Budget Jeep XJ Rock Crawler Build Walk Around

[@bradvanbibber5883]

Nothing budget about this lol... How much total do you have into this build?

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Well to put in perspective since I don’t talk about how much I spent in the video. I bought the Jeep for $700 because it had a hole the size of a golf ball in the engine block haha. Then I did all the work myself except the gears/ lockers because I don’t have any experience in setting up gears. So I built the engine, and installed everything. That’s where I saved all the money on this build. Labor was free. The cost of the parts are easy enough to figure out. So for me this was a budget build over the course of 4 years. But if you really want to know how much. Haha I’m around $15k into it. That includes the engine rebuild, multiple transfer cases, tons of small repairs, and all the major upgrades. It adds up quick. But if you think about it there are people selling used Cherokees for $10k + with 250k miles on stock axles, no lockers with a rough country lift and 33s. Haha so I think I did pretty well considering how much money people think their Cherokee are worth. Long story short, for me this was a Budget Build. Check Out my Instagram to see the progression of my XJ from the beginning.

[@bradvanbibber5883]

@@wrenchestoadventures Fair enough, I guess the definition of budget build depends on how much money that particular person makes. For me that would be about 5k for tge whole build. But I do really like your XJ. You put the money where it matters most instead of blinging it out like most.

[@wrenchestoadventures]

​@@bradvanbibber5883 Very true. I'm glad you like it. You wont see any Light Bars before Lockers on this channel haha!

[@PattiGillespie-me8cs]

Sand hollow is a great place to explore and rock crawl.

[@DjRapnytech]

Sup man, just inherited a 95’ XJ sport from my grandpa. Has 59k miles. I’m here for the modification videos

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Nice, that’s a low mileage XJ. I don’t think I’ve ever personally seen one with less than 250k miles on it haha. Well I hope my videos help you get some ideas for mods.

[@sebastianm.4966]

That's sick! I bought a '95 HO with 62k miles just last summer

[@Codethe_Road]

I'd love to axle swap mine eventually-- but I am keeping mine much smaller this time. I went with a huge Cherokee out of College, but I don't think I'll go that big again.. just really hurts the highway drive ability. I like more of a camping oriented rig, with just enough clearance and tire for the deep mountain trails.

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Yeah mine doesn’t get the best MPG! Haha I daily it to and from work and most of it is highway driving. It does ok for what it is. But I agree if, you’re building a dedicated overland camping rig. Smaller tires are a good option.

[@kart_racing8566]

I have a 99XJ sport 3”R/C lift and 32” tires metal front brush guard all new tune up and the works 160,000miles runs great new radiator water pump thermostat valve cover gasket starter battery working lighting and a good locker next just added all new upgraded front and rear brakes too

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Sounds awesome! We need to keep these XJs on the road.

[@FisFis86]

Good on you for choosing to shoot on a site like that 👍🏼

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Yeah, Sand Hollow State Park is Amazing!

[@mkdn]

Really cool xj I just put the JCR off-road rear bumper on mine and the receiver hitch is built in.

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Cool, I'll check it out. I'm currently really liking the Filthy Addictions Offroad Rear Bumper.

[@freeridin12345]

i bought my 01 with 130k on it 10 years ago and spent under 5k on it no lockers or regear been to moab all over colorado and has been my daily as well it has 350k on it same engine and trans swapped axles from a 97 and thats a budget jeep that thing has every bell and whistle on it

[@wrenchestoadventures]

That’s awesome! With a little maintenance these XJs last for ever. Your XJ sounds awesome! Did the 97 axles you swapped to have different gears and lockers?

[@imOmar909]

Sick build! You should look into shackle relocation box! Made my rear end flex and ride way better

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Thanks! Yeah I’ve thought about doing that. I’ve heard good things about it.

[@kjohns236]

Very inspiring! Thanks for the walk around🤘🏽

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Thanks, no problem. I’m glad you liked it!

[@mattwoodside4066]

where did you get the hood louvers. They look great. Do they help with the 4.0 heat issue"

[@wrenchestoadventures]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIOTZYOCjambmM0si=q1dVfdkOvXj7XoRi There is a link in the description of this video for the louvers I used. This is the video when I installed the louvers.

[@wrenchestoadventures]

It’s hard to tell right now how much they are helping since it’s winter. My Jeep only over heats on hot summer days.

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Hey, just came upon your channel... Love your XJ. Like you have my own channel along with a white XJ.... Yours looks awesome. Subscribed. Aussie XJ fan.👍😎🇦🇺🚙

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Sweet, White does look good on a XJ. I'll check out your channel. Thanks for the support, it means a lot!

[@SingleCab22R]

I am new to the world of Cherokees, I am picking up an xj from a coworker for a mindblowing amount of the title transfer fee. It's a bone stock auto..

[@wrenchestoadventures]

That’s a awesome deal for a XJ. It’s also nice to start with a bone stock one too. What do you have planned for it?

[@SingleCab22R]

@@wrenchestoadventures ultimately I'd like 35s, f/r bumpers, winch, rear locker at the very least. Sliders. Just had a kid 7 months ago and needed a family rig. My 85 pickup burnt down and I decided it was time to turn a new leaf.

[@SingleCab22R]

@@wrenchestoadventures also, a fire extinguisher..that is the one "MOD" nobody talks about until it's too late, I learned the hard way..

[@wrenchestoadventures]

That sounds like an awesome plan. I have my XJ setup on 35’s and it’s very comfortable as a daily driver and a rock crawler. I also need to invest in fire extinguisher for mine. Like you said it’s definitely an over looked mod.

[@dukelukeum]

HEY! When are you doing a road trip through Canada!?!! Nice video!

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Thanks! Not sure, maybe one day.

[@brianleeowens2640]

Bought my Cherokee at auction $2000 another 2000 for the Rusty 4.5 inch four link suspension lift kit another 500 for the upgraded steering from Rusty and I now get to see how the fender flares look I’m thinking about

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Nice! Sounds Awesome!

[@markc6207]

Very nice I am still working on my 2000 xj. Just swapped my Rusty's cheep shocks for Bilstein 5100 they are so much better. I think many people where I live underestimate the importance of good shocks. I am running rustys advanced short arm 4 in springs in rear 3in springs and 3/4 in spacer in front. Looking at options for cutting fender to fit 33's now. Great video but that is a big dollar budget build lol.

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Cool! Your XJ sounds awesome. Yeah my XJ wasn’t a small budget. I did all the work myself so that helps the wallet a little. Haha I agree having good quality shocks makes a huge difference. Definitely over looked by many. The hardest part about cutting the fenders is the rear. There are a ton of really good videos here on KZbin to help. Just take your time. I kinda rushed it when I cut mine. It’s always in the back of my head knowing I could have done it better.

[@markc6207]

@wrenchestoadventures yes I do most of it myself. I had the bearings and seals and a Spartan locker in the rear done at a shop. I had the entire heat and AC box rebuilt at a Jeep dealer. I installed the lift. Also the new long block Titan HO 4.0 motor. It's got a Howard's cam, 9.5 compression, larger valves and springs in the head and bored 30 over. New headliner. Sound system. I had someone else install a remote start. I want to ditch the Spartan locker it's not great on a daily driver. I am going to get an OX locker. I think. Do you know anyone who is running an ox locker?

[@wrenchestoadventures]

I’ve been wondering the same thing about OX lockers. It’s kind of cool that they offer a mechanical cable activated one. I have a set of JK Dana 44 front and rear that I had been thinking about building with ox lockers. But I haven’t fully decided. Also that’s awesome you do all your own work on your XJ. That’s the best way too! It’s nice knowing that all the work is done right the first time.

[@SuperAwesomeJared]

Looks like a solid build, well done. Do your arbs burp air when you’re on a steep hill? Also, if you’re ever in sand hollow again, would love to go wheeling. I live nearby.

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Thanks, I haven’t really noticed any burping from the ARB. They hold pressure really well. I’ll be heading back to sand hollow for sure. I just don’t know when. But It’d be cool to meet up and hit the trails!

[@05glisedan]

Plans for frame stiffeners?

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Yeah definitely in the future I want to install some on the it. I have big plans for the XJ. This year’s main project is going to the Comanche though. Which I’ll be installing frame stiffeners on it hopefully in the next month or so.

[@Colorado4x4]

I want to build a POS like this but on 37s with JK axles or maybe an old HP 44 front and 8.8 rear. Not sure 40s will work.

[@wrenchestoadventures]

I’m going to put trussed JK Dana 44 Axles with 35 spline shafts on my Comanche build. I’d like to run 38s or 40s.

[@Colorado4x4]

@@wrenchestoadventuresI like that idea. I’ve seen a few rigs on Revkit that are running 37s and built JK axles. That’s another option I think

[@zb6618]

What offset are those wheels? I have the same fenders and I want to make sure my tires stick out far enough

[@wrenchestoadventures]

I'm running 15"x8" with a 3.75" backspace wheel, plus a 1.25" wheel spacer.

[@neftoys]

🫡

[@wrenchestoadventures]

🫡

[@XJrick303]

Any plans for frame stiffner?

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Yeah eventually I want to install frame stiffeners. I have big plans for the XJ. I hope to be installing some on the Comanche in the next couple months.

[@kelbybraggs2843]

Looks like you're in Moab if so look me up let's go do some 4x4

[@wrenchestoadventures]

I wish I lived in Moab. I’ve actually only been once. I’ll be planning a Moab trip in the near future hopefully. I’m inching to wheel on some slick rock. When I have a plan I’ll let everyone know! I’d love to meet up!

[@GearDownCrawlerz]

the hood vents. any issues with rain on electrical plugs. what vents are they...also what gears an tires size are you running

[@wrenchestoadventures]

I haven’t had any electrical issues yet. Hopefully I won’t have any. Im running 4.10 gears on 35’s.

[@GearDownCrawlerz]

@@wrenchestoadventures thank u

[@wrenchestoadventures]

@GearDownCrawlerz yep, I’m always down to talk about Jeep stuff. So don’t hesitate to ask.

[@CollinWhite-y3i]

What wheels are those

[@wrenchestoadventures]

They are 15”x8” steel Pro-Comp wheels.

[@matthewtaylor-kj4dh]

There's no such thing as budget XJs where I'm at. People want 5k for a bone stock 4wd that runs. Pre 96 or 2wd they still want 3k. God forbid they put a 3 inch lift with some all terrains they now want 12k. It's ridiculous

[@wrenchestoadventures]

It’s getting like that around here too. People are crazy thinking that their XJs are worth so much. I guess that’s the world we live in now.

[@ericbarkley6644]

Sounds like your in Florida, lol

[@moejr14]

Why is your antirock set as such a steep angle?

[@wrenchestoadventures]

The anti-rock arms will hit the coil springs on my setup. So I made the range of motion higher up to prevent it from hitting the coils at full droop. Rock Jock sells different lengths for the sway bar links so you can adjust it to work with any setup. The sway bar hitting the coils is normal on a lifted XJ. That’s why people install relocation drop brackets on the stock XJ sway bar. Other wise it hits the coils.

[@nathancross-g1d]

What size tires are you running? Is there any rubbing?

[@wrenchestoadventures]

I’m running 35x12.5x15 Milestar Patagonia M/T. The rear rub at max flex. The front only slightly rub at max flex while turning hard left or right. I added longer bump stops front and rear to help prevent a lot of rubbing. I have it setup to where I only have about 4 inches of up travel before it hits the bump stops.

[@gosser66]

@@wrenchestoadventures You mentioned 4.10 gears in the video. How does it pull on the highway when climbing a grade? I have 33's with 4.10 gears, which is supposed to mimic stock setup. I'm about to replace my Patagonia 33's with 35's, and thinking I'll regret it if I don't re-gear to 4.56.

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Mine drives great on the highway with 35’s and 4.10 gears. I can cruse at 70 mph no problem. It will slow down by about 5-10 mph when going up a grade. But it doesn’t feel like it is struggling or anything. And I feel like the rpm’s stay in a normal range during normal daily driving. I drive about 50/50 highway and city. My commute is about 20 miles to work every day.

[@gosser66]

@@wrenchestoadventures Thanks for the reply. Now the hunt to find the 35's in stock. PS Nice XJ you have.

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Thanks, Yeah no problem! I’m always down to talk about XJs, haha. Good luck finding yourself some 35’s! You won’t regret it!

[@randomritchie]

You budget must be better than mine lol. I have $3000 in my xj suspension, haven't even touched axles or sliders yet.

[@wrenchestoadventures]

My budget also took me about 4 years to complete too haha 🤣 Little by little. I got some good deals on my axles when I bought them. $800 from a complete rubicon front Dana 44 and $300 for a OEM XJ rear Dana 44. I collected part for a while before I started the build.

[@randomritchie]

@@wrenchestoadventures Mine is a 2000 so I've got the Chrysler 8.25 29 spline in the rear. Plan on leaving the rear alone and getting a d44 for the front. Prices are just ridiculous right now, I'm two years in on my build.

[@wrenchestoadventures]

@@randomritchie Yeah I agree, those hard to find Jeep parts hurt the wallet a little haha

[@BreacherUPTangoDown]

lol… budget… lol. Nevertheless just don’t forget about weight when you start putting a tire carrier on.. you will definitely need longer shackles ..

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Budget doesn't always mean cheap haha. I'm not a fan of tire carriers. I just ratchet strap my spare down in the back.

[@moejr14]

Do the axle widths match?

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Yes, the TJ/LJ and the XJ axles are the same width at 60”

[@moejr14]

@@wrenchestoadventures ok yeah idk why I though your front axle was a Jk axle

[@aydencole6980]

Budget?

[@wrenchestoadventures]

I guess it depends on what your definition of “budget” means. This build has been a slow process just over 4 years long. 95% was all built in my garage by me. The only thing I didn’t do was the gears and locker. I took the axles to a professional before installing them in my Jeep. So yeah to me it’s a budget build. Definitely achievable for anyone with a little planning. Budget to me doesn’t mean cheap, it means it was planned with a specific budget in mind throughout the process.

[@DCmite1]

cut to the chase bro to much talking. Also nothing budget here click bait man

[@wrenchestoadventures]

Haha It’s funny how many people have been irritated by the word “Budget” in the title of this video. “Budget” doesn’t mean cheap. Thanks for watching my video! Read some of the other comments if you want more explanations.