1998 XJ Project the Heep
 

Been really lazy about getting a build thread together, but here's my junk.

Almost a year ago I picked it up... stock and pretty much rust-free. I'm 17 so naturally this is low budget.

1998 XJ, 4.0, AW-4, D30/D35... old North Carolina Fire Rescue vehicle at Camp Lejeune marine base

Stock:

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After building it for almost a year and rarely driving it, I finally have it in daily driver and trail rig mode. Took it to the Rubicon a few weeks ago to break it in haha.

some mods:
D44 Rear Axle Swap, Spartan Locker
RC 4.5" Short Arm lift, discos, brake lines, etc
RC SYE
ZJ steering
Nate's 4x4 rear bumper
used 33" BFGs on 15x8 steelies
trimmed fenders, rear quarter panel
homebrew rockers
homebrew front recovery/ frame plates & pass through/trimmed stock bumper
homebrew steering box frame brace
homebrew roof rack, hi-lift mount, spare tire mount
homebrew disconnect mudflaps
hockey puck bumps
cheap *** hood vents
aux fan switch
a/c delete
ruffstuff diff covers
dynomax catback
rockhard 4x4 bolt-in cage

Rubicon Pics:
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I've been dealing with a lot of overheating issues lately and replaced the cooling system except the radiator, it's really odd to see it actually running at 195*. I did an A/C delete rather than replace the compressor since I rarely use A/C here in Cali. I wired up the aux fan so I can turn it on manually.

Also the CHP gave me a ticket for no mudflaps, which is crap. I made some cheap homebrew quick disconnect ones that are growing on me.

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Got my Ruffstuff diff covers on. These things are THICK

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Not much, but I found a nice use for that weird cubby in the back. Fits perfectly

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Happy to be doing more wheeling than building/fixing lately. I painted my rack and did some rust prevention but other than that really nothing. I'm running the Rubicon and fordyce creek back to back soon so that should be a good time.

Sweet rig man!
Are those wrangler bumpers?

I got the nate's 4x4 rear bumper and just trimmed my stock front one... eventually I'll weld up a front bumper but for now this works

dude LOVE the pics from the Rubicon...

the one in the water is awesome. :D So after having it awhile, what are your thoughts on the RC lift? Still working for you? Any thing you would have changed?


Great build man!

The lift is still holding up... I'm in the planning stages for a front 3 link because the short arms really arent the right way to go. It flexes decently for a short arm and I haven't had any real problems with it

Been away from the jeep for a few months but I had some fun late last summer with the local NAXJA guys at the Rubicon and then ran Fordyce with sierra trek the next day.

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Came out of Fordyce with some damage, would definitely recommend a front locker. It's significantly harder than the con

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I finally got around to installing my Rockhard 4x4 cage, will get pics of that up when I can

Great build so far im actually stationed at camp lejeune so im super jealous of your find on base! Id love to add another two door to my collection i have a 99 2 door 5 speed im building right now but can always use another

I was looking for a 2 door 5 speed 4.0 originally, such a sick combo. I'm actually the third owner so i didnt get it directly off base but if you catch it in the right light you can still see where it said fire dept and camp lejeune