BigBirdxj

Hey guy's! Started my build a couple of weeks back and thought I better get it online before it's too much work to keep up. I didn't think to take a decent photo of the thing before I tore into it so here is one to give a good idea. If this is you XJ thanks! Stock Laredo 4L, auto, 231 with 254K.

BigBirdxj

First thing to do tear it down by tearing it UP! Going to completely strip it to the bones. I didn't get any photos of the pull but here is the aftermath.

BigBirdxj

Looks like a steep learning curve with the comp. Next roll it inside and get busy!

BigBirdxj

She's in the garage and getting naked.

BigBirdxj

Now where to turn. Didn't realize how much space it would be all unpacked!

BigBirdxj

Floor pan not too bad. The typical exhaust route stuff. Welded a couple of pieces in and filled a few holes. The grey stuff is JB Weld, that's how i took care of the small holes. I think it will do better than Bondo. Then I treated all rust spots with phosphoric acid. A good wash and it will be ready for paint.

BigBirdxj

I relocated the e-brake pan socket because I hate that catchall hole. I moved it over toward the driver's seat 2.5" which will allow me to put cup holders in my custom console later.

BigBirdxj

Painted my pan yesterday. Black enamel, nothing special just moisture barrier. I'm very happy that this is a CA model, very solid. Next I order carpet so I can re-install the dash. Also need to pick up a power seat harness to add to the fuse block before I put that back in.

BigBirdxj

Been slow going, no time. Wire brushed the engine bay and painted last night at about 9pm. My wife says it's "pretty". Not what i was planning but I like it, even if it's pretty. On the agenda for today is to swap injectors from my project to my DD, add another coat of paint and clean and reinstall the wiring harnesses. Have a great day!! I will!

BigBirdxj

Added another coat of night to the engine bay and installed the wiring harness. looking for some of those push in zip ties.

BigBirdxj

Also completed the mod to my E brake rod for the offset. Not exactly center but I think it will do just fine. A little test fit and pull it for some paint, ahh, chocolate brown to disguise the mud maybe. Thank works.

BigBirdxj

Started making brackets since I'm waiting on stuff. These are going to hold my roof rack onto the stock roof rails. Some 1/8" SS angle. I think they work pretty good.

BigBirdxj

Started making brackets for the roof rack and said why not make the bumper brackets to then one thing the next and I was into the bumper all day. At first I was notching the bracket to go around the nut plate that is in the frame box for the hitch. Then I decided to delete it. Cut a taper in the stand off so it would clear the unibody but be full depth at the bumper. They worked out really well, I am very pleased with how they will work.

BigBirdxj

Once I had both brackets made I started on the under carriage brackets. For these I started with the stock hitch and cut the tube weld off of each end and hammered the sides off. I didn't think to get photos of this as I was in the thick of it. Any how some cutting and grinding and heating and bending later I had them done. Basically took the left and put it on the right and vice a versa. They back up to the inside of the rail and mate to the bumper brackets on the outside. I drilled the holes out to 9/16" and will bolt them up with 1/2" x 1-1/2" grade 8 bolts.

87xj2

Lookin good man gotta do my engine bay clean up on my cherokee like yours.any tips?