Hey I saw your XJ there but I didn't hear you say it was you in the new members announcements. Sorry I didn't get to say hello. There were a bunch of XJs out tonight! It was great.

 

It was good to see so many XJ's tonight. Same as Red, sorry if I didn't get to say hello to you if you were there.

 

Yep, we were there. I was one of the last intros and I was in a corner by the bar. There were a bunch of XJs there, very cool to be able to look them over and start getting some ideas.

Got a few mechanical issues that came up that I need to fix before I start modding, but soon.

 

What's going on with it?

 

Might be using or leaking a little anti-freeze, power driver seat is not working, still need a hitch, On just one or two occasions I have heard a loud thunk up front when braking.

Going to spend some time with it today. The power seat is probably the least important but most annoying since it isn't stuck where I like it. Fuse is good and there is power at the connector under the seat. Going to pull it out.

I checked pick and pull for a hitch with no luck, so I need to order one but am not sure if I am going to spend money on a new hitch if I wouldn't just be better off with a new bumper with the built in hitch.

 

The bumper will give you more clearance than the hitch will. Plus who didn't wasn't to buy a new bumper!?

 

I'd rather build a new bumper, so here's one saying "No" to buying a new bumper. However, you should actually count buying the steel as buying the bumper, so technically I'm all for buying a new bumper looking at it from that perspective. But since I'd still rather build it from purchased materials the question should (for me at least) be, "Who doesn't want to buy the materials to build a new bumper!?"

 

Ok, who doesn't want an offroad bumper?

 

That works

 

Everyone does

 

So today I spent some time swearing at my power seat.

There is power up to the switch, but nothing works after that. Took the switch apart, very good shape with clean contacts. Tried jumping the motors with 12v directly and none of them moved.

I'll be checking the junkyards for a manual drivers seat base and maybe seats out of a Grand C. since mine is shredded anyway.

Also found the source of my oil leak. It is the oil filter adapter. Looks like a small PITA to change but it could be a lot worse.


Ended pulling all the seats out and steam cleaning the carpet. Smells much better

Think I am going to leave it sit and drive my van. Going to do new rotors, brakes and a lift. It will give me a chance to give things a good once over.


Now to start shopping for a lift. I think 3 inches will be what I am looking for.

 

Just go 4.5". You know you want it! I'm glad I did instead of.the 3"

 

Speaking as one who bought a 3" lift with the same thought of, "I'll be happy with 3" and 31's.", get a 4.5" lift and 33's. You'll be much happier. If you can do it, go Long Arms. Short arms are good, but as someone else from some point earlier in history said, "You don't see many great things because of all the good things." Long Arms are WAY better.

 

Ya, I know. I could swing the 4.5 inch lift but I don't think I would feel comfortable laying out the cash for the long arms yet since I have never even been 4 wheelin.

My main concerns with bigger lifts are fuel mileage, on road handling/vibration and the install itself. Even though I have no idea what I am doing, pride and cheapness will prevent me from paying to have this done professionally.

RC lists the time as almost double to install the 4.5 as opposed to the 3 so I am guessing it is more difficult.

I am used to dealing with motorcycles. Learning to do all my own maintanance and repairs was a small source of pride but also came in handy on the road. Since right now I have another vehicle and can afford to have it down for awhile I'd like to take the same approach. Problem is the Jeep won't fit in the garage like my bikes, so that is another reason why I am leaning towards a 3".

But ya, I secretly want the 4.5

 

RC's are a good starter lift. Only things I don't like about them is the ride tends to be a little harsher and the rear leaf packs are usually too short (ask Red82 about that one) so they need to be compressed to get them in. Other than those things, they're not bad. Rusty's is another good starter kit. Price is comparable to RC, but their shipping is outrageous. Good quality and an easy install. RE is what I'd recommend for a starter lift. Great quality, easy install, and you can help support a fellow CF member by ordering through SeriousOffroad. All 3 can be easily added on to later. I've got a buddy with a shop that would most likely let us use a lift bay to do the lift. Makes life A TON easier.