JeepusChrist

Sub'd for sure! Great build!

jbennett

Thanks, still trying to get the exhaust and shocks worked out, should have some updates soon.

jbennett

Little update, I've had some other projects going on and haven't had much time for the XJ, but I've gotten a few things done recently and she's about ready to get out on the road next week I hope.

The exhaust hung down so low, I went ahead and installed a new cat and muffler, went as low profile as I could and really didn't know what to expect as far as sound. I wanted a deep rumble, but no drone and not too loud. I gambled on a glasspack style muffler that supposedly didn't sound anything like a glasspack. It actually sounds pretty good, have to wait to get it on the highway though, hopefully there's no drone. It's a Dynomax Bullet and went with a Magnaflow cat. Still need to find a tip that I'm happy with, but stock will work for now.





I painted the rocker and fender trim where I cut, went with the same paint as the axles, I think it looks pretty good.



Went with the Dirtbound DIY rear bumper, first time building one of these and it went pretty well, still have to add the end pieces and build a tire carrier. I'm going to modify the end pieces, so I didn't put them on yet, still deciding exactly how I want to do it.









Also went with the Dirtbound DIY front bumper. Also debating on doing some mods to it, but it works for now.

TFitzPat87

Looking real good man! You've done some nice work to this bad boy. If I had to be picky, and this is super picky, my personal preference is to bring that rocker/lower door paint up to that next body line another inch or so higher. Again, just my taste but not my XJ, so just throwing it out there.

TX RamRod

Great build! Seeing what you've done makes me want to step my game up. It's wild how much difference 1" make on the wheel size. I've got the same wheel in a 15" and the set up looks completely different.

jbennett

Thanks, funny you mention the paint, when I pulled the tape off near the front fender, it just didn't look right and I liked how the paint wrapped higher on the rocker as well in that area. I'm probably going move that line up higher, just haven't gotten around to it. I'm glad you mentioned it though, always good to have other opinions!

jbennett

Thanks, I wasn't sure about these wheels at first, only went with them as they were the closest offset to what I thought would fit and I needed a 16" to clear the WJ swap. I really wanted to stick with a 15" and the larger sidewall tire, but for some reason, this combo looks pretty good and I'm pretty happy with it.

OmgNoWai

I wish I had your fab skills. Nice work.

89limited_hero

Waiting to hear your thoughts on the muffler close to the same set-up as I have been wanting. Just haven't pulled the trigger on it yet.

TFitzPat87

Honestly, I think it might only look a little weird because the paint runs from the doors/rockers to and around the fenders. I think if it wasn't for that it would look fine, but since it does, it's almost like you have to move it up to that next body line.

Anyway... continue! This has definitely been an entertaining build.

jbennett

Thanks! I can't afford to pay someone to do this stuff, so I have to figure it out on my own. I'd rather put the money towards a new tool and learn to do it myself or at least try to do things myself. Still a lot to learn, but as long as it's fun, I'll keep doing it.

I may take it out on the highway this weekend, I'll update if I do. Remember though, I have a 2001 with the precats, so 3 cats total, I know those quiet it down more than the single cats, so yours won't sound the same unless it's an '00 or '01.

jbennett

That's exactly why I thought it didn't look right, but there was no option other than wrapping it around the fenders with the welding I did on the rear fenders.

Anyways, thanks again for making the suggestion, I painted it tonight and it looks a hundred times better!!

Before


After

jbennett

Spent some time on the rear bumper today, actually, doing these damn side pieces took almost as long as it took for the main part of the bumper itself!! These are supposed to be bolted onto the bumper and bolted to the rocker, I didn't like the way it looked that way and wanted a cleaner line, so I modified it a bit and welded it to the bumper and might bolt it under the rocker or tie it into the frame, not sure. The hard part is done though, I like the lines of it now and the fit is pretty good.

jbennett

I took it out on the highway today, got it up to 75 and there is no drone, not even getting on it a little bit up a hill. Honestly, the tires are louder than the exhaust while on the highway. Around town, it is a little louder than I really wanted, but it's not bad at all. With windows down and stereo on low, you really barely hear the exhaust unless you get on it a bit. Overall I think I like it, but I'll have to drive it some more to really decide.

On another note, I think I want to make this my new daily driver!! It drives and handles amazingly well! I don't even have the sway bar on yet and it barely sways in corners. At speed I can make it sway, but it is no where near as bad as my previous XJ. Between the seat mod, the WJ knuckles and steering and proper gearing for the tires, this is just night and day difference compared to my old XJ. I think all this extra work and money for these upgrades was time and money well spent. If it got better gas mileage, I would probably make it my daily, I wonder what mileage it will get now anyways.

The only problem, well not really problem, but the only thing I don't like are the rear shocks. They are so damn stiff right now, I don't know if it will get better when a few miles are put on the leafs and shocks or maybe when the tire carrier is added and some gear is in back? I'll leave them for now, but the ride was much better without the rear shocks on!

89limited_hero

Like you said it will be different as I have one cat and not 3 like you. But I only have just the cat so anything is better then nothing. Thanks for the feedback.