Thanks for having me. I have a 1997 XJ. It needs a lot of work, but I'm up for the challenge. As of now it sits on 31x 10.5's.




It started snowing before i could get a full jeep shot. Plans for this are getting all the metal work done, adding new floor pans, rebuilding front and rear diffs. I also want to redo the interior.

 

Welcome to the forum! I will be looking forward to the progress.
If you want some ideas on the floors, check out my thread. I just finished the floors and am in the process of finishing the rust areas on the body. Btw, something I've learned with my thread, take lots of pictures. Before, after, and everywhere in between.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/19...ration-273267/

 

As soon as the snow gets out of here, I will take a full on picture of the Jeep. A few things I want to mention, I'm cutting out the rocker panels all together and putting rock sliders in. The metal work won't be bad since I know how to weld, and my dad was a paint man and he taught me how to paint. The mechanical wrenching on it will be the hardest part. I do have one issue maybe I can get some opinions on. When i hit 30 mph I get a slight vibration, after 35 mph it goes away. Possible tire out of balance I'm thinking.

 

Plans for the weekend is to get the driveshaft from transfer case to the front diff back in. Also going to work on the rear tailgate area. I will post pictures as I do it.

 

Your thread is very helpful. Thank you very much.

 

I have the same issue with vibration/rumbling around 30 mph that disappears closer to 40 mph. I was thinking it could be my wheel bearings or ball joints. Could be the same for you as well🤷‍♂️

 

I have already installed new wheel bearings and put new cv joints in it. I'm going to get the tires balanced and see if it goes away. If it doesnt then I will be looking at all the bearings in the front different. I forgot to mention this is going to be used as a overland Jeep.

 

Sounds like tires to me. Does the sound change when turning or accelerating? If so, sounds more like bearings or driveshaft. If not, then tire balance.

 

It doesnt change sound at all. These rims and tires were given to me and I just slapped them on.

 

This sun roof will be coming out also. It serves no function. The previous owner silicone it closed.

 

I got the rust off the front driveline and got it all painted. I will post pictures in the morning after it dries completely.

 

What brand paint did you use?

 

I used VHT high temp engine paint gloss black. I know it's going to get rock chips, but at least it will keep most of the rust out. I also used etching primer under the paint.

 

Looks like good stuff. Once everything is back together I'd strongly recommend spraying fluid film on the underbody. Won't ever have to worry about rust with it on.

 

That's the plan. I'm going to work on the tailgate area next for body work. Then I'm going to start the lift and the diff rebuilds. I don't want to finish and paint until I get the mechanical work done.