Hey all, finally decided it was about time to share my build with CF. I'm not much of the poster but I definitely enjoy reading all the helpful tips and am thankful for all the contributers to CF.
I have a 1990 Red XJ Cherokee Laredo. 4.0 Inline 6. 242J transfer case. HP Dana 30 front Dana 35 rear. 31" All Terrain tires.
I've been piecing together a lift kit of my own for a couple of years now. Finally got the lift on and new steering set up. So she's able to be driven right now which is awesome.
5.5" Rubicon Express front coils, 3.5" RE rear springs, shackles relocated, Iron Rock Long Arm Upgrade, IR HD steering kit (Tie rod, drag link), HD trac bar, RE steering stabilizer, extended drop pitman arm, new ball joints, new drilled and slotted rotors, new wheel hubs, Z36 truck and tow brake pads, extended brake lines.
I bought the XJ from my bro in law a few years ago. It came bone stock with a 1.5" lift. The PO had it installed. I threw a set of black steel rims on it and left it as is until I was ready for my mods.
1st pick is basically how it looked when I first bought it. Minus rims, window tint, and painted grill and light bezels black.
My goal is to upgrade my rear axle to a Chrysler 8.25, chromoly front axle shafts, 4.88 gears, Maxxis 35" tires. That's probably going to take place later this year. But for now I need to install my SYE, and get a new rear driveshaft. Might end up running a stock front driveshaft in the rear. just received my rear main seal today that needs to be changed out ASAP. I'll attach some of my progress pics in following post.

 

Started the project by taking apart all front suspension and steering components. UCA's & LCA's, coils, tie rod, drag link, steering stabilizer, tires, brake assembly, removed axles. Also dropped the oil pan while I was at it. Stripped everything down for a little makeover. Also had to grind a bracket that was used for the passenger side UCA. Since I wouldn't be needing it.

 

I then cleaned up all the parts that I would continue to use. primed them all and gave it fresh paint. I know it's going to get banged up and what not. But no problem with looking good while doing it! To each their own haha

 

Hey welcome to the CF club! Glad you took the time out to post up your progress. You will continue to inspire others as you continue to update and keep us going.

I like where your going with your build and will continue to follow your progress.

As for painting and freshening everything up even if its going to get beat up well that is just showing how much love you have for your XJ!

 

Installed new steering setup from Iron Rock. Installed long arm upgrade. While I had the crossmember off I installed a new T-Case mount. Reassembled axles. Installed coils, Bilstein shocks, new rotors and brake assembly. Used Lube Locker gasket for diff cover and used new grade 8 hardware to mount.
Side note: You can see in the image on jacks stands that I don't have the stock rocker panels attached. I was missing couple of pieces and didn't enjoy the look so much. So I took the Jeep to LineX and had Ricky spray the lower portion of the body where they once were. He also sprayed my stock fender flares for me. Although I won't be using the flares for too much longer, they look cool for now.

 

So, I had to drive the XJ to work last week cause it finally rained out here in So Cal and I don't usually ride my motorcycle in the rain. Anyhow, as I was driving home from work my heater control valve busted. I was broke down a couple of blocks from an AutoZone and was able to repair it with a new one in no time. As I attempted to start back on my journey home the lower control valve busted on me. I didn't want to spend much more money on this since I plan on converting to an open cooling system soon. So I looked through some forum threads and got the idea to just add a heater hose connector and bypass getting another hard valve. Changed out the thermostat while I was messing with it (195 degrees). Running cooler than she ever has! Next issue I have with the cooling system I will be converting to an open system as Cruiser54 has done using the stock radiator. But till then, it remains closed.

 

Thanks for the support, I'm trying!

And yes, definitely got love for this XJ. Kind of a love hate relationship HAHA I'm sure many of us here can relate to the feeling.

 

Got around to removing my stock front bumper to replace it with the Elite Winch Mount Front Bumper from Affordable Offroad. First thing that needed to get done was removing and relocating the vacuum canister that is mounted inside the bumper on the passenger side. It was straight forward. Disconnect vacuum lines and remove 2 screws. I found a spot in front of the coolant reservoir to mount. It's out of the way and remains functional.
Next came removing all mounting bolts holding the bumper to the frame. Once it was removed I had to get to trimming the front of the fenders that extends lower than the side marker lights. Taped up a guide line with masking tape and got to cutting. Came out decent. I will eventually trim the fenders more, but that will be at a later time.
Once it was off, I prepped the brackets with a lil grinding, primer, and paint. On the driver side the tie in brackets use 2 bolts from the steering box. All other holes lined right up. Passenger side I had to drill 2 holes in the frame rail. Everything mounted up nicely. Now just patiently wait for my bumper! Dude sent me a picture of it primed at the shop. I'm definitely looking forward to having it on. Friday is pickup day.

 

Looks good man keep up the good work!

 

Affordable Offroad Winch Bumper with LineX and custom cutouts for flush mounts
Flush mount led lights mounted to my Elite Winch Bumper from Affordable Offroad. Just picked it up from LineX.

 

I'm impressed with your build so far, I have a lot of respect for the detail work. It's also refreshing to see someone have the patience to research and piece together good, quality parts instead of going the quickest, cheapest route. I'll be looking forward to seeing your build come along.

 

Thanks RamRod, I appreciate it. I do take pride in my XJ and am having a blast building her up.

 

On board switch for LED fog lights.This past weekend I wired up my LED fog lights. Installed an on board switch adjacent to my shifter. Worked out great. Used an after market relay/fuse harness I purchased on Amazon for $12. Couldn't have been easier.
I also replaced my rear main seal this weekend. Was a rather easy job as well, thanks to all the post from other members on CF. While I was in the area, I replaced my transmission oil pan gasket as well. Needed to replace the oil pressure switch, since there was a small amount of oil leaking from there. For the 1st time in years, I have no leaks!! This weekend I'm going to begin my SYE (hack and tap) install purchased from Iron Rock. Just need to get me a front driveshaft to use in the rear. Almost ready for a wheeling trip.

 

Mocking up some additional lights for use when on the trails only. Might be useful when I end up getting a winch, since lights can tilt and provide direct lighting.


I'm not really into a bunch of lights on my rig. But since I have the tabs already, just thought about use I can make of them in the future. We'll see.

 

yo your'e build is awesome i'm digging your tastes i have same front bumper minus hitch they take a beating and i know the guys personally who make the products tubby he is a great guy.