DrDuktayp

I recently sold my old Full size Bronco to my oldest son after purchasing a ’93 Chevy pickup for a project. A few weeks into the project my youngest son decided he was leaving Alaska to head to Montana and would need a vehicle to move his stuff. So, when I ran across an XJ for only $800 I thought that would be perfect for him. So, I scooped it up.

To make this long story short he’s taking the Chevy and my project is now this 1993 XJ.

[IMG][/IMG]

DrDuktayp

I've been busy finishing up my son's pickup. But I went out and bought two gallons of paint and rollers for a good old redneck paint job.

I did the initial paint scuffing outside on a nice day. The body is no where near perfect condition. I need to get it into the garage and take care of floorboard rust as well as the body rust. I need to order a stick of 2x6 but at least I have left over 1/4, 1/8 and nearly a full sheet of 16 gauge.

[IMG][/IMG]

DrDuktayp

I had arranged to purchase my old bronco axles D44/9" as my oldest son had planned to swap in 1 tons. He's had a change of plans so I helped him out and purchased his driver side drop D60 (4.10) and 14 bolt (3.73). I'll store these somewhere until I can get to them next year or possibly the following. They'll need rebuilding with new gears and lockers.

[IMG][/IMG]

That big point on the top is actually the bottom that will need to be shaved off.

[IMG][/IMG]

The D60 is the Ford ball joint version out of a leaf sprung pickup.

These are going on the back burner as there is so much to do before then like stopping the rust.

ct67_72

Looks like a good start. I run the same front axle.

DrDuktayp

Thanks! Your build thread is awesome! There are a couple of threads that I have read from start to finish and yours is one of them.

ct67_72

Thanks! Its really gonna be good now. Any plans for suspension yet?

Atmos

not leafs :fingers crossed:

sub'd to see the 14b shave. going with a kit or home fab?

DrDuktayp

No plans yet. I am going to take care of rust and reinforce chassis right away. While I am working I will continue to read other people's build threads. I was going to just do a little daily driver but realized that I won't be satisfied with that type of build.

One thing for sure I want to do everything as few times as possible.

DrDuktayp

I'll go with what ever is most reasonably priced. That may very well mean a kit as metals are pretty expensive here. If I have to purchase a half sheet of plate then I will look at the kits. I spent hours reading about the shaves on Pirate and look forward to giving it a try. I suspect it will be a while before I get to that point.

ct67_72

Yup. Do it once and be Happy. I will recommend the TMR shave kit for when the time comes, and of course me for gears when the time comes lol
But yeah, reinforcing the chassis first is a good plan. Better now than trying to fix it and plate it later.
Im sure you have, and I hate to mention another forum, but of course read the threads in the Cherokee section of Pirate.

DrDuktayp

Yeah, I read there and NAXJA both. I landed on this forum as home due to the friendlier exchanges between members. As well as the depth and longevity of people's threads here.

ct67_72

Yeah, its a good place. My build here is more complete than anywhere. Pirate has its place, and is an invaluable resource but can be, uh, difficult Ill call it lol.
Well I will be following. If I can help or offer advice please let me know.

DrDuktayp

I've nearly got the carpet out of the front of my XJ. I've been carefully pulling it with the thought that I might want to re-install it. There is super wet felt underneath the carpet. I can't imagine putting it back in unless the engine noise is unbearable.

We get rain nearly every day here well about 230 days a few of which will be snow. This is bed liner country!

I'll take a picture of the floorboards once I get the carpet the rest of the way out.

DrDuktayp

I'll just post one picture of the rust that was beneath the carpet. The worst spot is right above the muffler. Even the passenger seat mounts were partially missing (rusted through).

I'm really interested in mild boat sides this looks like the perfect opportunity. I'll go in and order some 2x6.

[IMG][/IMG]

stang65

sub'd