RE: JPOR: XJ Questions

["Paul W." <a4xnut@xxxxxxxxx>]

--- Mike Borum <Mike.Borum@quantum.com> wrote:
> I've owned a '96 XJ for about six months now.  The main things I was looking
> for:
> 1)  4.0 Six HO - This change was to the intake and heads, bumping up the hp
> to 190 from the original 175hp,

The HO replaced the non-HO in '91 - same year as the 4.0L was introduced in the
Wrangler (finally).  Besides what Mike mentioned, the HO version has an
improved EFI.  Earlier ones used a French Renix system, developed by
Renault/Peugeot.  The non-HO version has a little better bottom end torque, the
HO better top end power, but the torque loss isn't major and IMHO, the HO
version has enough other advantages to be worth the slight drop in bottom end.

> 2)  Up Country package - this includes skiplates for the front, t-case, and
> gas tank as well as towhooks, and a limited slip rear diff.

Also the Up-Country (or Off-Road package as it was called in older models) has
no rear sway bar and when new sits ~1" taller... but if you're going to lift
it, that part doesn't really matter.

> 3) Tow package - This also includes a trans cooler.

And deletes the rear tow hook, if equipped with hooks... again, no big deal,
you can always use the reciever for extractions.
 
> I've added 5 inches of lift, an ARB locker in front, 32x11.50 M/Ts, rock
> sliders, and a catback exhaust.  Parts are easy to find, although the
> alternator I had to replace was $150 with the core.  There are lots of
> aftermarket accessories for XJs.  Some drawbacks:
> 1)  Unibody - If I roll it, it is probably trashed.  Bdy work is expensive.
> The sheetmetal is very thin, and the rockers dent if they get within an inch
> of a rock!  Also, you can't do a body lift.
> 2)  Dana 35 c-clip rear axle.  The Dana 44 was offered in some models of the
> MJ Comanche pickup.

Also offered as part of the tow package on 87-89 XJ's.  If no ABS is present,
the Mopar 8.25 rear axle will appear with most tow package options.  Earlier
8.25's are 27 spline, later ones (~'97?) got 29.

> 3)  The absolute largest tire diameter you can put on an XJ is 33's without
> major fender hacking.  The largest aftermarket lift kit is the Rock Ready 6
> inch.

Usually, even 33's will require trimming, especially if they are 12.50's.  You
can run 9.50's with a LOT less hassle... but 9.50's don't like low tire
pressures (say, below 8 psi).

> 4)  The spare tire is on the inside.  If you increase the tire size, you
> have to find another place for the spare.  Either a tire carrier/bumper, or
> a roof rack. Caution on that: a friend of mine had a Conn-Ferr rack that
> mounted to the gutters.  With just his spare on top, it had broken the
> gutters and punched holes through the roof.

There were two different OEM outside tire carriers, one mounts to the body and
bumper and was availble until ~'90.  This is the better one for trail use. 
Later ones mounted to the bumper and hang down too much.  ~'95 or so, when they
changed the OEM roof rack design, Mopar offered (and still does, AFAIK) a roof
mounted spare carrier... but IMHO, it's a BIG hassle to haul a 33" tire up and
down from there... plus it will noticably affect CG.
 
Paul

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