5 jeep xj mods you must do before 2020

This applies to wj/wrangler/ZJ also
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My guitar channel / ronaldleggettjr
#CherokeeRonnie #jeepstufftalkshow

[@jerrodcorey25]

1. Lift kit. 2. Tires. 3. Lower gear ratios. 4. Lockers front and rear 5. Steering box stiffener. REAL STIFF

[@jarwaded8]

Snorkel on an Xj is useless by the time it’s useful your pcm is under water

[@creteking23]

As I've found ...the trans is NOT water proof nor t case some how dash deep in a place called DEEP creek pcm ok still, rest replaced since.

[@TheGuyWho3415]

snorkel isn't really for water... keeps dust out

[@dopeass791]

@@TheGuyWho3415 oh just like an air filter?

[@coronaxj5599]

water splash, dust.... and come on, looks good for $60

[@NewAgeDIY]

Wast of money, a good air filter is all you need. You can use the money you save and put it into something you can really use. Always look at making you reg more reliable then pretty. You will look pretty silly sitting by the side of the tail with broke down engine because you didn’t spend your money on maintenance but on fancy rims and a expensive light bar.

[@DestDroid]

*looks at bank account and looks at date* uh how about 2021?

[@kalebgreenup7529]

So how did it go?

[@mannysanchez5001]

i thought cherokee ronnie was gonna bust out the "just kidding guy" when he said snorkel kit never happened wow

[@nolanbeck8780]

I installed the 4.5” X series short arm from RC about a year ago and I have no complaints.... yet. After getting a lift and 33’s, the most important upgrade in my opinion would have to be gears and lockers front and rear. Then a winch/winch bumper. Also, a cowl intake would work just as well as a snorkel without the bulky eyesore. If you’re driving through water that’s over your hood you’re bound to cause electrical problems. Realistically with a lift, 33’s, 4.56’s, lockers, and a winch, you’ll get through almost everything.

[@kjamesjr]

Most stock XJs are already ready to go off-road. Maybe throw in a LSD or front locker. Some good tires. Good to go.

[@wyattensley9281]

That’s true but let’s be honest who doesn’t like a big tall xj on some 35s

[@BabyCharlotteschannel]

Yeah, I'm more about a good daily driver that can go wherever you want, mostly.. So I'm about 3" lifts and like 245/74r16" tires in a more than just all terrain aggressive tread.. But yes, get one with the factory tow package so ya get 3.73 axle gearing and most also have limited slip rear ends too.. then it's just driver, and not getting in too far over your head..

[@kjamesjr]

@Jaques Studly Take good care of it now. These XJ's are beginning to fetch a good price for ones that aren't beat to hell.

[@odys3803]

@@wyattensley9281 I'm not against 35s but I wouldn't put it on my car.

[@wyattensley9281]

@@odys3803 yeah not on a car 😂

[@evanmiller1642]

Not bad advice. But I'd stay at 3" lift maximum weld the rear 35 cut fenders run 33s and do the winch and some method to mount it. This combo will ride well and walk all over the long armed open axled jeeps. Say no to snorkels

[@RB-rl7kv]

Guess I messed up. I’ve had mine for 20 years without a winch bar or snorkel. :-) I’d say a good snatch strap comes before the winch. And you need to stiffen the frame before adding the bumper or you’ll just pull it off the Jeep.

[@GoatOffroad]

Can’t wait to get some lockers on my 00 XJ! They’ll really give us confidence in the snow and mud! ❤️🐞

[@drewfus5037]

Junk yard rim and proper spare tire #1, might set you back $50, invaluable. Also a Hi Lift jack if you don't already have one.

[@MajorWeakness]

This is a great video! The XJ is the best value in 4x4's...for now. XJs are increasing in value faster than my 401k and are becoming harder to find!

[@klarahfenderson1374]

I ended up with a WJ because the XJ prices got a bit steep here. 3k vs 5k+

[@scottcampbell2836]

Merry christmas Ronny. Good to see you again. I might add more recovery gear and points to hook up to. Say a rhino strap (lifetime warranty) and 2 chinese soft shackles.

[@dirtbikeguy8993]

Awesome video

[@cgscprspecialist8581]

Decent advice good job

[@wyattoneable]

Great for new guys like me, thanks.

[@AZKrawlerzRC]

My 99 XJ has a 5.5 inch lift and 35s with a rear locker and it does great!

[@jng1]

Lost me at snorkel. I would have thought a good deep cycle battery to accompany that winch or a good steering inner box stiffener to go along with the upgraded bumper.

[@99jeepxjguy97]

Lost me at 4.5 inch "lift kit"

[@kathyarmstrong649]

We had a 91XJ ,2.5 4cyl with manual transmission. Did the 3" lift and put on 31s but the biggest difference was tossing the Rear sway bar. Leaf springs aren't that flexible in the first place so we kept the front one and ditched the rear and with improved ground contact got stuck less.

[@thomassmith2056]

Just purchased a black 2001 unmolested xj for 4500. Put 5 grand into it. Staying stock.

[@99jeepxjguy97]

Outstanding! And don't ruin it. Stay strong. Don't let them influence you into ruining it. Near to stock as possible.

[@emeryhersh8702]

Snorkel doesn’t do much good unless you waterproof your wiring,extend your breather tubes..etc..

[@darrelldubose1098]

I still go wherever I want to with stock I drove mine off the show room may of 88 it's a 2 door sport still have the paper plates and the window sticker God knows I love blue 87 the last of the true amc product loads of great memories doing it all in Gods country Tx doing it down south... will be starting a channel with mine soon enough

[@BrodieBr0]

Would love to see you start that channel. Be nice to see more Renix era based channels. I've owned/driven almost every year of the XJ and while I love them all, my favorites are the Renix years. I'm old school so it's easy for me to tune them. Currently have 1990, 2000, and 2001 XJs.

[@99jeepxjguy97]

Very nice. Keep it as close to original as possible, It wont break all the time, and it will still be fun to drive.

[@MrJoey1570]

A front hitch from Curt Manufacturering stiffens up the front end and gives you recovery points that is the absolute first mod to do!!

[@99jeepxjguy97]

YES! Absolutely! The NUMBER 1 best thing to do with an XJ. Number 2 is a rear hitch properly mounted with nut plates.

[@gabeallen1212]

So far i have a lift kit 😂 buying mud tires soon tho 👍

[@jackthomas9840]

What about some frame Stiffeners

[@mtbninja897]

WHY DOES MY LEFT COIL make a buckling noise? 4.5” long arm from rubicon express. Whenever the front suspension compresses abruptly

[@CaseysOffRoadRecovery]

Love the Channel!

[@cherokeeronnie]

Thank you!

[@jesusrivera4769]

The first mod I need to do on my Cherokee is get a Cherokee.

[@DustySteel]

They are definitely getting harder to find especially the 2-door XJs.

[@doctorsyphus5819]

I recommend the smidybuilt bumper 👍

[@fhuckyew8583]

i went tune up/exhaust. lift kit. tires. gears/limited slip front and rear. now im broke thanks

[@99jeepxjguy97]

The "lift kit" and tires is what did it.

[@Cgny]

My 6.5” rough country (not long arm) has treated me well. I’m not a hardcore off-roader but we have some gnarly trails in upstate ny and I’ve put her through the puddin plenty of times with no problems and driven home after. If anything I’ll upgrade the leafs sooner than later

[@CalQwax]

__ 3.5 lift, __ SYE and Driveshaft, __ Bushwacker Flats, __ 33 Tires, __ Ares Stubby bumper w/mini wings, __ Winch, __ Rear Hitch.

[@matthewhatton3637]

Just upgraded axles and running 35" tires 🤙

[@dissociativecat7495]

keep it stock and the only winch I need rides in my front seat

[@99jeepxjguy97]

Friend? Spouse?

[@jorgepachecopedroza4062]

5.3 ls , diff 8.8 with 4.10 gears ...beast mode

[@mannysanchez5001]

snorkel kit wtf?

[@michaelgriffin1601]

Dont do this guys, this was really bad advise honestly. Put a locker in your front dana 30? Bro no, get you a 44 or an 8.25 in the rear and an ox locker. Gear box mount stiffening maybe? A decent set of disconnects? How about tuning bump stops to fit your larger tires without rubbing depending on your amount of fender trimming? Some beefier steering components so you dont bend them on a rock. Theres 5 right there, if you already have a lift, focus on pracrital mods that will make your jeep stonger or more practical for offroading. Or you can go buy a snorkel and get "less dust in the intake" like your jeep doesnt come with an air box with an air filter that is under a hood and well above where water should be. Smh. Bonus mod - regear for your bigger tires and then put the correct tooth count speed sensor in so your trans shifts correctly and speedo works. 😁

[@99jeepxjguy97]

Well, all of that made much more sense than what was presented here.

[@ivansanta-maria1328]

That XJ is a thing of beauty and utilitarian power combined

[@David-rj1ru]

what about sye and rear drive line?

[@mirage6evo]

Not a bad top 5. But just my opinion, I'd go about extending all your breather lines (diffs/xfer case/trans) before getting a bumper. Want to keep all that water out of your fluids and seals.

[@anomilumiimulimona2924]

Never once brought up a steering box stiffener plate, tisk tisk.

[@patricksmith1384]

I was lucky enough to find one with 35s and bead locks 3.5 long arm locked front and rear for 3700 and the motor and trans still being strong

[@DustySteel]

I just put 3.5” long arm and 35s with OTK steering on my 97 2-door XJ.

[@patricksmith1384]

@@DustySteel nice when my moter blows it’s getting completely redone and I’ve be tossing the idea of a two door conversion

[@DustySteel]

@@patricksmith1384 that would be cool but probably impossible to find the doors.

[@DustySteel]

@@patricksmith1384 I’m definitely going to rebuild the motor.

[@patricksmith1384]

@@DustySteel I mean like make it all custom

[@harvestblades]

where is a link for the $90m snorkel?

[@miguelbernal3185]

Can somebody recommend a good set of wheels ant tires for my xj

[@eu41a]

you may be the reason i buy a XJ

[@affiliatestud]

i think Skid plate should be top 5...protect that transmission and driveline...and they aren't super pricey but protect you from a lot

[@MattThompsonDarkknight24v]

I wouldn’t say you would really need the snorkel. Not many trails would need that.

[@thaiphungngoc2552]

I'm in Vietnam. I want to buy 1 set as shown, can you help me?

[@klarahfenderson1374]

My personal list of five things: 1. Recovery points 2. If you don't want to spend $$$ on a decent winch -- At least have a recovery rope and a Harbor Freight come-along. 3. Tires 4. Real center skid plate, T/C doesn't bounce off rocks gracefully 5. Axle upgrade (if you don't already have a LS/locking d44)-- *quality* chromoly shafts + locker, or full axle swap.

[@anomilumiimulimona2924]

Always buy the winch before the bumper gets built.

[@NCMOUNTAINSbackyardRC]

NC MOUNTAINS backyard RC AND MORE... 🖒✔

[@johnnyfabish528]

Will I need a drop case after I put a 4.5 inch lift on?

[@cherokeeronnie]

I would

[@johnnyfabish528]

@@cherokeeronnie thanks ronnie. Your my fave xj toober cause you actually reply lol

[@cobeallen5545]

What do you do when you need to rebuild a aw4 and np242 I was told I needed to rebuild my aw4 and was driving around and my transfer case started making a horrible grinding noise so I pulled the rear drive shaft and limped it home in part time 4wd has this ever happened to you and what did you do to go about it?

[@RB-rl7kv]

Cobe Allen my 242 completely blew out on the highway and took out the drive shaft with it. You’re better off replacing it with a junkyard 231 or 241OR. They are more durable.

[@scottcampbell2836]

What are the aw4 symptoms?

[@cobeallen5545]

Grinding in the rear not rear diff maybe the trans case I got the 242j trans case but I did a rebuild on the aw4

[@scottcampbell2836]

Swap in a 231. It is a simpler better t case. It needs to be from another aw4 as the trans input needs to match. So a yj or tj 231 wont work. Get one from a cherokee

[@cobeallen5545]

Well they said my T case is find it’s my rear diff guess it exploded so putting a Ford 8.8 in 🤙🏽 thanks for the help.

[@wheeling4adventure210]

Didn’t mention the 4.56 gears for the 33s

[@samuelvelez1643]

In order when you have a winch, you must upgrade the alternator... Remember; winches requires lots of juice from your battery...if possible use a double battery setup

[@DustySteel]

I would say the first thing to do would be to upgrade to steering. Lifted or not the stock steering sucks in my opinion.

[@ericthered7226]

Snorkel kit? Why?

[@calebbarringer3140]

I’ve got the 4.5” rc lift to and it rides like crap! How do I soften up the rear so it doesn’t bounce me like a log truck

[@brendonmanship8854]

Did you get the add a leaf or a new leaf pack?

[@brendonmanship8854]

If you did the AAL then you've effectively changed the spring rate or your leaf pack by adding more leaves, so it'll probably stay just as stiff as it is. If you really just can't stand it, you can try putting a different pack with less leaves in, or a specific lift leaf spring pack. That being said if you're on a budget, you can always take the AAL out and put a longer shackle and a couple inch block in there to get your lift but just be prepared, as it's not as sturdy or reliable of a lift and if you wheel hard you'll end up breaking something. Hope this all helps. (P.S. if you can always try to get into a nicer set of shocks. Some 5k series ranchos, or maybe some budget fox shocks. It'll make more of a difference than you'd immagine.)

[@calebbarringer3140]

I did the entire new pack. My Jeep was bone stock when I got it and found the front “eye” of the leaf spring was broke loose of the leaf. So the axle was moving when I cornered. My brother suggested removing a leaf or 2 so it won’t be so stiff. It definitely sits higher in the rear vs the front

[@kjamesjr]

Need to relocate the rear shackles. If they’re completely vertical, it’s gonna ride like garbage. Lots of things come with lifts. It’s like a snowball effect.

[@anomilumiimulimona2924]

Caleb Barringer, get some deavers

[@PigglyWiggly90120]

That's odd I'm not even subscribe to you but you come in as a notification.

[@Katarinarabbit]

Jim Townson welcome to the family🤙

[@pra3t0rian]

Lockers before light bars.

[@99jeepxjguy97]

Bros before bitches

[@MtnManLifeFan]

Any better Radiators out there to get?

[@klarahfenderson1374]

Careful shopping of Ebay aluminum ones, hit up one of the jeep forums and see what other people have bought.

[@mnstrxj3280]

Mishimoto i have one in 89 XJ get the 3 fan setup with it.

[@DirtyDirtbath]

Omg just for shits and giggles I hit play , again and the next thing you do is get Patagonias 😭

[@1987bodyman]

So 33’s with a locker in a Dana 35 or Dana 30. Why would you recommend a gay snorkel and not chromoly axle shafts. Also why didn’t you go with the rough country long arm lift. It doesn’t add too much more $$ for what you get out of it. Another good add on is a upgraded track bar to get rid of the ball joint on the body side.

[@StrikerxCast]

My jeep cranks over but wont start. No soark or fuel. I've looked at everything, I cant find the problem. I've got all new sensors, distributor and plugs

[@scottcampbell2836]

What year?

[@StrikerxCast]

@@scottcampbell2836 98

[@robertlawrence2609]

Did you change the crankshaft sensor?

[@StrikerxCast]

@@robertlawrence2609 I did

[@robertlawrence2609]

I'm going to assume you changed the coil. I'd make sure all the electrical connections and grounds are good. You have no spark or fuel, but remember that when you don't have spark, the fuel cuts off to avoid flooding. Also remember that just because an electrical part is new, that doesn't mean it's good. You could have just bought a bad sensor or coil.

[@nelsontorres6241]

Hey you forgot the adjustable track bar...

[@baronvonkaiser9912]

Me watching in 2022: hm interesting

[@ChuckHolt]

Should have been both front and rear lockers and gears instead of a snorkel.

[@lifeofamanny3903]

Lift kit Steering Tires Lockers Stronger inner axles

[@XEatmorechicken]

The ONLY way properly lift a jeep involves long arms. Ottherwise you will constantly be fighting issues. Nearly every problem people are fighting online after lift are due to short arms...

[@2S1L3NT]

Skip the snorkel kit (not needed), and put the money in a long arm lift kit.

[@Paiadakine]

Snorkel..... hahahahahahahahahajajajajajahahahahaha. Right.

[@nathanaeljones1265]

Man you forgot to prepare it for corona virus 🥴🤦🏼‍♂️

[@cherokeeronnie]

Dude Im ready for it to be over

[@overandunder9157]

Snorkle works if you properly do it right, jus like he said, and water proof certain things, like distributor and die electric grease in your wires , most these people on here commenting have no clue what they are talking about, if u know how to fine tune stuff and stop expecting everything to be a perfectly painted picture when u buy and install , shit would work out for you, nothing wrong with short arms as long asnu don't go past 3.5 inch lift, otherwise push for a bds mid arm kit between 5.5 and 6 inches , mostbyou cannot afford the full kit ,push for long arms after 6.5 inches and no less than. 37s, at that point your pushing the axles, now install half ton of one tons, which most people commenting cannot do, oh and now it's time to rethink your build because fucking up the center of gravity on an xj just makes itnblow after that so, now u need higher end parts to make that work, now your digging inti a thought process that makes you want to sell the Jeep and buy a new Wrangler, if you can't mid the xj properly stay away from it , because they are absolutely awesome vehicles, and a rough country lift is not bad especially if you're not doing anything but driving thru some local trails, unless you rock crawl and spend 95 percent of your time on the trail avoid the longarms because it requires other mods such as high end steering and frame mods because your now pushing the Jeep even further, so stick with the rough country lift or something equal, people are finding out you either build the xj and make it right, or just best the dog shit out of with some 33s and bastard packs, or make it a street Jeep, point is it's slot more complicated and complex to build the xj correctly, but once done it's amazing, so if you're not up to the challenge , unlike building a Wrangler which is 95 percent bolts ons and it's great of course afterwords, or go straight towards a rock crawler Wrangler 100 percent then don't knock the xj because you're probably in capable of such a build...and yes they rust , but take care of it before hand and it'll last a lifetime, all jeeps rust... All vehicles rust...

[@SerenityAcresFarmstead]

I really prefer rusty's products over rough country

[@Mr.XJ.96]

Shit........I have wheeled my stock XJs places that would pucker your Butthole. They are perfectly capable Stock as well. Im om 32s 3 and half inch lift locked rear. I can go Just about anywhere....Its a combo of Driver and Rig. I can surprise the Shit out of anyone the places I have or will take a Stock XJ with a Stock set of 235/75/15s. Im on my 14th XJ and have owned own one or more for the last 18 years. The best J is the XJ!!!

[@Lray4x4]

Rough Country stepped up their game? LOL no, they have progressively gotten worse. The only two things I have bought from them that was decent is their control arm drop kit, and the shackle relocating kit.

[@dirtcheapmedia3390]

Oh no I’m late

[@edjackson4389]

Just buy a 05 06 Wk Grand Cherokee Limited for $4000 (Quadradrive II already has varilock axles}, and put on a cheap 2.5" spacer lift and 33's. Sell your XJ for $7000 and finish tricking out the WK. Sounds crazy, but that's what I did and Im much happier. The WK is better in every way

[@DustySteel]

Except looks lol.

[@edjackson4389]

@@DustySteel I get just as many compliments on my lifted WK and WJ as I did with my XJ. Just the V8 sounds alone turns more heads. I see your point tho. The later model XJs look great

[@DustySteel]

@@edjackson4389 oh they are all awesome!! I just prefer the looks of the 2-Door XJ better than any other models. I definitely have considered V8 swapping mine. The 4.0 is such a good engine though and can sound good too with the right exhaust. It would be way cheaper though I think to swap.🤔

[@edjackson4389]

@@DustySteel Well, my dream Jeep is a 1987 Grand Wagoneer with wood stickers removed, a 6in Lift and a 392 Hemi swap with 37s, but I'll make do with these cheap Grand Cherokees for now

[@DustySteel]

@@edjackson4389 that would be way cool!

[@garymiller5314]

A snorkle is useless. The lift tires and lockers are ligitimate upgrades. A bumper and winch are only needed for serious trail work. Snorkel are as useless as tits on a boar. Cutting the fenders just kills the value. How about gears or a tera-low kit. Maybe engine mods or a good trans pack to help it shift right. Hey exhaust mods go a long way on and off road. There are about a hundred better places to spend your money.

[@johnpadilla480]

No snorkel needed!

[@wb2989]

Dont waste money on a snorkel.. bull bar and recovery points are more important

[@kotaman232]

Before 2020? Lol

[@camaroboi13]

Dakota Ortiz yep, you’ve got 8 days to take care of it. Get to work

[@kotaman232]

@@camaroboi13 😂 lol okay

[@TurbroLife]

It’s 2021 lol

[@TheRussianWookie]

Man, after reading these comments, I realized that XJ owners are some broke mfs

[@overandunder9157]

No we just prefer , fun a cheaper package, and smoke past the new jeeps , and if damaged we spent way less and still have money for Another one ..instead of 50 grand into a mall crawler .

[@Smokevolt]

As soon as you mentioned snorkle it ruined the vid...

[@alanrichardson6391]

How about not throwing a3 in lift kit on it.I love my 2001Jeep Cherokee sport. But I ain't never going in the woods.So why do you have to put a 3in lift on it to be cool? I don't get it.I am looking to replace the springs new air shocks bigger tires not Baja oversized tires. More like some wide and just fatter 18s new helper leaf springs along with my Monroe air shocks in the back. Old school style stance a little higher in the back I don't know?I love it. I put new a head cylinder on it alternator water pump radiator fan & shroud brake lines exhaust power steering lines only rust drivers door.cold Ac it stopped Squeaking with ac on. I Love myJeep Cherokee sport. It's old but reliable will continue to improve it and .prove you dont have to destroy it in the woods.Lol But of course that's your choice. Keep on Jeeping😎

[@wtfshiiiiii]

This is your brain on snorkels kids. Just say NO~!

[@laddwikander3654]

Do not get a snorkel. Waste of money, and they look stupid because they don't do anything

[@keithlea6804]

#1 should be a aluminum radiator. Dam heat soak..

[@caesarbedoya3759]

Rough country sucks always has a saggy leaf

[@mudboysjeeps92]

Should be lift, wheels and tires, front bumper, winch and recovery gear bra you lost me with the snorkel kit never needed one it’s a waste of money they do nothing if your in water and the jeep dies and you hydro lock your motor it’s like telling a JK guy angry eyes gives you better gas mileage

[@cherokeeronnie]

My snorkel kit alway worked good you gotta know how to hook them up😂

[@bigotonbrand]

Dont buy rc

[@todhollo1961]

bullshit leave it stock

[@mattyb7736]

Best thing to do is sell the Jeep and buy a Toyota Hilux. At least the Toyota electronics are waterproofed and the transfer cases don't explode.

[@DirtyDirtbath]

Lmao you lost when when you said rough country after "proper lift kit" cant even take the rest of this seriously now I'm out

[@overandunder9157]

Snorkle works if you properly do it right, jus like he said, and water proof certain things, like distributor and die electric grease in your wires , most these people on here commenting have no clue what they are talking about, if u know how to fine tune stuff and stop expecting everything to be a perfectly painted picture when u buy and install , shit would work out for you, nothing wrong with short arms as long asnu don't go past 3.5 inch lift, otherwise push for a bds mid arm kit between 5.5 and 6 inches , mostbyou cannot afford the full kit ,push for long arms after 6.5 inches and no less than. 37s, at that point your pushing the axles, now install half ton of one tons, which most people commenting cannot do, oh and now it's time to rethink your build because fucking up the center of gravity on an xj just makes itnblow after that so, now u need higher end parts to make that work, now your digging inti a thought process that makes you want to sell the Jeep and buy a new Wrangler, if you can't mid the xj properly stay away from it , because they are absolutely awesome vehicles, and a rough country lift is not bad especially if you're not doing anything but driving thru some local trails, unless you rock crawl and spend 95 percent of your time on the trail avoid the longarms because it requires other mods such as high end steering and frame mods because your now pushing the Jeep even further, so stick with the rough country lift or something equal, people are finding out you either build the xj and make it right, or just best the dog shit out of with some 33s and bastard packs, or make it a street Jeep, point is it's slot more complicated and complex to build the xj correctly, but once done it's amazing, so if you're not up to the challenge , unlike building a Wrangler which is 95 percent bolts ons and it's great of course afterwords, or go straight towards a rock crawler Wrangler 100 percent then don't knock the xj because you're probably in capable of such a build...and yes they rust , but take care of it before hand and it'll last a lifetime, all jeeps rust... All vehicles rust...