The insanity begins..2001 XJ Build "Phase-1"
 

Ok folks, here we go. I have never done a biuld thread before so if I am doing something wrong let me know. I will let you know what I am going to/want to do to my Jeep and up-date photos and info as I get parts and install them. Also, the build will evolve as I go along and learn new things so, I kinda want to document my thought progress as well as my build progress. Be patient with me, I am new to Jeep/XJ's but, I am learning as I go. Please feel free to chime in with info and suggestions. ALL information is appreciated and absorbed even if I don't go the way suggested.
That having been said; Here is my plan and first batch of "before" photos for Phase-1.


-Currie Enterprises HD steering system
-Debating on a Steering box brace or welding a plate to the frame.. Suggestions?
-Rear Disc Brake conversion (haven't decided on a system yet).
-4.5" Rough Country "X-series"
-Nokian Vatiiva 33/12.5/15's (or 16's)
-Bushwacker Cutout Flares
-Possibly a SYE if i need it.. :::crossing fingers:::

You will definitely need a slip yoke eliminator for an 01 ifyou plan on going to 4.5" without a transfer case drop.

RC's 4.5 comes with a TC drop.. Hoping it will be enough..

OK! So i can't figure out how to post pictures. Feel like a dumb *****

just did a 4.5 with the t-case drop. Just plan to get a sye ahead of time. It will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

your also going to want a decent camera because:
:worthless:

lol, cant wait to see what happens bud :thumbup1:

I have a 4.5 inch lift with a 1 inch t case drop and my driveline isnt bad at all. but i also have shims in the leafs to help that.

GRRR!! I am trying to figure out how to upload pics..Does anyone know how?

id go with photobucket and then just post links using the insert image url command, or you can attach them in additional options while advanced editing, or posting. straight from your computer.

Planing on both shims and TC drop, but a SYE or H&T is in the "backup" plan.

Tried uploading from PC and Facebook will try Photo Bucket. Also in contact with the administrator.. (or just sent an email)

Didn't work.. I think the photo's are too high resolution or too big..

OK.. Here are the pics of the jeep before i do anything to it..

Jeep Jeep Jeep.. Oh how much money i am about to spend.. Just got the bushwackers on sale from Amazon.. $360.00! Had to get them.. I was gonna save that for last but a good deal is a good deal..

Phase-1 part-1 Bushwacker's Cutout fender flares.. Now I need a couple of days off to install. Does anyone know if 31/10.5's will fit with fender trimming? I am going to buy a set of 31's for my winter tires. Figure I need them now so I will just get them now and if they will fit with the fender trimming required to install the Cutouts I will buy them. Really just want to get started

Not sure about the 31's fitting with trimming but I'm definatly interested in seeing those flares mounted

Good luck with the build man, let me know if you need any help. :whistling2:

Will be posting pics of the work in progress and after pics.. Hoping the 31's will fit..

I may hit you up.. I think I might be doing the trimming of the fenders with tin-snips.. Maybe safer to do than with a grinder.. I only have one shot at it and don't want to mess it up. LOL

<<<<<Your probably going to want to change your profile picture the admin's frown on that kind of language.:nuke:

Talk to one of the places around town about how they deal with the fenders. There has to be a better way.

31's will fit they might rub though lol when i got my jeep it had 31's on stock suspension and the fenders arent trimmed, there was some rubbing

i had 31's on my stock jeep with no fender trimming so with it you should be good

There ya go man.

Don't trim the fenders with tin snips. Use a grinding wheel and tape off the line you want to cut.

Ok.. Thanks for the heads up..

Nervous about cutting through something or cutting something wrong.. As i said.. only one shot. Will go with the Wheel though..

PS. Love this quote. Laughed my butt off!!!. "Yea Though I wheel through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou lockers are with me;
Thy lift and thy tires, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a spotter before me in the presence of mine obstacles;"

There isn't anything to cut through UNLESS yours is later than a 95 I'm pretty sure that the 96-01 had the windshield washer reservoir on the passenger side fender. If so just remove it temporarily or relocate it. My buddy cut through his but he isn't so bright.

I might have done the same thing. LOL. Thanks for the info

First modification to my plan.. Gotta re gear for the bigger tires.. I am running 3.55 now, i guess i'm gonna have to go to a 4.11. GRRR!!!

I'm gonna have some 4.10's for a 30/44 for sale soon. Do you have a 44 in the rear?

I have a 35 with 3.55's. Looking to go with either 3.91or 4.11.

I would wait and see what it drives like before you buy gears. and with the bushwacker cut outs you could probably fit 33's and if you haven't already trimmed then just follow what the flares say.

Thanks. I'm looking to either buy 31's for my stock rims to use as winter tires then buy the 33's when i install the lift, or, buy the 33's now and install the lift later.. But if i need gears it will be more difficult to get it done right away. What axle/gear set-up do you have on your rig?

I'll have 5 bfg km2 33's for sale real soon. 2-3 wks

How much tread is left?

I've got the C8.25 and a d30 and i'm still running my 3.55 stock gears. its been fine for me so far.

3 will be brand new and two have about 1000 miles on em and one wheeling trip. They are essentially new as well. Plus they have the road hazard from Discount tire.

Mine will be driven on road primarily, it is my only vehicle. Do you think 355's are gonna perform on road?

Do you know how much you're gonna want for them? I seem to be buying everything backwards with this build. Ha ha! But I guess you snag deal when they present themselves.