kickice24

Hey guys. Picked up a '98 XJ last night. 163k miles, power, tow, etc. for $2k. I figured I'd make a build thread as I have lots planned for this as budget allows. Ordering my lift today and going to start going through it to get things in order.
I'm getting the RC 4.5" Lift KIT X-SERIES, Rugged SYE, and Woody CV shaft. to start. Plenty of pics to follow as we progress.

SignWorX

Good looking jeep man can't wait to see how it turns out

Drewjharper1900

Looks good! What size tires you thinkin bout running?

kickice24

I was originally thinking going 33's, but I think I'm gonna run 32's to save a little on rotational mass and run an 8" wheel as well. Sucker has death wobble over 50, so I am gonna go through the whole front end when I do the lift so I'm starting with a clean slate. Seriously looking into one of those beefier tie rods from either rusty's or Iron Rock, unless there's something better for roughly same money. It's my 1st Jeep/Truck, so I am learning as I go, but I've built/rebuilt many Newer VW's, so I am quite handy with a wrench.

kickice24

Not too much to report yet, waiting on parts to arrive. Just starting to go over it and see what needs attention. Replaced the battery, lift gate struts, cleaned the throttle body, and decided to mod the airbox. Didn't come out too bad. Dunno how much it help flow wise, but you can sure hear it growl under the hood a lot more! Also, the struts ended up being cheap. I think the girl at Advanced liked me because she only charged me for one of them. Makes an old guy feel pretty good!

kickice24

Well, the RC X-series kit is enroute, along with the Rugged Ridge SYE, and Woody's Shaft.



Also, got 15x8 Pro Comp Xtreme Rock Crawler Series 52


and Mud Claw Radial M/T 32x11.50 R15


Electrician coming today to wire in my new 60gal 2-phase compressor so I can do the work!

kickice24

Picked up ma tires this mornin!

kickice24

Wheels showed up today too!!!


Also, took the bumper trim, fog lights, and fend liners out this afternoon. Relocated the horns so they aren't showing.


If the lift kit arrives, I hope to start doing the suspension next weekend.

kickice24

Small update. Ordered a Rugged Ridge crossover steering conversion kit. $222.78 shipped.
So, let's run up a total so far:
'98 XJ $2000.00
Wheels and center caps $260.00
Tires $630.00
Lift kit with sye and d/s $1230.00
Total so far $4343 with Jeep!

kickice24

Goodies showed up today!
lift, sye, shaft, and x-over steering conversion.

Going to truck fest this weekend, so the build will have to wait one more week to start, unless I start piecing it in after work each day!

89jeepfreak

This build looks like its guna be a good one your off to a good start dude

jkw

hey man your not to far from me im in brooksville/spring hill area. nice jeep, looks like your building it quick

kickice24

Thanks guys. I tried to buy everything I could, including the Jeep, with the $4500 I got for my Jetta. Still have $100 left. LOL.


@JKW, you going to Truck Fest? We'll be there tomorrow.

jkw

I was gonna go but I had a wicked night at work and pretty much slept till the end of it lol. Was out any good?

Drewjharper1900

Lookin good!!!! cant wait to see it with the lift on. Good choice on the x over steering. I need to pick up one.