A walk-around of my 2000 XJ "Project Rubicon" All specs, part numbers, and write-ups can be found on my website ericsxj.com/ Thanks for watching! Please subscribe, like, and share.
It's been a while. I bought a 1999 back in 2007 because of your book. Now has 234k mile, still runs like a champ. After 4.5" hybrid suspension lift, took it to the Everglades often. Bought a hobart 210mvp, learning how to weld. Need stiffeners and additional armor. I'll finally be able to build it my way. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the next episode.
Awesome dude. I got your book of how to upgrade XJ’s years ago. A must for any XJ owner. I like how you profile all the different size lifts and what’s required.
My name is not Don. Kon'nichiwa Eric,Your Jeep is One of the Best Built XJ's around. I'd call it 4th Level. Love your XJ books. "Must haves" for any XJ owner. It was nice having dinner and wheeling with you last NAXJA 35th. Hope to see you again for the 40th. Greg in Northridge CA (06 Barrett Lake trip/ White Woody) now over 10 years with the 2000 " Greeny". I got me a 91 MJ Eliminator 4x4 short bed "fun" mostly stock truck project. 4 years /full resto. Central CA Farm Find. No rust! I just was referencing your first book the other day about the Dana 35 with C clips in my MJ. Still running the Dana 44 and HP 30 from my 87 in my 2000. 34 years 400,000 plus miles. I also got a 2012 Grand Cherokee limited 4x4 with an Eibach suspension/33"ish BFG muds that handles like a fighter jet. My Jeeps are part of my Soul. Thanks for inspiring the rest of us.
Thanks for checking in "Don", LOL... Yeah, hopefully I'll see you at the 40th if not sometime before that (maybe?). Glad to hear you have a few different jeep projects. Similar to what you posted about it being part of your soul, I know I will always have at least one jeep. Currently we have 4 in the family: 3 XJ's and 1 WJ. I've always thought it would be fun to have a MJ.
Beautiful! Someone who has actually had their XJ longer than I have and built it right. I have a 98 I got in 2004 with just under 74k miles on it. We have been together all the way to 203k, just a bit of death wobble in-between....
OMG, I just realized this is that Blue XJ with 33s I loved so much way back when I first got mine. So happy you still have it and kept making it better.
Lot of inspiration here. I love how the fenders are all tied together for a very solid XJ. I like the hybrid cage. This is the greatest build I’ve seen yet in terms of tidiness and capability. Great machine you’ve got here.
I have both your books it's been a great build I've loved watching it and learned a lot from your books and applied it to my XJ build. I have a 89 wagoneer XJ most everything has been converted over to newer style like the coolant and the axles and so forth and then a lot of the modifications I'm following from your books
You are probably right. I just ordered this bottle www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NVFV883/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 to replace the one I have currently as I think it will fit better.
I've built 2 Cherokees and I'm looking to build a 3rd. My next project I would like to build as an overland multipurpose Jeep. I like the concept of the hybrid exoskeleton and interior roll cage that connects to the front bumper and rear. Does that help eliminate the unibody flex? I really dig your tube doors and had a few ideas on how I wanted to build my own.
Yes the cage certainly does add to the overall stiffness of the unibody but it is not a substitute for plating the frame rails. Best of luck on the build!
i would love to pay you for a set of sliders with one side holding air for my arb lockers that is an absolute ingenious idea to integrate the air tank into the side step there i would love to work with you if you would be willing to build one more side step... im thinking these would look and work perfect on my xj or maybe even my gx470 or the good old 4th gen 4 runner.... would you be interested in possibly building one of these air tank side steps during these winter months maybe shoot to have it build sometime this summer? what do ya say? i would love to know more cant wait to hear from ya brother god bless and stay safe and healthy!! happy holidays, -peter
Thanks for the comment. Its a 1/4" braided hose and yes it can work on any XJ but it carries a much larger volume than the tiny stock hard fuel line. You may need to prime the pump several times to get the pressure up before starting. See my comments at the bottom of this link for more guidance: ericsxj.com/2012build/updates6.htm
Atlas install wasn't too bad. You'll have to do some minor cutting or hammer work to clock it flat (and mine isn't 100% flat) I don't know why but shifters didn't fit even though supposedly they were for an XJ. So I ordered straight ones. Not sure with your manual if they would interfere, but I know its possible.
How much work was the wheelbase stretch? I know you said it's 5 inches so I'm wondering what you moved on the front end to move the front end forward. It looks like doing coilovers makes it much easier.
All of the 5" stretch was done in the back. Moving the rear axle back is super easy, however I did raise the gas tank and flip it 180 degrees to make sure I had adequate clearance... You might get away without doing that with less of a stretch and/or how much lift you have. The front you are limited due to the steering box - going full-hydro makes the front stretch doable.
So I just started an xj project and I'm planning on taking the wife on a weekend trip to uwharrie which is pretty local to us and I am trying to get this jeep somewhat trail worthy. Do you have like a top 5 of things you suggest I do in order to give me the best chance of having a good trip and coming home in one piece? Outside of a lift and tires I already put a 5.5 inch long arm 3 link lift with 33s. Thank you!!
#1) is always make sure it is properly maintained (oil and other fluids, cooling system, brakes, battery, spark plugs etc) As part of this, I highly recommend upgrading to HD battery cables. One good company I recommend for this is K's Suspension. #2) proper recovery gear, tools, and spare parts. You don't have to go crazy and carry every tool known to man, but at a minimum basic hand tools, jack, lug wrench, recovery strap etc. Spare shafts for your Dana 30 would be wise. #3) protection - rocker protection, HD diff covers, LCA guards, transfer case skid plate, gas tank skid plate, bumpers. When you are ready, plate the frame rails if you plan on keeping this rig, and then I highly recommend the 2x6 rocker replacement. With the front bumper you can add a winch which goes back to #2. #4) traction - add lockers, and change the gearing in the diffs at the same time. This is a good time to evaluate future upgrades and if you want to spend money on your current axles or something stronger depending on budget. #5) you are getting serious so seriously consider a cage
What hydro assist set up are you running? I also run dynatrac pro rock 60's and have an AGR rock ram and I need to replace it. The steering box it shot
I tapped the stock box for fittings and the ram, pump, and reservoir are PSC. Part numbers and specs are here ericsxj.com/vehicle.htm I forget off-hand where I got my hydro lines. I also did a write-up on how to tap the steering box for hydro in my Adv. Modifications book which you can get here if interested ericsxj.com/book.htm
Amazing build, I've followed you for years. It's weird that after how much time and money you put into the body and suspension you didn't get some better headlights.
@@kendrapritchett8290 I was just referring to the legally mandated headlights. I know aux lights and driving lights are personal preference, and I only have a pair of driving lights and DOT fog lights. The LED headlights shown here are some of the cheap array type with flashlight optics that sell on Amazon/eBay for around $50, and they are not built to SAE photometric specs, nor are they built to last. Considering how much Eric has put into this project over the years I'm surprised he didn't get some JW Speaker, Truck-Lite, or Grote DOT-compliant headlights.
@@MattBlank0 You are right - they are cheap LED headlights, but hey, they put out more light than the stock halogens... I actually have another set of headlights ready to go in, but I'm switching because they will serve a different purpose than you might think!
Wow. What you can get out of an xj with some excellent custom work is more than impressive. 50+ grand on a new jeep that weighs 1500 pounds more than an xj or this with a low milage 4.0. Clear winner is obvious. I feel inadequate now with my xj.
The book is no longer in print but try this link if you are interested in a e-book version. I don't know if it still works or not. play.google.com/store/books/details/Jeep_Cherokee_XJ_Performance_Upgrades_1984_2001_Re?id=Q2mEBgAAQBAJ&gl=US&pli=1
Thanks for the comment. Website is temporarily down as of today - problems with the server. Might have to switch providers if not resolved in a couple days. Sorry, but please check back!!!!
@@trashbarn I no longer update my personal fakebook page, but I do have a fakebook page for my book that I check on occasionally facebook.com/jeepcherokeebook/
I can literally hear my XJ begging me to spend more money and my wife bitching about how much I've spent on my Jeep. Not including the initial purchase price of your now FREAKING AMAZING XJ, how much do you think you've shelled out in that beauty?
Just got home from my first trip the beautiful Oregon dunes with my XJ (played out there on quads as a kid) and I've added about 10 grand to my list of wants needs and desires.
Great XJ but can't wach the video all they way through because you shake so much I started getting nauseous. Buy a gimble, change your settings or have someone else help you.
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That is what our XJ dreams of being. Thanks for making a detailed video.
It's been a while. I bought a 1999 back in 2007 because of your book. Now has 234k mile, still runs like a champ. After 4.5" hybrid suspension lift, took it to the Everglades often.
Bought a hobart 210mvp, learning how to weld. Need stiffeners and additional armor. I'll finally be able to build it my way.
Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the next episode.
Just started an xj build and hope to be sitting like this one day
Awesome dude. I got your book of how to upgrade XJ’s years ago. A must for any XJ owner. I like how you profile all the different size lifts and what’s required.
By far… the best Jeep I have ever seen! You good sir , are a Jeep God!!!
Wow.. kick ass XJ.. the Hunsaker's were my neighbors in the 80's.
Chatsworth Cali. Cool family.
My name is not Don. Kon'nichiwa Eric,Your Jeep is One of the Best Built XJ's around. I'd call it 4th Level. Love your XJ books. "Must haves" for any XJ owner. It was nice having dinner and wheeling with you last NAXJA 35th.
Hope to see you again for the 40th. Greg in Northridge CA (06 Barrett Lake trip/ White Woody) now over 10 years with the 2000 " Greeny". I got me a 91 MJ Eliminator 4x4 short bed "fun" mostly stock truck project. 4 years /full resto. Central CA Farm Find. No rust!
I just was referencing your first book the other day about the Dana 35 with C clips in my MJ. Still running the Dana 44 and HP 30 from my 87 in my 2000. 34 years 400,000 plus miles. I also got a 2012 Grand Cherokee limited 4x4 with an Eibach suspension/33"ish BFG muds that handles like a fighter jet. My Jeeps are part of my Soul. Thanks for inspiring the rest of us.
Thanks for checking in "Don", LOL... Yeah, hopefully I'll see you at the 40th if not sometime before that (maybe?). Glad to hear you have a few different jeep projects. Similar to what you posted about it being part of your soul, I know I will always have at least one jeep. Currently we have 4 in the family: 3 XJ's and 1 WJ. I've always thought it would be fun to have a MJ.
Beautiful! Someone who has actually had their XJ longer than I have and built it right. I have a 98 I got in 2004 with just under 74k miles on it. We have been together all the way to 203k, just a bit of death wobble in-between....
OMG, I just realized this is that Blue XJ with 33s I loved so much way back when I first got mine. So happy you still have it and kept making it better.
Lot of inspiration here. I love how the fenders are all tied together for a very solid XJ. I like the hybrid cage. This is the greatest build I’ve seen yet in terms of tidiness and capability. Great machine you’ve got here.
Appreciate the comment. Hopefully I'll have an update soon but STILL waiting on tires...
Glad to see you making videos again...this is always been one of my favorite builds ,...keep them coming..👍👍👍👍👍
This is the best xj build I've ever seen! Great work my dude!
I have something wild coming soon
@@TravisQuiller im definitely tuned in for it
Dude, when I started my build, I used yours as a inspiration. I would love to chat with you where I landed 7 years later sometime
Hit me up on email ejzappe @ gmail and we can go from there!
I have been following your build for years! So glad to see a video
great video. Such a great build. thank you for sharing
That a awesome build looks like it’s done right I have a xj build of my own thank you the inspiration and content
Nice jeep man! Awesome rig!
This thing is a work of art! I'll have to build a trail rig like it once I am done with my overland rig
I have both your books it's been a great build I've loved watching it and learned a lot from your books and applied it to my XJ build. I have a 89 wagoneer XJ most everything has been converted over to newer style like the coolant and the axles and so forth and then a lot of the modifications I'm following from your books
Thank you Frank!
Reversed suicide gas cap door..nice!! She's a beaut🤙
Great job & excellent build!!!
Hey man! I was just lookin at your book that I had bought a while ago...so awesome to see you still on the scene..!!!!
Awesome build man!!!! Love everything you did here... I have similar ideas and it really helped seeing how you did it on an XJ...
Lots of great work, thanks 🙏🏻
Full bad ass. Made it even better when you said ya had it for longer than half the people watching.
Verry good performance &buatyful sir
It looks amazing man! It looks so clean!
I love the idea of just bringing the tire inside and keeping the center of gravity low.
Thanks. It worked well with 37's, but 39.5's no longer fit ;)
👌👍✌ nice too see this xj again..
Great work man! She's a beast!
Awesome build brotha!
Wow this jeep is sick!
Love IT!!!! The XJ is the Best J Wranglers are For Cheerleaders....Happy Jeepin from Butler Pa The Birth Place of the Jeep.
I have the same hood vents in my xj, I took the idea from your book, greetings
Thanks for the comment, and glad the book helped!
@@ericsxj1975 I bought it more than 10 years ago, Garret bird from Reno Nevada sold it to me
@@luisrazor5018 Yeah I know that guy LOL.
Thought this was a Michael Bay movie and was waiting on the lens flare......sweet ride man....should get that shakes checked out though.
I’m not a xj guy, but that one could change my mind .
That is bad ass👍🏽
Washer bottle is out os a subaru for sure! Nice jeep.
You are probably right. I just ordered this bottle www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NVFV883/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 to replace the one I have currently as I think it will fit better.
Nice Jeep I’m looking to get another xj for your other videos a tripod or something to help with the Shakiness
Bruh you need a tri pod lol 😂 ps love the Cherokee
Got any photos or videos of cutting the rear quarters and building the tire well and armor?
I've built 2 Cherokees and I'm looking to build a 3rd. My next project I would like to build as an overland multipurpose Jeep. I like the concept of the hybrid exoskeleton and interior roll cage that connects to the front bumper and rear. Does that help eliminate the unibody flex? I really dig your tube doors and had a few ideas on how I wanted to build my own.
Yes the cage certainly does add to the overall stiffness of the unibody but it is not a substitute for plating the frame rails. Best of luck on the build!
i would love to pay you for a set of sliders with one side holding air for my arb lockers that is an absolute ingenious idea to integrate the air tank into the side step there i would love to work with you if you would be willing to build one more side step... im thinking these would look and work perfect on my xj or maybe even my gx470 or the good old 4th gen 4 runner.... would you be interested in possibly building one of these air tank side steps during these winter months maybe shoot to have it build sometime this summer? what do ya say? i would love to know more cant wait to hear from ya brother god bless and stay safe and healthy!! happy holidays,
-peter
This is a sick ass build. I see you running a Russell fuel hose on the fuel rail, what hose is that, and will it work with any 4.0 xj?
Thanks for the comment. Its a 1/4" braided hose and yes it can work on any XJ but it carries a much larger volume than the tiny stock hard fuel line. You may need to prime the pump several times to get the pressure up before starting. See my comments at the bottom of this link for more guidance: ericsxj.com/2012build/updates6.htm
awesome build! how hard was the atlas install? i've been thinking about buying either a atlas 2(or 4spd) for my 97 xj with an ax15
Atlas install wasn't too bad. You'll have to do some minor cutting or hammer work to clock it flat (and mine isn't 100% flat) I don't know why but shifters didn't fit even though supposedly they were for an XJ. So I ordered straight ones. Not sure with your manual if they would interfere, but I know its possible.
And I definitely recommend the TMR support bracket for the Atlas.
How much work was the wheelbase stretch? I know you said it's 5 inches so I'm wondering what you moved on the front end to move the front end forward. It looks like doing coilovers makes it much easier.
All of the 5" stretch was done in the back. Moving the rear axle back is super easy, however I did raise the gas tank and flip it 180 degrees to make sure I had adequate clearance... You might get away without doing that with less of a stretch and/or how much lift you have. The front you are limited due to the steering box - going full-hydro makes the front stretch doable.
So I just started an xj project and I'm planning on taking the wife on a weekend trip to uwharrie which is pretty local to us and I am trying to get this jeep somewhat trail worthy. Do you have like a top 5 of things you suggest I do in order to give me the best chance of having a good trip and coming home in one piece? Outside of a lift and tires I already put a 5.5 inch long arm 3 link lift with 33s. Thank you!!
#1) is always make sure it is properly maintained (oil and other fluids, cooling system, brakes, battery, spark plugs etc) As part of this, I highly recommend upgrading to HD battery cables. One good company I recommend for this is K's Suspension.
#2) proper recovery gear, tools, and spare parts. You don't have to go crazy and carry every tool known to man, but at a minimum basic hand tools, jack, lug wrench, recovery strap etc. Spare shafts for your Dana 30 would be wise.
#3) protection - rocker protection, HD diff covers, LCA guards, transfer case skid plate, gas tank skid plate, bumpers. When you are ready, plate the frame rails if you plan on keeping this rig, and then I highly recommend the 2x6 rocker replacement. With the front bumper you can add a winch which goes back to #2.
#4) traction - add lockers, and change the gearing in the diffs at the same time. This is a good time to evaluate future upgrades and if you want to spend money on your current axles or something stronger depending on budget.
#5) you are getting serious so seriously consider a cage
so basically bone stock xj..mine too. 98 Xj the king of dirt
Great build! You have a wj as well?
We have 3 XJs and 1 WJ.
In your book does it explain how to make the tube doors? I have a 2000 xj as well and I can't find any info
Not specifically, but it is a simple design so long as you have a tube bender and welder.
What hydro assist set up are you running? I also run dynatrac pro rock 60's and have an AGR rock ram and I need to replace it. The steering box it shot
Very awesome build!
I tapped the stock box for fittings and the ram, pump, and reservoir are PSC. Part numbers and specs are here ericsxj.com/vehicle.htm I forget off-hand where I got my hydro lines. I also did a write-up on how to tap the steering box for hydro in my Adv. Modifications book which you can get here if interested ericsxj.com/book.htm
Lol saw this on my feed and said that land scape looks formulary NV ..
Amazing build, I've followed you for years. It's weird that after how much time and money you put into the body and suspension you didn't get some better headlights.
honestly not many people wheel at night, usually if you are, you messed up. so a few pod lights are you really need.
@@kendrapritchett8290 I was just referring to the legally mandated headlights. I know aux lights and driving lights are personal preference, and I only have a pair of driving lights and DOT fog lights. The LED headlights shown here are some of the cheap array type with flashlight optics that sell on Amazon/eBay for around $50, and they are not built to SAE photometric specs, nor are they built to last. Considering how much Eric has put into this project over the years I'm surprised he didn't get some JW Speaker, Truck-Lite, or Grote DOT-compliant headlights.
@@MattBlank0 You are right - they are cheap LED headlights, but hey, they put out more light than the stock halogens... I actually have another set of headlights ready to go in, but I'm switching because they will serve a different purpose than you might think!
Have You a engine 4.0 original o swap ls?
Original engine
Where at in Nevada are you? Let's meet up. I want to see if I can follow you😂
North of Reno. Check for trail runs here: www.naxja.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=23
What is your fuel line setup
1/4" braided stainless steel
Wow. What you can get out of an xj with some excellent custom work is more than impressive. 50+ grand on a new jeep that weighs 1500 pounds more than an xj or this with a low milage 4.0. Clear winner is obvious. I feel inadequate now with my xj.
Thanks for the comment!
What hood vents?
80's LeBaron. See the write-up on my site. Link in description.
Where can I find your book! Website isn’t working anymore
The book is no longer in print but try this link if you are interested in a e-book version. I don't know if it still works or not.
play.google.com/store/books/details/Jeep_Cherokee_XJ_Performance_Upgrades_1984_2001_Re?id=Q2mEBgAAQBAJ&gl=US&pli=1
@@ericsxj1975 thanks! Are you still wheeling?
I'm on a short hiatus due to some health issues but I'll be back on the trails in 2024.@@Colorado4x4
@@ericsxj1975 hopefully you get that sorted out! - Geoff
why shaky cam
This is perfectly what I was looking for!
Your website link isn't working.
Thanks for the comment. Website is temporarily down as of today - problems with the server. Might have to switch providers if not resolved in a couple days. Sorry, but please check back!!!!
@@ericsxj1975
Are you on FB?
@@trashbarn I no longer update my personal fakebook page, but I do have a fakebook page for my book that I check on occasionally facebook.com/jeepcherokeebook/
@@ericsxj1975 perfect I will write you on that. Thanks again!
@@ericsxj1975 thanks again I send you a message
I can literally hear my XJ begging me to spend more money and my wife bitching about how much I've spent on my Jeep. Not including the initial purchase price of your now FREAKING AMAZING XJ, how much do you think you've shelled out in that beauty?
For better or worse I don't keep track. But over the years it is a lot....
Just got home from my first trip the beautiful Oregon dunes with my XJ (played out there on quads as a kid) and I've added about 10 grand to my list of wants needs and desires.
Ini Baru namanya suspensi beda sama di indonesia
Bro I gotta know wtf do you do for a living
how much money is put into this thing 😳?
I don't know but it's a lot... spread out over 20 years... equally compelling is how much time I have in it!
Great XJ but can't wach the video all they way through because you shake so much I started getting nauseous. Buy a gimble, change your settings or have someone else help you.
America 🇺🇸 💪🏼🔧🔩🤙🏼
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