Little Blue Jeep build: Abridged.
 

Update: 5/16/16; All relevant build updates up until 6/6/16 are in this first post. Any after 6/6/16 will be continued on page 2 and forward. Thanks!

So this is the first Jeep I've actually built myself, I haven't exactly documented the entire thing so this is more of what I've done/plan to do with some pictures! From now on the more I do I'll be more detailed with photos and add as I go.

Here is what I started with, purchased in July 2014 from second owner(?) for $1500
1989 Cherokee Pioneer
158k
BA 10/5
1" Coil spacers
Bastard pack/AAL :dunno: (PO was unsure)
31x10.50x15r mix match.
All manual options :thumbsup:

Picture was taken around November 2014

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Left her like that for a long time with plans in the back of my head but being 22, working a part time job at minimum wage and paying student loans and an apartment simple upkeep was the main focus.

February 2015: I moved to South Carolina for a job as a lab tech at a plant that manufactures HDPE fittings for gas and water lines.

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Now September, I started ordering parts for her. First I purchased IRO 4" coils, fixed UCAs and LCAs, double shear adjustable track bar, HD tie rod, 1" T-case drop, shocks.

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I didn't order rear leaves because I was hoping the 4" front would level me out with the rear (picture to come).

If you've been following the news in October 2015 SC was hit by Joaquin and many areas flooded and a lot of people lost their homes and businesses. Unfortunately I lost my house due to flood waters (my house is also a beach house on stilts and it was completely under) so I moved in with my Aunt. Every one has was of coping so I started throwing money at my Jeep haha.

Ordered some new wheels and went home and test fitted them when they came in.

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Before:
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During:
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(Aunt came outside, didn't know I was doing it that day lol)


After:
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I immediately ordered rear shackles and some much needed sway bar links.

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After installing those I had to save up a little more money to buy some much needed tires, so here's my dog, Fred.

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And theeeeeeeeeeeeen:

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I stuck with 31x10.50s because, well they were available and I needed tires like really soon. They are Goodyear Wrangler Authorities and so far I'm pretty happy with them.

Then I got my wheels and new tires mounted and this is how she sat the day after.
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Added a new sticker to remind these South Carolinians that I'm VA proud :D
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12/9/15 was my birthday and I turned 23, when I got home there were two boxes on my aunts porch for me. My mom ordered me a steering box brace, spacer and some extended stainless brake lines (still waiting on the brake lines). Happy birthday to me! Thanks mom!
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This past weekend 12/12/15 I got a wild hair up my *** and decided to remove my body trim and bedline the rockers and rear quarters and put my new bumper on (shown in last picture) while I was house sitting for my boss. Still not sure if I like the bumper or not but I went heavy on clear coat to prevent rusting and kept the raw metal look to somewhat match the rear chrome bumper.

Before:
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During:
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And after:
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As of today 12/14/15 that's how she sits.

I really don't have a set in stone plan for this because I'm always changing my mind, but the only thing that is set is once I buy another daily I'll start beating on her, right now I guess it's just prep for that. Eventually I'll get rid of the T-case drop and do an SYE, I just don't need it now. I want to swap out the BA 10/5 and attempt the 6 speed swap. Go larger on the tires once these wear out. So I think for now I'm going to focus on the interior, which is in great shape. I just don't know how to not mess with things.

The steering brace, spacer, along with a Durango gear box, a new pump and pulley will be going in over my vacation from work during Christmas break so I'll add some more pictures and what not once I do that. If anyone has any comments, questions, pointers or CONSTRUCTIVE criticism feel free to do so. Thanks guys!

Current:
4" IRO coil springs
IRO double shear adjustable track bar
IRO HD Tie Rod
IRO Shocks
IRO T-case drop
Rough Country 2" drop shackles
Rough Country quick disconnects
Dirtbound Offroad Stubby Recovery bumper
American Racing Outlaw 1's 15x10 -38 offset
31x10.50x15 Goodyear Wrangler Authority

Waiting to go on:
M.O.R.E Steering box brace
RE stainless braided brake lines
Durango gear box
PS Pump & pulley.

Update: 12/21/15

Added some LED cluster lights this weekend

Before:
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After:
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Also found a wood grain dash trim at the junkyard so I pulled that and installed it.

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Update: 1/6/16

Went up to VA for vacation to visit my mom and some friends between Christmas and New Years. While I was up there I installed the Durango box, no pictures though because I had some time constraints. While I was up there the slave decided to go. Now, I have never pulled a transmission by myself and neither had my friend Mike so we decided to jump in head first and just go to town(everyone starts somewhere).

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Yeah, maybe we shouldn't have done that because we fought the trans the whole time. Once it was out Mike (right) wanted to take a obligatory douchebag victory picture, I was completely okay with it.

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I would've done the AX15 swap but I couldn't locate one near by and it was nearing the end of my vacation so the BA 10/5 had to go back in. Luckily I've found a external slave AX15 that needs new synchros near me in SC that I will probably pick up this weekend and start getting that whole swap ready so I don't have to deal with the internal slave again.:brickwall:

Almost immediately after we bled the clutch and did a short test drive I went somewhat Roadkill style and took her on a 2.5 hour trip to the Outer Banks and hit the beach with some friends. Here are two of the pictures, I will post more as they are given to me :thumbup:

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Update: 1/11/16
Well, last night I went ahead and picked this up........

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Compared to what I had been finding these for WITHOUT the transfer case, I had to jump on this. I need to convert it to an external slave set up but I'm in no real rush. While they're both out I'm going to take the time to open them up and see if anything looks fishy and at the very least put new synchros in the transmission. I've also been thinking about building a np231/np231 doubler while it's out to? Thoughts on that anyone? Feel free to chime in.


Also before I picked that up I installed my other G.E.A.R seat cover, forgive the dark pic.

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And on my way to pick up that trans and t-case I saw this old building and saw a photo opportunity!

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psmugviehi.jpg

Update: 4/25/16

With my work load increasing heavily I haven't had much time to work on the XJ. Well, this weekend I finally had a day off to get some work done. So I pulled the t-case and Trans. Got the front end apart, and fixed my fenders from when I cut them.

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Update: 5/02/16
Both axles are now "out." The D35 is just kind of chilling in the rear so HOA doesn't notice its on stands :euro: This weekend, (May 7th) I'm going back up to VA to pick up a D30 with a Lock-Rite and a 29 Spline 8.25 with an Aussie from a buddy who rolled his XJ. After that and some new bushings I'll be ready to finally get the motor out and into the garage.

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Update: 5/09/16

Loaded up the 30 and 35 with 3.07s to trade and scooted my way on up to Virginia.
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While I was there Starr Motors hosted their annual off-road day. I didn't wheel the zj but here are a few pictures. My buddy also let me break in his new xj for him since he was wheeling his zj.

His new xj; 32s, stock suspension, no sway bars, 4.10s and a lock-rite.
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My Zj + the only other one of the same color
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Axle pulling day, axles came from the crushed white xj.
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And after spending the day with my mom for mothers day I headed back to SC with a D30 with a Lock-rite and an 8.25 with an Aussie ready to go in. Both with 3.55s. He also let me snag the front clip, for a facelift swap.
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Update: 5/16/16
This past weekend I got the 30 and 8.25 installed along with test fitting the facelift. She's back on all fours again.

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Update: 5/31/16
Memorial day weekend I decided to final pull the engine and remove the head. First time I ever pulled an engine by myself so a few times I did get ahead of myself. Also, I was expecting a lot more sludge under the valve cover but to my surprise there wasn't hardly any. Sorry, It's kind of dark in my garage.

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Update: 6/6/16

Haven't been doing a ton because it's been hotter than hell here in SC but I pulled the pan and checked out the rod bearings. Here's #2.

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Sounds nice, but pics no worky.

Fixed, my bad.

what new bumper did u get? front or rear?

Sorry, it's the front and it's shown in the last picture.

oh u got a stubby bumper? I seen u had a front hitch before.

Yep, a Dirtbound stubby. I still have the hitch on the front too, just haven't removed it yet.

Added some LED cluster lights this weekend

Before:
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After:
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Also found a wood grain dash trim at the junkyard so I pulled that and installed it.

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Went up to VA for vacation to visit my mom and some friends between Christmas and New Years. While I was up there I installed the Durango box, no pictures though because I had some time constraints. While I was up there the slave decided to go. Now, I have never pulled a transmission by myself and neither had my friend Mike so we decided to jump in head first and just go to town(everyone starts somewhere).

Attachment 311091


Yeah, maybe we shouldn't have done that because we fought the trans the whole time. Once it was out Mike (right) wanted to take a obligatory douchebag victory picture, I was completely okay with it.

Attachment 311092

I would've done the AX15 swap but I couldn't locate one near by and it was nearing the end of my vacation so the BA 10/5 had to go back in. Luckily I've found a external slave AX15 that needs new synchros near me in SC that I will probably pick up this weekend and start getting that whole swap ready so I don't have to deal with the internal slave again.:brickwall:

Almost immediately after we bled the clutch and did a short test drive I went somewhat Roadkill style and took her on a 2.5 hour trip to the Outer Banks and hit the beach with some friends. Here are two of the pictures, I will post more as they are given to me :thumbup:

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Lookin good. Word of advice, get rid of that transfer case drop before it causes you more problems down the road

Thanks! I plan to. The ax15 I'm hoping to pick up this weekend also has an attached transfer case and while they both are in my garage I want to rebuild them and add an SYE before I put them in.

New Years OBX trip; picture heavy!

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http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psguklsl6h.jpg


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awesome photos

Those are some sharp pics. Looks like you're having lots of fun with the XJ so far, keep it up.

Well, last night I went ahead and picked this up........

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Compared to what I had been finding these for WITHOUT the transfer case, I had to jump on this. I need to convert it to an external slave set up but I'm in no real rush. While they're both out I'm going to take the time to open them up and see if anything looks fishy and at the very least put new synchros in the transmission. I've also been thinking about building a np231/np231 doubler while it's out to? Thoughts on that anyone? Feel free to chime in.


Also before I picked that up I installed my other G.E.A.R seat cover, forgive the dark pic.

Attachment 310965



And on my way to pick up that trans and t-case I saw this old building and saw a photo opportunity!

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Here's some pictures I forgot were on my phone. The poser flex shots were right after I installed my RE extended front brake lines when I was in VA. And coincidentally the first time I'd actually flex with the new lift.


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Been busy with work lately so I haven't really done anything new, this past Sunday 1/31/16 I broke 200k miles though! :wheelchair:


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And after searching for what felt like forever for a external slave ax15 bellhousing I finally came across one and ordered it and it arrived yesterday. Now I just need to order everything else :icon_eek:

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You sir have a very dirty bell housing. :naughty:

Nice looking jeep man.

Haha it was very filthy, the guy I bought the trans from had it stored outside under a tarp but never cleaned it after removing it.

Thank you though! It's still got some ways to go but it's coming along!

No updates, just waiting on deliveries. But I found some pictures I took when I was living in Wyoming back in 2013 and I figured I'd share. Man, I miss that place.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...pskxvlljbx.jpg

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So with the motor in the XJ knocking I decided I'm going to pull it and do an OEM rebuild. Well, I jumped on something last night that just happened to fall into my lap. a V8 Zj that I got for dumb cheap. Has some issues but otherwise runs well. The biggest is that I'll lose everything on the cluster; tach, speedo, fuel, OP, Voltmeter, everything. BUT (here's the kicker) if I slap the overhead console, they all come back. This weekend I'm going to do some poking around But I figured I'd ask if anyone could point me in the right direction. May also post separate thread. Here's a few pics I took last night.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psqtgmpxvl.jpg

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Love the beach photos.

Thanks man! My buddy did a great job on them.

Yes, picts are great! Enjoy and good luck on the ax15 swap.

Figured I'd just throw this in here as an update. The blue Cherokee has moved from the yard to the driveway (yay; progress) and I started labeling some of the connectors and what not in the engine bay and I'll try to finish up this week. I want to make sure I have everything I need before I pull the motor/trans. In the mean time; I swapped the wheels and tires from the XJ to the ZJ, and it rubs like crazy on the front bumper but I'm digging it, I've always liked a wide stance. Then I went exploring and gave her a bath!

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http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/...psdtw0bsyt.jpg


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Finally Progress!
 

With my work load increasing heavily I haven't had much time to work on the XJ. Well, this weekend I finally had a day off to get some work done. So I pulled the t-case and Trans. Got the front end apart, and fixed my fenders from when I cut them.

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Both axles are now "out." The D35 is just kind of chilling in the rear so HOA doesn't notice its on stands :euro: This weekend, (May 7th) I'm going back up to VA to pick up a D30 with a Lock-Rite and a 29 Spline 8.25 with an Aussie from a buddy who rolled his XJ. After that and some new bushings I'll be ready to finally get the motor out and into the garage.

Attachment 308881

Loaded up the 30 and 35 with 3.07s to trade and scooted my way on up to Virginia.
Attachment 308751

While I was there Starr Motors hosted their annual off-road day. I didn't wheel the zj but here are a few pictures. My buddy also let me break in his new xj for him since he was wheeling his zj.

His new xj; 32s, stock suspension, no sway bars, 4.10s and a lock-rite.
Attachment 308752

My Zj + the only other one of the same color
Attachment 308753

Axle pulling day, axles came from the crushed white xj.
Attachment 308754

And after spending the day with my mom for mothers day I headed back to SC with a D30 with a Lock-rite and an 8.25 with an Aussie ready to go in. Both with 3.55s. He also let me snag the front clip, for a facelift swap.
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Update: 6/27/2016
Finally got the rebuild kit in, also painted the block. haven't done the head yet because I plan on replacing it within the next year so until then, only the block shall have color!

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Update: 7/1/16

Today at work I used one of the presses to get the wrist pins out and cleaning up the connecting rods.

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Update: 9/26/16


It's been awhile and not much with the xj has changed. I got a promotion at work, so I've been super busy with that.

All I've been able to get accomplished is the rear locker installed, brake lines, brakes, and e-brake cables. As of now that's all that's going into the rear axle. I also moved at the beginning of September and the xj is in its new resting spot, I pulled the front axle, fixed the axle side track bar mount and painted the center and tubes. Once I get the axle back in and pull the knuckles off to do the ball joints and the shafts out to do the ujoints and tube seals I'll go ahead and paint the knuckles and the C's. Until then here are a few pictures.

Getting her onto the trailer sucked, the zj didn't like pulling her either.

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The new shop is 20x40 with power and a working air compressor, I just have to plumb everything for it, then I can invest in some air tools.

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