So after being down and out for ahile since that last run, I started thinking about what direction to take my xj. I thought about scouring jy for just enough parts to get me back on the trail, only to break again. I even thought about parting the jeep out, in hopes of getting enough cash to start again.
After lots of head scratching and poundering, I came to the conclusion that I am simply to far in to turn back now. It would simply be a tragedy to come this far to just fall short of seeing and enjoying what these rigs are capable of.

So I decided its time to get serious and leave the high schoolers behind!!

The following list of parts have started arriving daily, which has definitly made this week pretty exciting. Here's alittle briefing of where I was at the end of phase 2.

'86 cherokee pioneer (pos 2.8L V6 w/ ax5), replaced np207 with np231, custom fs, dana 30 and 35 4.10s open, 4.5" RC lift, 2" rear blocks, zj drag bar, adj trac bar, 33" tires, logan bumper, mile marker winch, posi lock, crown braided brake lines, 1.5" coil spacers, disconnects

Not a bad setup and it worked just fine for the first half dozen good runs at walker. And by good runs, I mean being able to navigate every trail and drive her home. But now I'm thinking I wanna do alittle more than just take the easy routes around the trails and still make it home.

So in addition to phase 2, here is my list for phase 3:

1. Chrysler 8.25 29spline w/ new bearings and brakes
2. Superior rear 29 spline axle shafts
3. C8.25 Detroit locker 29 spline
4. HD SYE w/ custom rear ds
5. Spartan SL30-27 Locker
6. Dana 30 new bearings
7. Forged front and rear pinion yokes
8. Motive gear 4.56 gears
9. JCR stage 3 rock sliders
10. 5" leaf springs with 2" shackles
11. and a few new stickers !!!

I would love to of had engine replacement as number 12, but I think I'm gonna do alittle more research into that one. Only possible since the motor has 86k miles on her. Ive also decided to have the gears professional installed, but the rest will be done on my own.
I'm thinking I should have this all installed by mid march with a quick break in period to follow, which is great cuz i'm definitly looking forward to the snow melt.
As I tear down and install I'll be posting pics of the progress. Also any input is definitly welcome, espeacially if you see a flaw in the setup, but i'm pretty confident that this should do the job.

 

This looks and sounds like a very sound plan, Matt. I am looking forward to that next Walker valley run where we can both try out all of our new modifications.

 

With me...

 

You better be going buddy

 

Aren't the C 8.25 axles C-clip axles? You might want to consider doing a C-clip eliminator kit with those upgrades.

 

They don't have c clip eliminators for the 8.25. Instead do a rear disc brake conversion. Will prevent the axle from slipping out when and IF it breaks. The chances of breaking a rear shaft in the axle is very slim anyways. Definitely not a Dana 35 for sure

 

^^^^^^^that's what I'm guna do with mine