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The Desert XJ
Backstory
In May 2021, Kyle found a Jeep XJ that had always been parked in a nearby neighborhood and rarely moved. He put a note on the windshield asking if the owner would be willing to sell it. A few days later we bought the 1993 Jeep Cherokee XJ Sport for $3,200.
Specifications
Year: 1993
Make: Jeep
Model: Cherokee XJ Sport
Miles: 290,890 at purchase
Engine: Inline 6 - 4.0L High Output
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Front Differential: Dana 30
Rear Differential: Chrysler 8.25
Lift: 2.5-inch
Tires: BF Goodrich AT - KO2 - 31"
Color: Originally green - changed to Desert Tan
Upgrades
- Raptor Coat paint
- Smittybilt step bars
- Rough Country 50" curved LED Light Bar
- Tomken Machine Rear Bumper and Swingout Tire Carrier
- Ares Hood Vents
- Anbull Snorkel Kit
The Red '99 XJ
Backstory
Kyle is in Hillsdale Michigan for college. Rather than sending the Desert XJ to rust in the Michigan snow, we found a 1999 XJ with only 136,000 miles on the 4.0L - Six Cylinder motor. The interior is in great shape and it has power windows and door locks.
The Jeep was a deal because it had a severe leak on the core plugs, which once fixed should make this a great SUV to either restore as a classic XJ, or to modify for another off-road rig.
Specifications
Year: 1999
Make: Jeep
Model: Cherokee XJ "Classic"
Miles: 136,100 at purchase
Engine: Inline 6 - 4.0L High Output
Transmission: 5 Speed Automatic
Front Differential: Dana 30
Rear Differential: Chrysler 8.25
Lift: None
Tires: Stock
Color: Red on Red
Upgrades
- None (so far)
The "Prado"
Backstory
If you watch the videos you will notice that Kyle does most of the driving. He is the rock crawler and trail runner. Dad plays the role of cameraman and spotter.
In planning for an Overlander, I have had my eye on a Lexus GX470 that can be had inexpensively, and therefore ripe for cutting and upgrading. On September 17th, I bought one from an online auction. It will first be shipped from Boston to Michigan where it will be inspected and repaired if needed. Then driven back to Las Vegas.
Stay tuned to Instagram and Youtube for the budget Overland build of this "Prado."
Specifications
Year: 2003
Make: Lexus
Model: GX470 (Toyota Prado)
Miles: 235,273 at purchase
Engine: 4.7L V8
Transmission: Automatic
Lift: None
Tires: Stock
Color: Grey
Upgrades
- None (So far)
- Planned:
-- Remove running boards
-- Add Rock Sliders
-- 2.5 - 3" Lift
-- Rear Spring / Airbag Delete
-- 285 / 70 / 17 tires
-- 17" off-road rims
-- Rear Swingout Tire Carrier