Lift mount on one side, shovel mount on the other.

The rack can only be shipped by freight, so I’ll probably take the 6 hour drive down to Phoenix the next time I go. Anyway, here’s a link to the website: http://www.kevinsoffroad.com/cart/index ... cts_id=627

[dieselenthusiast]

I've found myself needing someway to convert DC to AC power. In this electronic day and age, there seems to be more and more reasons to need a power convertor. For this reason, it makes sense that many new vehicles come with OE built-in convertors. Anyway, I bought this Schumacher 410 Watt Power Inverter. It comes with a cigarette lighter adapter and alligator clips.

Maximum Continuous Output 410W
Surge Capacity 820W

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874184_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

We needed a work vehicle, so I justified the expense of this Jeep for that purpose. I drive it to work everyday and we use it as a weekend warrior to haul firewood, limbs, transport our beehives and tow trailers. As seen in this photo, I need a longer drop down hitch.

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[dieselenthusiast]

The 4" lift and built-in bumper hitch receiver has created a need for a longer drop down ball mount. I found a really good deal on a Reese 11" inch drop with a 5,000lb rating.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2596/3609/31489304066_large.jpg

Reese 2” chrome ball
1” shank diameter and 2” shank length
Rated for 6,000 lbs tow capacity.

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[dieselenthusiast]

We were up on the mountain when the front passenger window dropped. I thought about buying the window regulator repair kit from Steiger, but for a few bucks more, I could order a new regulator and motor from eBay for $59.95 and free shipping.

97-01 Jeep Cherokee Power Window Regulator w/Motor Front RH Passenger Side

Specifications:
RH (Passenger Side) Front Door
Upgrade Design (The regulator has been redesigned to reduce binding)
OE replacement (No modification required)
Replaces dealer part numbers 55154958AH, 55154958AI

For those who are interested in the window regulator repair kit, click on the link below:
http://www.steigerperformance.com/products/sp12001.html

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[dieselenthusiast]

After installing the Fumoto drain valve on my Dodge diesel (14 quart system), I wanted one for my other vehicles. They are simple to use, eliminate messes, and reduces the amount of time to change oil. I bought the valves with the nipples so I can attach a hose. The adjustable valve and hose makes it easy to fill bottles of any size. In all honesty, the valve will probably pay for itself with all the cat litter and paper towels that you would use to clean up your oil mess.

F101N: Nipple Type Oil Drain
$26.95

5/8" Safety Clip
$1.00

3/8" ID x 3FT Clear Vinyl Tubing
$3.00

http://www.fumoto.com.au/images/valveanimation.gif

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874237_large.jpg

[dieselenthusiast]

I have a Dynomax catback exhaust waiting to be installed. I hate doing things twice, so I’ve been waiting to replace the stock catalytic converter and have everything installed at once. Before choosing a converter, I had to consider that my XJ has the California emissions. A proper converter will ensure that the Jeep will run correctly and wont throw a code.

Much to my surprise, I don’t have an 02 sensor on or near my converter. It appears that all 2000 and 2001 Cali emission models stopped requiring the 02 sensor on the converter. I thought this was really strange since a 1999 non-California emissions has the 02 sensor on the converter. Instead, my 2000 XJ has two sensors on the first two cats near the exhaust manifold.

After some research, I decided to go with Thunderbolt’s high flow converter. It comes with a ceramic brick with 400 holes per square inch. We don’t have emissions or vehicle inspections in New Mexico, but this converter is OBDII EPA legal and designed for engines up to the 5.9L / 6000 lbs.

Length - 11"
Body - 4" Round
Inlet - 2.50"
Outlet - 2.50"
Brick Type - Ceramic

http://performance-curve.com/
Thunderbolt High Flow Catalytic Converter
Part # 410250
Retail: $73.90
Sale Price: $38.95

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[dieselenthusiast]

The 4 speed automatic AW4 transmission in these jeeps are very strong and durable. Other than a 4X4 truck, I can’t think of a better utilitarian vehicle than the XJ for my needs.

I want to do what I can to keep the transmission in the best working condition. We know that transmission fluid is the life-blood to any transmission. Besides switching over to Amsoil ATF, I decided to go one step further by adding an aftermarket transmission filter. After much research, I decided to go with the Magnefine filter.

Magnefine Transmission Filter
http://www.magnefinefilters.com
Fitting: 3/8”
Cost: $16.00

Features:
-Dual filtration - Magnet and filter media filters down to 3 micron and removes 99% of all wear metal contaminants.
-Full flow filter (Does not restrict flow and contains a built-in bypass system in case filter becomes clogged)
-Prolongs life of fluid
-Prolongs life of transmission
-Reduces the need to drop the pan to change OE filter.

Installation:
-On a used trany, the manufacture recommends installing the filter on the return cooler line.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3539/3749/33846874238_large.jpg?modal

[RRXJeeper71]

I am def a fan of Magnefine filters
I have been using them for years on my 1998 Toyota Tacoma and my 2002 Ford F-350 diesel pickup.
going to buy two, one for P/S system and AT system