jmatta33

So Im located outside of fort bragg north carolina and I purchased this XJ a few months back. its already heavily modified, however a lot of the fab work is pretty shotty, minus the roll cage that was a professional install. below are lists of current upgrades, my future plans, and a list of issues that need to be fixed...

Current upgrades:
6.5" lift
35" tires
custom roll cage
roof rack with fog lights
chopped rear end
spartan lockers

current issues:
slow oil leak
radiator leak
rusted floor pans and body metal
electrical wiring needs to be re-done
removing front and rear bumpers
4wd linkage is broken
header leak
exhaust needs to be replaced

Future upgrades:
ford kingpin dana 60 axles
remove fog lights install led light bar
currie anti rock sway bars
14" coilovers
snorkle
gas can relocation into back seat
37" tires
new bumpers front and rear


this is a pretty big project for me, and I am going to slowly start purchasing the parts and the tools required to start the build. should be a good time!

AJT823

Thats a real nice chop top!

SaraJo

I personally do not like the chop top. But thats a nice looking jeep.

Gee oh Dee

You have "snorkle" listed in the future mods, but in the pic its got one already?

jmatta33

thanks for the props! that was one of the "do it yourself" snorkles. i want one that looks a little cleaner, but ive been looking at the cowl intakes also so that may be an option. also that snorkle wasnt hooked up, hole for the tube never got cut inside the engine bay so essentially it was just there for show. it was one of the first things i removed to include carpet and back seats.

ExTrEmExJ99

Thats exactly what I want mine to look like just green tho lol

bheath

Nice rig. Hello from about 45mins east.

jmatta33

yup, mine used to be green, previous owner painted it matte black.

jmatta33

ok, its been a few weeks and so far ive replaced the valve cover gasket, removed all the fog lights and roof rack as well as the fender flares. interior has been stripped out as well. just bought a new AW4 which will be getting installed in the next week or so. after that, my buddy is hooking me up with some dana 44's that will be getting installed along with air shocks in the next few months. progress is slow, but shes coming along!

jmatta33

got half way through replacing the exhaust manifold and had to call it a night. one more bolt to go to get the damn intake manifold off. those bottom bolts are a freaking nightmare!

xjboy14

That is a very clean chop, nice jeep

jmatta33

thank you! shes far from done though

Lowrange2

The bottom bolts are super easy to get to from under the Jeep with a ratchet wrench.

The Jeep looks much better without all that crap on it.

Please cut that huge coat rack off the front of it.

jmatta33

yeah I finally figured out a good angle to get at them. and as soon as I can get something that will cut through the metal, the front and rear bumpers are coming right off. they look like garbage, and it was poorly welded together. front bumper will be just big enough to hold my wench and fit some tow hooks on it. havent figured out the rear bumper yet, depends on what I have to work with after i remove the fuel tank and install one in the cargo area...

jmatta33

these welds were made by the PO... smh...