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Dan's 2001 XJ build
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I've built many different Jeeps but never started a build thread. So this time, I will document the build process.
Purchased an immaculate 2001 XJ on 11/18/17, originally from Texas (88,200 miles) for $5700. I plan to keep this XJ as close to a stock look as possible except giving it a better stance and offroad performance. I plan to use this XJ for a daily driver and weekend warrior, primarily for fishing and camping adventures. Attachment 399752 |
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I worked out some of the typical XJ quirks like rewired the passenger front speaker, replaced the leaky valve cover gasket. I also painted the naked undercarriage and applied Fluid Film for these hard Maine winters.
I installed a 3'' lift from Iron Rock Offroad which contained Bilstein shocks, full leaf packs, upper and lower adjustable control arms, adjustable track bar, ect. I also installed some LED headlights from Inspired Engineering. And for tires, I kept it on the smaller side with some 30x9.5 Cooper St Maxx. My only other plans for this Jeep is to install a Eaton Truetrac in the rear (D35) and equip with tow points front and rear. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/attach...1&d=1512967972 |
Tow hooks, trailer hitch, and CB arrived and will be install this spring. Equipped the rear differential with a Eaton TrueTrac. Love the added control and capability of an LSD rear end.
Didnt like the (over) stiffness of the Bilstein 5125 shocks, so they were swapped out for Rancho RS5000X. Much better ride. Just a few final touches in articulation setup and tweaks before I'm ready for the spring trails! https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...146d7640b0.jpg |
Tinted.
My plan to keep a stock look is slowly starting to dissipate. 31'' Duratracs and Mamba Five Spokes are inbound. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...30a39adc04.jpg |
Almost trail ready!
After replacing the oil filter adapter O rings, crankcase positioning drive gasket, and resealing the oil pressure sending unit, I finally discovered I have a leaking head gasket that'll be replaced the first week of April. Furthermore, my heater core is slowly leaking which is giving a sweet coolant from the vents. The added goods: JKS boomerang shackles, .75'' spacer (total of 4'' lift). 15'' Mamba Moabs wrapped in 31x10.5x15 Duratracs. Kargo Master roof rack. CB radio installed. Recovery points: Tow hooks front, and trailer hitch rear. 2.5lb ABC Fire Extinguisher installed in trunk. Just a few more lift tweaks needed: fabbing a Disco holster, checking bumpstops and brake line lengths. Looks-wise, I am loving the stance and look of this XJ. I hated this steel blue color initially but now its really starting to look good. I doubt at this time I will be doing a front winch bumper (though I'd love a Dirtbound Manta Ray). That would add at least 170lbs on my front end which would require a higher rate spring and what not. Looking good Sully! https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...7635ec9e70.jpg |
That is one beautiful Jeep. Keep the updates coming.
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So much for stock, HAHA. That looks good though.
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Looking good! Its a slippery slope, my friend...... I started off wanting to keep mine stock(ish) as well, and 2 years later, well its not even close lol
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Came up with this idea to hold up my sway bar and ends after disco'ing; it works!
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...6b59471a8f.jpg Got out to flex and check on bumpstop and brake line lengths. Adding some YJ front brake hoses and 2 hockey pucks in the front. Got some 4'' rear bumpstops coming as well as a chopping axe to go on the other side of the roof rack. I trimmed up the front bumper end caps to allow for my 31s to turn freely while articulating. My last two Jeep builds (XJ and LJ) both had front bumpers and winches. As much as I want to just click that button and order a front bumper and winch, there is just something about this factory-like appearance I want to hold onto. Sure I loose some approach angle, but I save some big money on parts and having to rework my front coils/spacers to achieve the same height I have now; I love this height. I am between 21-21.5'' center hub to lower fender giving me 4'' lift all around. So, for now at least, the factory bumper/look are hear to stay Also noted in this episode was my CB antenna mount is plastic and is failing. I have an old skool ball mount coming and then can finally get the CB tuned and off my list. Ready/not ready to drill a 1'' hole in my quarter panel. Lastly, Head gasket/bolts have been replaced. Also replaced the oil pan gasket. Cleaned the motor up really good and behold; no leaks whatsoever! Also, that lifter tick I had only at idle....GONE. Sully is running like a champ (for now). Why do offroad pictures make everything look so small. My driver's mirror is over 6' off the ground. SMH. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...4f36951011.jpg |
I put two hockey pucks in for front bumpstops and they were just the right amount. I also put larger 4.1'' rear bump/axle stops in the rear, but after measuring, I'll need another two inches. I'll have to make a extender bracket out of square stock or something.
I also put on the YJ brake hoses which do the job given my lift size. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...6964febd85.jpg I also swapped out the old plastic CB antenna mount for this old skool ball mount. The installation went smoothly and I didn't even flinch sending that 1'' drill bit though the quarter panel. This thing is heavy duty and gives me no worries. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...16a651d32a.jpg All that's left to do is just tuning the CB with an SWR meter and finishing up those rear bump/axle stops and I'll be ready to replace more parts... I mean, I'll be ready to hit the trails! |
Nothing new, have some PIAA lights on the way. Just some photos of Sully being used for what he was made for...
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...4a0f95060f.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...f8849e0388.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...ccd1b10b39.jpg |
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More Summertime fun. A 2 day waterfall tour across ME with Penobscot Valley 4 Wheel Drive Club.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...9cb1ef34e9.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...918f871d29.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...af260c47a2.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...4e34fc84f1.jpg |
Looks awesome. Like seeing people refrain from cutting their fenders apart to shove in bigger wheels. Well done. How do you like the Iron lift?
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Originally Posted by Kads
(Post 3494768)
Looks awesome. Like seeing people refrain from cutting their fenders apart to shove in bigger wheels. Well done. How do you like the Iron lift?
I am honestly not that impressed with the IRO lift. In the short time it's been installed, several parts have been failing or wearing quicker than expected. For example, the upper control arm bushings have play, the JKS disco bushings have failed, the coil springs don't have much for maximum length when articulating, the rear leaf pack bushings squeak often (requires greasing with every oil change). My last XJ had OME and I loved it. If I could do it over again, I would go Metalcloak. Pricey? Yes. Top notch? Definitely. Happy you checked out my thread, Kads. Thank you. |
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