Although I have always loved Jeep Cherokee’s (more commonly known as XJ’s in the Jeepin community), I can honestly say that I’ve always been more of a 2-door/SWB (short wheel base) kind of Jeeper and never really thought I would someday become the proud owner of one. But then a few days ago, I just happened to come across a 1994, black 2-door with a 4.0L engine and a Chrysler 8.25 rear end, but was otherwise totally stock.

Cosmetically, this XJ was in fair condition at best both inside and out, but after giving the engine and undercarriage a thorough once-over, I decided that it might be worth giving it a test drive. And, much to my surprise, I found this thing to be in great mechanical working order even though the odometer showed a little over 183,000 miles on it. As I would later find out, the original owner blew the factory engine at about 96,000 miles and a brand new one was installed back in 1997. Since that time, this XJ found itself in the hands of two other owners, the last of which (the guy I bought it from) was very mechanically inclined and made the effort to keep it in good working order. Tempting, tempting, tempting!!

Well, the first time I gave this XJ a look, it was just for fun. With a reasonable asking price of $1450, I was definitely interested but not entirely sold. However, after talking to this guy a bit and getting to know each other a bit more, he decided to lower the price to $1250 and…. I guess you can say the rest is history.

Where this XJ goes from here, who can say for sure but I think it would be safe to say that a bunch of new write-ups are soon to come

And with the pull of a switch, I saw for the very first time in the over 6 years of owning my TJ… the light and all that which was hidden from me by the night. Yes, I just got done installing a pair of IPF H4 Headlight Conversion Lenses with X51 Fatboy Super Low Beam XX Bulbs and let me just say, the difference over stock is HUGE!!

Unlike the anemic, yellowish and narrowly focused beams of light that the factory Jeep bulbs put out, the IPF H4 headlight lenses with X51 Fatboy Bulbs produce a very white, wide and bright beam of light that is more than twice the power over stock. In fact, to help other drivers from being blinded by the intense glare of these lights, the IPF H4 lenses have been intentionally designed with a flat beam cut-off. Another great feature I love about these headlights is the innovative 15° rise on the passenger side which provides much greater visibility of the roadside, sidewalk and signs.

For the low price of $139 for the whole upgrade kit and the super ease of installation, I honestly don’t know why I didn’t do this upgrade sooner.

To see my complete write-up, click on the link below:
>> IPF H4 Headlight Conversion Lenses w/ X51 Fatboy Bulbs