I know that feeling well! My problem is my list of wants for the Jeep is so long, every time I do one thing I get mad at myself for not doing something else from the list. I have an excel spreadsheet to keep track of everything I've done so far, which should feel like an accomplishment, but it just makes me think of whats not done yet. Jeepin is an addiction for sure.

Whats next for you?

Everyone who has purchased it on here seems to think its fantastic. You got the kit with the included shocks, right? I think I might get the cheaper kit and use bilstein 5100s.

Oh lord, what's next for me? The current wish list looks a little like this, and in no particular order:

• Winch bumper
• Winch
• Trailer wiring (4 way / 7 way)
• Clock Spring
• Front Brake upgrade
• Fuel tank full/vent hose
• Fuel tank filler neck
• Durango steering box upgrade
• Steering box spacer upgrade
• Front drive shaft rebuild
• DIY roof rack using conduit
• Rock sliders
• Gas tank skid/t case skit
• Eventually 4.10 gears and lockers (way eventually)
• Possibly no lift shackle relocation bracket and HD shackles
  
  Some other crap I don't remember right now lol. The list is SO MUCH LONGER than the money will go!

I did get the ARB edition kit, so it came with the OME shocks. Honestly, I haven't used 5100s, but you couldn't go wrong either way. On paper, 5100s are probably better actually, monotube shocks vs OME being twin tube.

You should really consider gears and lockers(optional) before doing anything else...
Unless you come across a 29 spline 4.10 8.25 like I did at the Jy....but after swapping in 4.10s(I have a 5speed) the money I've saved in gas has gotten me some of the parts on your list....depending on the budget on certain parts...
I got my warn vr8000 for $120 from Craigslist, zj gas tank from Jy $30, rc winch bumper (scratch and dent from Morris 4x4 $100), and still saving for sliders and possible rear tire carrier bumper, Durango box for sure but I'm searching Jy....

Some times I think we need to develop a support system for this addiction. (like Gamblers an-ominous) Luckily my wife is pretty supportive. She even buys things for my addiction and comments "nice floor mats" when she gets in the Jeep. (X-Mas gift). The only time I don't run a purchase by her is when I am racing for a deal on Craigs List and she is at work. (I live dangerously sometimes). I have to wait until Monday (Taxes). Gonna be spending about 1K on some stuff.

Love following your thread keep us posted!

For me, gears and lockers will be pretty spendy, because I'm wanting to do OX lockers front/rear with air actuation, so it'll be around $3k+ for everything if I do the install myself. I just can't swing that right now, but I'm also not willing to compromise for something less lol. If I were to find a set of 4.10 axles front/rear, I'd pick them up without question because then I could lock them one at a time.

As for bumper, I'm struggling because I'm picky. I don't like "diving board" style bumpers that seat the winch way out in front. I haven't found a reasonable priced low profile full width winch bumper yet. The ORSfab is the closest I could find, but the problem I have with it is that it actually sits slightly further back than the grill, so it would provide very little protection in an accident, so it's back to the drawing board there I suppose!

How to you like the 8k winch? I'm still trying to decide between 8k and 9.5k.
Man you're not kidding there. I could either use a support group or around $15k to just "finish" this thing lol. I will have a decent amount to spend between now and April between taxes, my usual contribution to the addiction, and a three paycheck month, but then it'll be a bit of a lull again!

Speaking of threads though, you need to get your taxes because I'm anxiously awaiting an update on the trailer build! I can't wait to see this thing fully come together!

I didn't know ox had air lockers...I thought it was only arb with air lockers...
When I was buying gears for my Comanche I picked up gears and master install kits for under $500...4.88s....(American standard brand)...
As for lockers I should've went the selectable route but went cheap with an Aussie out back and Lokka up front...

As for the winch...I haven't Installed it yet but it should be suitable for my rig...as far as Jeepers say..."can't go wrong with a warn"

OX has a pretty modular system now, you have the option of going with a cable actuation, which is just as it sounds, or you can do an electrical actuation, which sounds good until you look at how they actually accomplish it. The electrical version is basically just a switch that electronically actuates the cable mechanism, so it's still slow to engage, and can get hung up.

Their air system is pretty slick though, and just uses air pressure to push to actuation fork over inside the diff, it's an instant engage and disengage system and seems to work really well.

Check out the video:

What I could do with just 5K. My XJ would be exactly were I want it.

Taxes; Yeah, Monday we will get them done. The nice thing is if we did things right all year we will just have to pay in $1k & $600 for our accountant out of our tax fund and I will be golden. Then I'll know what I can spend. Unfortunately most of it is going for the camper.

Looks Great! I bought a 2 door and starting a build myself! Take care of that Gem!

Nah not unfortunate! That camper is so cool and any money put into that is money well spent in my opinion. It'll help get you and the Mrs out and about more, and isn't that what all of this is really about?

Thanks! I'll keep an eye out for the build thread. What year is your 2 door?

ITS A 200O 2DR XJ.. Project Millennium

So this past weekend I replaced my front brake rotors, pads, and calipers. That all went pretty smooth. I also swapped in a Durango steering box, and ran in to a little problem. I ordered the Durango gear box from www.detroitaxle.com, and it came in with free shipping at $159.00, no core charge. Shipping time was acceptable, and the part was packaged very very well. It almost looks like they used expandable foam inside the box, and I don't think it could have been damaged in shipping even if the UPS guy was TRYING.


I got the old box out, and set it next to the new one and they ended up being the SAME SIZE! They shipped me an XJ gearbox, not the Durango box. I wasn't about to put my old box in and do the whole process over again later, so I ended up getting a Durango box that day from O'reilly, and would hash it out with Detroit Axle later.


I called Detroit Axle today, and they said they are emailing me a return label and when they get it back, they will refund my money minus shipping costs. I told them no, they would pay shipping since they sent the wrong part. After going back and forth for a while, he agreed that once they get it back, after inspecting to confirm it was in fact the wrong part, they would cover shipping.


I'll be taking it to UPS today and will track this, and follow up with another update once I get the final results. I believe strongly in companies standing behind their products and services, and if they make this right by covering return shipping costs, I'd have no problem recommending them to others, as the part they shipped was in great shape, was packaged very well, and no doubt would have performed as expected. However if they don't make this right, and make me pay to ship them back the wrong part, I'll make sure to post that up on forums, yelp, and anywhere else I can so buyers can beware.


Anyway, I'll post the results ASAP.


Also, I got pics of things as I started the swap, so I'll post those soon, but I got so irritated that I stopped taking pics once I found out I had the wrong part... Sorry about that!

Ok, been busy but got an update today. The steering box was returned to Detroit Axle, and they have issued a full refund of the price paid. They covered the shipping to get it back to them.

So in my opinion, they do offer good products at a good price. The steering box they sent was the wrong part, but it was packaged well, looked to be in great shape, and I have no doubt it would have worked as advertised.

When I called to inform them of the issue, they originally planned on having me pay return shipping, but in the long run, after being firm on my end, they made it right and covered the return shipping themselves.

Would I do business with them again? Maybe, if I end up needing a part they sell. I found out after the fact that they have an Ebay store, so I'd probably do my purchase through Ebay/PayPal to ensure I had good buyer protection.