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!

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

looks tough!!

 

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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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