PDA

View Full Version : Jeep newb got an "XJ"



Chinche
02-26-2015, 08:35 AM
Just bought my first jeep and its a 1984 XJ all original. The body shows 122k on the odometer but previous owner says he put rebuilt engine in bout 15k miles ago but has been sitting since 07. I join the group for help, ideas and advice on giving this jeep some attitude! The plan for now is to get it running as is and in the near future swap in a 5.3l/4l60e and not sure what t case in it yet. It has zero rust issues and has a 2.8l gm v6. Can anyone tell me what axles and any other details on running gear? Thanks in advance. Also this will be my daily driver. I'd like no more than a 5" lift and a little flex. What are some lifts to look in to?

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/chinche07/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsb0q080ah.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/user/chinche07/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsb0q080ah.jpg.html)

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/chinche07/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsnzhupqfh.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/user/chinche07/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsnzhupqfh.jpg.html)

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/chinche07/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpscbxdpxt5.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/user/chinche07/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpscbxdpxt5.jpg.html)

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/chinche07/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps1o92vkik.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/user/chinche07/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps1o92vkik.jpg.html)

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/chinche07/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbvu73lx2.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/user/chinche07/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbvu73lx2.jpg.html)

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/chinche07/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqg4ckesw.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/user/chinche07/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqg4ckesw.jpg.html)

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/chinche07/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpslum76kii.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/user/chinche07/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpslum76kii.jpg.html)

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/chinche07/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps8ggc0afi.jpg (http://s272.photobucket.com/user/chinche07/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps8ggc0afi.jpg.html)

4.3LXJ
02-26-2015, 10:32 AM
Jose, this Jeep is the first year they were made. The 2.8L is a Chevrolet engine, the transmission is a Chrysler 904, transfer case is an NP229 full time, Front end is a high pinion Dana 30 without disconnect and CV joints on the axles, rear is a non C clip Dana 35.

Where are you located at Jose?

abebehrmann
02-26-2015, 11:50 AM
Jose, this Jeep is the first year they were made. The 2.8L is a Chevrolet engine, the transmission is a Chrysler 904, transfer case is an NP229 full time, Front end is a high pinion Dana 30 without disconnect and CV joints on the axles, rear is a non C clip Dana 35.

Where are you located at Jose?

His info says Portland, TX. Real close to Corpus Christi.

Neat! I didn't realize the first XJs were such a hodge podge of different parts. A Chrysler transmission and it was still being made by AMC. Good info Steve.

4.3LXJ
02-26-2015, 11:58 AM
Jeep has always been quite the hodge podge. It wasn't until Chrysler acquired Jeep that it settled down a little

bluedragon436
02-26-2015, 12:45 PM
That seems like a pretty decent deal you've found there.. I'd say if you don't do the 5.3 swap for a bit, you can do the V6 Camaro engine upgrade.. Ws looking at that, when I was finding quite a few XJ's with the 2.8l engine...

prerunner1982
02-26-2015, 01:39 PM
Welcome Jose, sounds like quite a project you have there. The 5.3 should be fun.


Neat! I didn't realize the first XJs were such a hodge podge of different parts. A Chrysler transmission and it was still being made by AMC. Good info Steve.

Gm steering columns...

Something I find funny is that all the lenses (taillight, blinker, marker) on my 93 still say AMC. I have no reason to believe that every one has been replaced.....

Chinche
02-26-2015, 01:58 PM
Blue dragon what year Camaro?

Chinche
02-26-2015, 02:04 PM
Thanks fellas! My plan is to leave the paint original prep it and shoot a clear coat over it. I want to run the factory fender flares! Gonna build front and rear tube and plate bumpers, pull the carpet out and rhino line the whole floor and keep the rest of the interior stock. I want to run no bigger than a 33"x10.5 with no taller than a 5" lift. I'm leaning towards a mild wheeler/daily driver! Hoping to get at least 17mpg in the city. Any suggestions on lift brands? I was looking into 8.8" rear axle swap. What do you guys think of that?

4.3LXJ
02-26-2015, 02:18 PM
On that carpet, one thing you will notice in the hot Texas summers is how hot the Jeep is with that carpet out. I left mine in for sound and heat insulation. The 8.8 is a good swap and you can get one with 4.10 to match the front axle ratio. When I had my 2.8 I got a consistent 22 mpg. I would suggest going no higher than 4.5". There is no transfer case upgrade options such as a slip yoke eliminator for your transfer case. Also if you go above 3" of lift, you will need to change your front driveline to the newer type. The current one will not flex enough for taller lifts. Also, don't go over 33" tires, and preferably 31" tires. The front CV axle shaft is not as strong as the regular U joint type

Chinche
02-26-2015, 02:31 PM
So my front axle should have 4.10s right now? 22mpg with the 2.8l??? Awesome!

4.3LXJ
02-26-2015, 02:49 PM
Yes, all the 4 cyl and V6 XJs had 4.10 gears in them

Chinche
02-26-2015, 03:00 PM
What would be a front axle upgrade? I don't mind getting off and locking hubs

XJ Wheeler
02-26-2015, 03:13 PM
Yes, all the 4 cyl and V6 XJs had 4.10 gears in them

Wished i woulda known that a few months ago when an '86 was in the junkyard. :rolleyes:

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

4.3LXJ
02-26-2015, 03:23 PM
What would be a front axle upgrade? I don't mind getting off and locking hubs

How much do you want to spend and how well can you fabricate?

Chinche
02-26-2015, 03:37 PM
I got plenty of time and I trust my fabrication skills

Chinche
02-26-2015, 03:38 PM
It's not gonna be a full on wheeler. So the cheapest effective route. I don't want the the stock 5.3l torque to twist it either.

prerunner1982
02-26-2015, 03:56 PM
Find a newer stock Dana 30, gear it to match, chromoly shafts, and axle truss?

Chinche
02-26-2015, 04:13 PM
What year XJ has the newer Dana 30? Gonna check local pick n pull

XJ Wheeler
02-26-2015, 05:20 PM
'95-99 is the best version of the 30. Bigger u-joints and high pinion.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

Chinche
02-27-2015, 07:46 AM
https://corpuschristi.craigslist.org/cto/4864103176.html

Found this. Not to far from me.

abebehrmann
02-27-2015, 08:08 AM
https://corpuschristi.craigslist.org/cto/4864103176.html

Found this. Not to far from me.

I could be mistaken, but I believe all the Grand Cherokees had the low-pinion Dana 30.

4.3LXJ
02-27-2015, 10:17 AM
Not sure on that either. I would have to look

Chinche
02-27-2015, 10:48 AM
Should I jump on the one in the Craigslist add?

4.3LXJ
02-27-2015, 11:25 AM
What parts are you buying it for?

denverd1
02-27-2015, 01:03 PM
Then 44a in later models. front axles been swapped so no idea what's under the ZJ.

Looks like you've got a good platform there

drakan1908
02-27-2015, 01:55 PM
I could be mistaken, but I believe all the Grand Cherokees had the low-pinion Dana 30.
Grands have LP30s. Some have universal joint axle shafts like my wife's and some have the CV axle shafts like mine does.