98XJ40K

Yes, believe it or not, this is a one owner Texas XJ!!! My dad bought this one new in 98 and used it as a DD for about 11 years.

Since the trade in on a 200K+ mile XJ is in the neighborhood of nothing here in East Texas, I took it off of his hands for nothing!

This has been on the back burner for a while and I have finally begun doing some much needed work. In the past two months I have done the following:

Tune up including: cap, rotor, wires, plugs, filter, Mobil1 oil, battery, terminals, rear main seal, oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket, etc...
703 injector swap
Bored throttle body
Cowl induction mod

Upgraded HD headlight harness
E Code H4 housings with 90/100w bulbs
Clear side markers/bumper lights
Tinted rear light housings
New rear bumper (stock )
Painted fender flares
New to me TJ Canyon wheels with 31x10.50 BFG AT's

Rusty's 3" leaf packs - my old ones could have been better described as "W" springs since they had 240K miles of sag!!!
Rusty's HD 3" coils
Hydro shocks
Adjustable trac bar
All new bushings... everywhere
Custom "push button" start

Alpine head unit w/ iPod control
Alpine type-S mids-highs in doors and headliner
Alpine digital 300W amp
Alpine 10" type-S sub

There are probably quite a few things i have left off, it's been a busy couple of months around here. And while it sucks that it's 2wd, I am exploring a few options. Either a 4wd swap, if I can ever find a donor vehicle, or a locker and more power!!! I'm up for opinions for pros and cons of both options.

Anyway, here are some before pics:

98XJ40K

Here is some of the progress on what seems to have been dubbed "Oscar".

The new leaf packs actually netted about 6" in the rear due to the sexy squat we had going on.

98XJ40K

I picked up a set of 15x8 Canyons off an 03 TJ for $50

A little cleaning, wire wheeling, primer, and flat black rattle can for a quick fix. Wrapped up in some 31x10.50 BFG AT's, good to go.

98XJ40K

I decided to tint the rear lights since I was really liking the green and black on the rest of the ol' girl. Now I may end up doing the clear side markers as well.

Added in a little to some folks here... i masked off the word INFIDEL in Arabic on the third brake light and tinted away. Sorry for the poor quality pics, just had my phone for all of these. Also added an extra set of lights under the rear bumper wired into the reverse lights for a little more visibility.

The push button start was a bit of a whim. I added some switches to the overhead console to power the accessories and kill switch with a caged momentary toggle for the starter. I pulled the wheel to remove the locking mechanism, but I quickly decided I was in a bit over my head so I have to use the key to unlock the steering wheel until I give it another go.

98XJ40K

And here we sit now. I still have a laundry list of things I want to do, and thanks to CF, I am finding out new additions to that list every day.

I do want to thank all of you on this forum. Your write-ups, technical help, expertise, and patience has helped me to do everything myself (well, I do have a very kind neighbor that lends a hand on a regular basis).

I look forward to your comments/criticism/ideas on this and will continue to update this as I go.

wiggles

Looks good so far, keep it going!

98XJ40K

I have been told that stickers add horsepower...
So I thought I would have a few made up for the Wounded Warrior Project. If anyone wants some I have a few extra, No charge, I would just like to see more XJs bringing more attention to this great cause. First come first serve.

zrocool

What cargo rack is that?

farmerjohnson

like the build man!

audioal69

I'll take a couple of those stickers if you're serious. I'm all about showing support for a good cause. Pm me and I'll get you my address

jscusmcvet

I've never seen canyons blacked out before, they look great. We support WWP a bunch at work. More power to you for working with them.

John

yz85rider2002

I'd like a few of those stickers as well

98XJ40K

It's a little home brew out of conduit. Not real thrilled but for less than $100 it seems like it will do the trick.

I am actually about to modify it to mount directly to the rails or gutters and ditch the cross bars.

98XJ40K

Thank you, they were a great deal at the right time. I thought they would be fine silver but on one of my many trips for supplies I bought some primer and paint subliminally, that's the only seat of the pants decision that's really paid off lately.

98XJ40K

Thanks... Seeing your roof rack mount inspired me to try the same. Especially since it won't fit in the garage mounted on the crossbars! Stupid home builders with no consideration for lifted vehicles...