Dino's 99XJ build thread... It begins!
 

So I figured it is time to get a build thread going on the new-to-me XJ, it has only been a few weeks since I purchased it but so much has happened and is happening soon. The XJ is a 99 Limited with 152,000 on her, I found it on AutoTrader and ended up giving $3900 for it in stock condition (I was extremely picky and could have paid less for one, but wanted a specific color in the limited package). Here she is the week I brought her home -
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...35921191_n.jpg

It was only a few days before the ordering began, I started with a 3" RC lift w/new leaf packs and decided on the 13' Rubicon wheels/tires go with, I picked those due to the color I am going with during the build. After the install she was sitting like this -
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...76533427_n.jpg

I found instantly that I didn't like the lack of flexability with the fenders in the way so I go to tearing it down! A few hours later and tons of rusty/dirty bolts and nuts taken off it looked like this -
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...37478657_n.jpg

Ofcourse that is not the end of the work on those fenders, the front will be chopped soon and the rear will also have some work heading its way. I went with the 3" for the fact this will be a DD and weekend wheeler/camping vehicle (for now). The end plan is something like 4.5" with 33's and locked front and rear with a bunch of other goodies.

I picked up the Jeep and went to work on the typical new (used car) style repairs such as fluids, filters, plugs, wires, etc.. It is running good but it now needs some TLC on the u-joints, motor mounts, etc., to help with the comfortability.

There will be plenty of side projects on the Jeep and constant change, I hope ya'll enjoy the build and the transformation as she becomes a very capable Jeep. No name as of yet, so she inherited my previous Jeeps - Dino's 99XJ - until I figure it out.

Enjoy, Dino

and this..
 

While pulling off the fenders I decided I would try to figure out the HVAC only blowing through the defrost, and found these two little issues -
completely broken ---
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...67558043_n.jpg

the vacuum line from the canister is completely cut about 8 inches down the hose.
and this line-
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...80425337_n.jpg
this line was not nearly as bad but in need of repair..

I went to AutoZone and picked up some rubber hose and cut and spliced both lines but this HVAC system is still not operating correctly, so I must have another leak somewhere..

The radio resets to 12:00 and the am stations everytime I turn off the Jeep, so I need to figure that out also. Plan is to change the stereo and speakers asap, but want to make sure the electrical system is ok first.

Any ideas on the HVAC or stereo?

these came in the mail..
 

got some goodies in the mail and more on the way! I ordered this beauty from RC also -
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...50284154_n.jpg
had to get that new HD tierod for two reasons, one I want the strength and second I wanted a spare anyway..
Also got this in this week -
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...93374709_n.jpg
front locker for the Dana 30, figured I would start there and hit the back later. That came from a http://www.naxja.org/forum/images/smilies/naxja.gif vendor - RWK Haus Supply, great knowledge and customer service.

more goodies!
 

UPS brought this stuff last night!
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...25937609_n.jpg

Cool dude! Man, those rubi wheels are sick. Definatley going to hunt them down, guessing you needed wheel spacers?

Also..are they 16s or 17s?

They are a 17", I had to have adapters for the 5x5 bolt pattern anyway so I went with the SpiderTrax spacer/adapters. Seems like a good stance, I like the look and the feel of it when driving.

I dig the wheels

I have a Spartan for the front as well. In 2wd, I cannot its even there. In 4wd, its a different beast. Best of luck to you.

thanks

I was a little worried about it due to the fact there is plenty of snow and ice where I live in Colorado, but I have also heard a lot of people very happy with it in the snow, so for the great price, why not try it.. I will let everyone know after I get it in, I have tons of snow right now to test it on paved and not paved..

sunday funday
 

Got a little done on Sunday, decided to start with the rear of the Jeep and work my way forward. Started by removing all of the factory fenders and bumper end-caps-
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...00607316_n.jpg
Then came prep time for my fenders to get painted up -(ya sanding sucks!)-
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...70395274_n.jpg
Decided to bondo the left over holes after cutting and removing the cap -
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...66306174_n.jpg
On to paint time! Turned out pretty good actually -
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...22652794_n.jpg

more..
 

without the tape -
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...46899001_n.jpg
decided to do the kick rails real quick while I was on a role -
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...38864726_n.jpg

I ended my evening with the rear extended brake line by RC, it was a somewhat smooth install, by then it was dinner time and 8 hours had passed.. until next time..

Still have to cut and prep the front fenders and paint those and then hit the rear bumper and new end caps I ordered and figure out the front bumper for now.

Other goodies that arrived will be on soon also hopefully!

:thumbup1:i like it!

thanks, me too!

looking good sir. Cant wait to see what you do with it!