Yeah they are pretty bad ***. Whole reason I even did it is because I want to make a "mini" of my jeep. Now I'm already addicted and thinking of the next one, and I don't even have this one driving yet. I'll post up a flexy pic later today.

The crawlers aren't so cheap. They aren't bad, but upgraded parts and all the extras can add up quickly. Especially if you want quality electronics.

 

I don't doubt that at all, I'm sure all the scale/replica stuff is expensive as well. Definitely fun to build though.

 

No pictures, but we got about 8 inches of snow yesterday. So I decided I'd put my front DS back in (took it out a while back before the lift, weird vibes) so I could have some fun in the snow, and unfortunately snapped one of the bolts that goes into the yoke. So now I only have 2 wheel drive (more like 1 wheel with the open diff). I think I'll be able to get it out, but a bit bummed cause I really wanted to romp around in the snow. Will keep ya updated on if I get it out or not. Really don't want to replace the yoke.

 

So I think I finally discovered the tapping I've had since I got the jeep! I honestly thought I had a bad lifter or worse, but always continued driving my XJ like nothing was wrong. Anyway, came across a thread that mentioned the EVAP solenoid. Well, turns out, mine (just like others) was resting on the AC lines. Bent the bracket up so it doesn't touch anymore. Not 100% sure yet that it was the fix, but I'm thinking so! If it was/is, than I be glad to not have to listen to that anymore.

Now I just need to figure out these damn electrical issues I'm having. The pain in the *** is that it's all intermittent, so I think it's just a loose connection somewhere. Have cables from Wonders to install, so thats step one, and if that doesn't work, I'll start digging by the fuse box like BassLicks recommended. Hope it's nothing crazy.

Anyway, as usual I don't know how to shut my mouth. I'm debating on starting a new build thread. Being a bit more thorough, and taking more pictures of progress. I can barely wrench in the winter, and I was a lazy piece of **** last summer when I was actually home. SOOOO, the plan is to make sure I kick some *** on this thing every chance I get.

Sorry this isn't as exciting as the others on here!

 

I chased the gremlins for a couple months last summer...Replaced all my battery cables w/ 4 gauge, new starter, cleaned grounds, a bunch of crap. It ended up being the ground cable from the block to the firewall in the back of the engine bay was not tightened back enough after I cleaned the ground. Tightened it up and the problem went away. Probably not your issue, but its easy enough to check.

 

Not a huge update, but it's something, and I have a couple pictures.

Finally had a couple random nice days in February (60's in MI in Feb. is crazy warm). Anyway, finally installed my 4awg cables from XJWonders. Obviously I need to clean everything up and run the cables a bit cleaner, but it all works good. Not sure if it fixed any electrical issues, as they're to intermediate to know for sure.



Also got my oil changed, and took a sample to send off to Blackstone. Also put my old oil pressure sender on to see if it made a change to the readings. It's a little better, but always has been right after an oil change. Really gotta get a mechanical gauge on there to verify. Not super worried about it, but need to check.

 

On another note, before the weather starts getting warm enough on a consistent basis, I'm really trying to decide where I want to go with my XJ. Mainly coil wise. I currently have MetalCloak 3.5" coils and half inch spacers in the garage to bring it to 4/4.25". But, I'm thinking of going without spacers and getting RE 4.5" coils, or maybe keeping the metalcloak coils and going with ACOS's. I think I may end up with more lift than I want with that combo though. What ya guys think? Also, I won't be having a bunch of weight on my XJ, so you think the 164lbs spring rate on the RE 4.5's is good. I only plan on the JCR Pre-runner or Crusader bumper up front and no winch.

Also, out back I'm thinking about getting new leaf springs as well. Currently have HD No Lift SRB's, and JKS Shackles. You guys think RE 3.5" leafs will have me sitting right about 4.25 to 4.5"?

I'm open to any recommendations. I put a lot of highway miles on my XJ as well as trying to hit the trails. Also gonna be running 33's at some point (possibly soon), maybe 35's in the future.

 

Alright, not sure how many of you guys are actually catching any of this... but since I'm working on getting gears on order, I've been doing my locker research. I'm really only looking to lock the rear for now (maybe limited slip the front in the future). I'm kind of set on a PowerTrax No-Slip as I'm not looking to spend a fortune. What ya guys think? My XJ see's a lot of pavement, and all types of weather. I've come across all the "They suck in snow" posts, but considering I'm not a moron driver, and have been in the snow quite a bit over my life, I'm not too worried about it.

On another note... Eric from Metalcloak must have seen my post because he PM'd me. Totally forgot they offer 4.5" coils too. He said if the 3.5" are new (never installed, which they are) he'd swap them out for me. So now I'm debating on that. Really like the idea of the Dual Rate coils on a DD.

Damn weathers nice for a couple days, and I'm already in full-blown XJ upgrade mode. Back down into freezing temps this weekend.

 

The power Trax no slip are supposed to be the mildest auto locker for on road driving from what I've read, I doubt you should have too much of a problem on road. If you decide you want something up front check out the powertrax grip pro, it's a full case gear driven limited slip similar to a Detroit but about $100 less. I have no personal experience but they seem like a nice piece, plus you can get it in 3.73 up so you won't have to pay for a new carrier too. As for coils I can't imagine how anyone can stand driving a lift Jeep with light spring rate coils like the RE ones, my IRO coils are around 210 I think and I like them alot, dont even need a swaybar.

 

I dont have any experience with the powertrax or any lunchbox for that matter. I plan on throwing a spartan in the rear of mine pretty soon though.

Hit up Roni and ask him what he thinks about daily driving on his lunchbox, he should have put quite a few miles on it by now.

 

Definitely go with those Metalcloak coils. I'm actually going to dump my RE coils and go with probably Rockkrawler. Was considering metalcloak too

 

For why?? Just curious

 

The 4.5 coils are just a little too soft for me considering bumpers and winch etc, but mostly because I found a deal on some RK coils and shocks. IIRC the RE 5.5 were a slightly stiffer and perfect.

 

I didn't know Metalcloak made a 4.5" coil. I've never seen it on their website. I have been thinking about raising my 3.5" lift up to that height and if I knew they were available I would have already purchased...

 

Only guessing here, but I am thinking maybe it's just their 5.5 TJ coils which would be 4.5 on an xj