Bustedknuckle

Hi. My name is Patrick. I'm in my mid 20's, and I feel fully supported here. Enough to confess a deep dark, not so much of a secret. For years I've lived with an addiction, one I always knew I'd grow out of.


But it just wasn't so.


I've tried support groups, and confining in close friends. But no matter what I do or say, this drug keeps me chained to a lifestyle which is now burned into my mind.


And the addiction is getting worse.




Meet the latest resident of my driveway -





My new 1996 XJ!!!!!!!

I sold my big XJ, and was in the process of selling my DD 2wd XJ, but this would leave me without a ride. And of course, after only 4 weeks without a 4x4 Jeep, the urge crept back in.

I really really wanted Areosyncs 99', but he is on a time table to sell, and I have no idea when they guy interested in mine will buy. So while I couldn't get my dream Jeep, I settled on something cheaper and easier. (Areosync cut me an incredibly good deal, but he deserves much more for his rig and what he's got into it).

-Wanted a 97+. Settled on a 96 because of it being OBDII.
-Wanted an automatic, settled on a manual.
-Still havent been able to find rust on it.
-P.O. is actually a lurking member here on CF (I found out as we were talking)
-Very well maintained. Has a few small issues, but all a by-product of a truck it's age and mileage.
-P.O put in a Pioneer in-dash DVD/navigation/XM radio head unit.
-Drives like a top!
-Has a 4" lift of some sorts, and 31" BFG All Terrains. Less work I have to do. Rides absolutely beautiful.

Overall, very happy. My big XJ was a blast, but it's gonna be so nice to be able to enjoy a built Jeep everyday vs. having to tow a dedicated offroader everywhere. And upkeep on one Jeep vs. two is easier on the wallet too!

So Stoked!

XJ BoSS

Thats awesome, i was wondering when you were gonna get another jeep. What are your plans for it? And any more pics?

Bustedknuckle

Yeah few more pictures.









Plans aren't much. Gonna go with a little larger tire & different wheel combo, do a rear tire carrier bumper, roof rack, front winch bumper, winch, replace the shocks and fix a few small things, outside of that, keep it as is. The suspension is more like 3-3 1/2" the more I look at it, which is fine, rides smooth a silk.

XJ BoSS

Cant wait to see it come along. i loved your old Grey one. It Did beast too from the pictures you showed from the redneck yacht club.

AeroSynch

Dude looks awesome! Trade transmissions?

I actually wouldn't mind trading mine for a bone stock 97+ 5-speed XJ.

Now, does this mean you will go to Jeeptoberfest? When are we going wheeling with it now? Hehehe.

Bustedknuckle

90XJkid

I enjoyed your last build. Hope to see you do your 'thing' on this one too. Welcome to the AX15 world! Looks like a good platform to start from.

Bustedknuckle

Thanks, hopefully the AX-15 treats me with more love then my old AX-5 in my YJ.

But outside of that, I got it road legal today, and just got back from a long drive. I can tell it needs a t-case drop for sure, and shocks and a steering stabilizer will improve it as well. Outside of that and a few misc. sensors, runs great, and a blast to drive. The sensors in question being the coolant & oil pressure sensors. But, part of it being OBDII to my liking, I drove around all night with my scan tool plugged in and watched all the sensors, so I know everythings fine.

And basically the entire selling price of the other XJ is going to go into repairs/mods. Gonna start with what I mentioned, then I'm eyeing some 33" Goodyear Duratrecs on some nice rims. From there, probably go with another L&L Fab winch bumper, winch, rear bumper of some sorts, roof rack, and some rock rails. Nothing crazy over the top, but it'll still be stylish.











Like a boss.

Bustedknuckle

Ordered in and finally installed some Rustys' shocks and transfer case drop. Not sure yet what kind of rims I'm going to go with, want to see if I like back on white (had an old XJ that was white and black rims, grew on me). So to experiment I painted the stockers until I figure out what I want to do. I also did the lower trim that was faded and peeling off in some parts.

I drove around this afternoon and took some poser pictures.

















Still unsure of alot of things. What back bumper I'm gonna go with -



And what kind of roof rack to run.

I still havent decided how or where to mount the spare tire. I'm also considering pulling the chrome grille off my other XJ before I sell it. I liked that grille, and it was originally on the good old 90' XJ previous build.

shoeless

looks tough!!

emptypockets

jeep **** :::drool:::

DualSportDad

nice, i couldn't believe it when i heard that Alan sold his XJ, i'm glad to see it would to a good owner. congrats.

harleys

That front license plate didn't last long. lol.

Bustedknuckle

Hahaha, nah, license plate got owned by a tidel wave of water.

But the bumpers now gone too, and I got Aerosynch's bumper -

Nates 4x4 Slimline. I also tackled the lack of a rear bumper by installing my new Hi-Lift there. Did it on my old XJ and really liked how compact it sat. Crappy cell phone pictures ftl. Got some decent lights for up front too now.

harleys

Yeah, I love that bumper. Where'd you pick up the high-lift?