So ive had this jeep for a few weeks. I now finally understand what everyone has been talking about all these years! I cant stop wanting to buy EVERYTHING for it!

My Intro thread --- https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f8/new...-2dr-xj-88548/

So the build on the jeep has begun.

My slimline winch bumper from Nates4x4 was dropped off by the FedEx man yesterday, and i quickly drove it to the local powder coating shop to get a coat of gloss black


I am supposed to be getting the bumper back before 5pm tonight, and if that is the case, it will be on tonight!

Also on order,
superwinch lp8500, because well, you cant have a winch bumper without a winch. (what i told myself anyway)
Black turn signals for the side markers and bumper lights
Hella black magic lights for front bumper
new high flow cat with a flowmaster super 10series single chamber muffler

I cant wait for all of my stuff to get here!

Future plans are pretty mild for the time being. In july I will be purchasing a lift kit, and as of now I am set on the 3in RC kit with new rear leaf packs, some quick discos, and some bilstein shocks.

With the 3in RC kit, should I leave my rustys spacer on the front to compensate for the weight of my bumper and winch? Also, with only the 3in kit, is it necessary for a new trac bar? I plan on running the 1in Trans case drop to minimize driveline vibrations as well. A SYE will go in if need be. Also, i plan on running my current 30/10.50's even after I lift it. Will it look goofy with tires that small?

A roof rack, a rear bumper, a new sound system, and possibly a short throw, are a few things im contemplating also.

I cant wait to get more done to this thing!

 

Well the first thing you need to do is load it on a truck and ship it to my house. ha ha but seriously, nice looking xj. I'm trying to find one just like this. How much did you pay for it? If I were you I would go with the 4.5 x series from RC. you won't regret it at all and if you do decide to take it out it will handle great.

 

I have thought time and time again about just going the 4.5in or larger off the bat, but i dont think its what i need right now. I am moving to colorado in august and plan to use this for my DD. Ill be leaving the truck in my intro thread here in georgia. And if i go 4.5 or bigger, then i NEED the SYE and cv driveshaft, plus i would make myself get bigger tires, then my 3.07s would really suck...its a slippery slope, and ive decided that a 3in just to give it a better stance and added ground clearance/flex is perfect for now. I am only going to be in Colorado for 8mths-1yr, and i have some serious plans for the little XJ when i get back.

And to answer your question, I found it posted on Craigslist for $5500. It was the cleanest inside and out i had found in my 2months of searching. and it only has 126k on the clock, with a recent clutch, new shocks/brakes, etc. I ended up getting it for $4300 and a glock23 with some accessories. but had to drive a total of 8hrs to get it.

 

**Update on bumper
When the bumper came out of the oven it had a few bad spots around the welds, so i cant get it til the morning, but (no name jeep) is ready for it!

 

well for what you have planned for the next year the 3" will be good. sounds like a good deal you got for it but how did adding a gun to the deal even come up in conversation?

 

I just asked the guy if he was interested in trading for anything and guns/ammo was one of his interests. Gave me a good excuse to get rid of the bulky g23 for my new Sig p238!

 

Sounds like a win win. and good call on nates4x4.com I love the bumpers and rack I got from him.

 

UPS man came! wahoooo!

gettin my bumper early tomorrow morning, so this should be mounted tomorrow also! and my new exhaust is supposed to be here tomorrow!

 

Sweet looking bro

 

First Black '99 2 door I've seen on here besides mine. Looks awesome! I can't wait to see the rest of your build.

 

Thanks for the compliments!

After a few hours I finally got the bumper and winch installed. I still didnt get the passenger side body tie-in bolt as tight as i would like. Does anyone know a good method other than removing the alternator??

Anyway, I love the new look! I have a pair of Hella Black magic lights that i will mount on top of the bull bar/pre runner bar tomorrow probably! And I also have the shackles for the front on the way!

Heres a few pics!

 

quick update

got my high flow cat and 10 series flowmaster Installed, as well as smoked signal lights and the Hellas. I love the way the front end looks now. those smoked lights look a ton better IMO. and this exhaust setup is awesome! has a mean growl to it!

as for future mods, I believe I'm done until I get my lift. decided on the 4.5in RC X-series with either 31's or 32's. (with a SYE and drive shaft) I was going to wait until late July to do the lift but I'm not sure I can wait that long!! might have to get it ordered Tuesday...

PICS!!

 

Very nice XJ!

 

I like the look man. put some eyelids over your headlights and it would look pure evil. Like this.

 

lookin sweet man, i know the buying new stuff takes over once you get a cherokee