The Honeybadger - ZRV Build Thread
 

Hey folks. I've had my XJ for over a year now, so I guess it's time to start a build thread. I've done so much work on it it's hard to figure out whats worth posting about and whats not, so I'll just start from the beginning and see how far I get.

On 10/31/11 I brought her home: a 2001 Cherokee Sport with 118,200 miles. Automatic 4 door 4wd. The previous owner had done a bunch of work:

Rusty's 3" lift with full leaf pack, Rusty's steering stabilizer (which was garbage and ended up getting replaced with a JKS), JKS quick disconects (which were just replaced by IRO links), TC drop (which has to go at some point), Sensatrack load leveling struts (which were horribly uncomfortable) and MT Sidebiter 15*8 wheels with BFG All terrain 31s. He also got tinted side-marker lenses (which I have taken off and still have available, if anyone is interested) and completely de-badged it.

I went wheeling and heard some rubbing, so I checked out the flex. Obviously I had a bit of a rubbing issue... Still, I was impressed with the Rusty's kit.


Also, the GF thought the Honeybadger needed a message

The first snow storm of 2012 we went out to my buddy's gf's grandparent's farm and drove around like maniacs. Hit about 50, then cut the wheel and drifted. Almost fell over a couple times... Anywho, after a few near death experiences we tried to make a little trail in the woods on the property, but the ATs weren't having it...

During the romp in the field, one of the fender flares fell off, so I decided to take them all off. Wasn't too happy with how it looked, but it gave me a bit more wheel clearance.

These flex pics are at the same hill as the ones above. No more flare rubbing.

So, I wasn't happy with having no flares so I bought the cutout Bushwhackers. Here are a couple pics of the cutting. We used snips, hammers and spray paint.

Let me know if you have any questions about the install.

Here are some pics after the Bushwhacker install. I was at OBX over the summer and decided to do some driving on the beach. Awesome times. Can't wait to go back this year.

Next step was bigger tires and different rims, so after Christmas 2012 I got 5 BFG Mud-Terrain T/A KM2 32x11.5s on 15x8 Keystone Type 8s. Still not quite sure what I'm going to do with the spare. I'd like to get the JCR rear bumper with tire mount but that's a ways off for now.

The latest addition to the Honeybadger was the JCR pre-runner front bumper with 2" receiver. My buddy and I did it at his house on the back porch in 30 degree weather (don't laugh, those sheets did a good job of keeping the wind out and the warm air from the heater in). The paint didn't want to stick, so I'll have to re-spray it when the weather gets warmer. These are just a few pics of the install. I'll get some full vehicle shots soon.

The steering box bolts didn't want to come off, so I'm still using the stock bracket. Hopefully I'll be able to fix that this weekend.

While the front end was off we installed the Rusty's steering box brace and new IRO swaybar links. Front end feels much tighter now. Next step for the steering is the IRO over the knuckle setup.

That's it for all the major work I've done. Here's a list of the other gear I have and the full suspension setup. Feel free to ask me about products or installs.

Suspension and steering:
3" Rusty's lift
Doetsch 8000 shocks (rear)
3" IRO swaybar links
JKS trackbar
Rusty's steering box brace

Brakes:
Stoptech slotted rotors and Hawk HPS ceramic pads, front
rebuilt rear drums

Electronics:
Uniden Bearcat PC68 Elite 40-Channel CB Radio w/ FireStik antenna
Custom wiring distribution blocks under rear seat

Viair 400P-Automatic air compressor (hard wired and mounted)
Custom storage box

As for my interior mods:

First is my platform. It's attached to the truck using the exsisting tie down brackets. If I need to, I can remove it in less than 5 minutes with a socket. It's real simple, but I have a lot of plans for it. Stay tuned.

Next is my Viair 400P-Automatic air compressor. It's mounted on a block of wood that's attached to the box and the spare tire mount. It's hard wired to my power block (see below). I want to get a removable 2.5 gallon air tank that I can take with me when I go wheeling. I don't want it in there all the time because the compressor works just fine without it. I just have to figure out how to do the plumbing.

Third pic is my distribution blocks, under the back seat, mounted to where the tire changing kit was. The only thing I have powered now is my air compressor, but in the future I'll use it for my sub amp, power inverter, and whatever else I need. My buddy has the same setup, but with a lot more stuff plugged into it.

Last pic is just my Uniden Bearcat PC68 Elite 40-Channel CB Radio.

how do you like the bumper? i was thinking of getting it too!

love the look of black jeeps:thumbup1:

I love it. I wanted a pre-runner because I wanted to protect my radiator and lights from deer, or trees, or idiots who cut me off, but I didn't want anything that stuck out too far. The JCR fit the bill, plus my buddy had one so I knew the build quality was good. He didn't get a pre-runner and now he's wishing he had.

I dig the rig. :-) I really like how you have the air compressor setup in the rear. I really want to do that with mine. The distribution block is a good idea. Did you just run heavy gauge from the battery back to that spot? Been trying to figure out the best way to power the air compressor in the rear. Looking forward to seeing what else you do to it. :-)

Glad you like it! Subscribe, because this is a never ending project.

I bought a battery terminal that has 1 0 gauge and 2 4 gauge outputs. The 0 is overkill for what I have now, but I know I'm going to have at least 1 amp and a 2500 W power inverter in the future.

The reading is low because I had my stereo running for half the day today.

How you like the Rusty's 3" lift? Was thinking of getting the same.