The Michael Jackson build.. Black and White XJ
 

Couldn't think of a more clever title..

This is going to be another slow build. I am married with two children, so I have to spend my money wisely, but with that, I am going to be clean with my build, and not do sloppy work.

I have a 2000 Cherokee SE that I bought from a dealer back in August. The only reason I bought it from a dealer, and not a private seller is becuase I needed to finance something, not pay cash. The Jeep was a Social Worker vehicle from the County of Placer. It was VERY clean when I got it with roughly 130k. My dad has a 97 Country model with a 4.5 RC lift, and I wanted to buy an XJ so I could do some slight off roading with him (although he NEVER takes his jeep off road anymore), and also because I love the look of a lifted XJ.. Anyway.. here it is.

The day I brought it home:
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...g?t=1276744185


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...g?t=1276744223



Kinda the way it sits today.. I did a little bit of cosmetic changes to the hood the other day, and will post pics very soon.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...g?t=1276744248

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...g?t=1276744262

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...g?t=1276744276

I wish I took pictures of the lift in progress, but I didn't. I was just primarily focused on getting it done, because it was a disaster. I broke one of the sway bar links, (gonna get discos soon) broke ALL 4 of the rear shock bolts into the body. Had to drill and tap them. If I had seen the write up before about punching the old nuts out, and fishing new bolts through, I woulda done that instead. Of course, now I want to make it taller, but I need to save money so I can do it right all at once (SYE, Disco's, pitman arm, build some LCA's, yada yada yada). Plus my tires are brand new, so I dont want to lift it too high with 31's. I

I've been working like crazy, so im waiting until next week to do my next mod. I will be adding a set of hood vents that I copied from another guy on this forum.

Then I am going to build my roof rack, and front winch bumper. My buddy is in the military and acquired a 9.5k winch off of a Hum-V that was going to go to scrap, and Im trying to convince him to give it to me.

Unfortunately, when I bought the Jeep, I knew very little about them. I knew i wanted a 4.0 and an AW4, but as far as axles went, I had not a clue. I ended up getting an XJ with a Dana 35 in the rear, but that will be simple enough to change if I get serious enough about it. Overall, its a very clean jeep, and Im VERY happy with it.

.

This is what I plan on it looking like when Im completely done (My semi ok Paint skills. The image transfer makes it a little more choppy than it really is):

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...g?t=1276940864

I like the concept drawings you have. it gives me a good idea of where you want to go. looks good.

Thank you double ot.

Looking good so far, nice and clean :thumbsup:. Where did you get your 3" coils, aal, and shocks? And how much did you pay for them if you don't mind me asking.

Oops

No problem. I got them from Ebay. The kit actually came with the 3" coils, AAL, Shocks, and Trac Bar relocate bracket for $239+S&H, from "levelingsolutions", which is the Ebay user ID for Fat Bob's Garage. Here's a link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-...item3efbbe136f

I also bought a T-Case drop from them, but didn't feel the need to install it after driving it.

Thanks for the compliment! I know there isn't much done to it yet, but afterall, it was completely stock when I got it. Im going to post a couple new pics later.

Cool thanks. That's where i got my 2" BB

Yeah their prices are fairly reasonable, and their customer service is very good as well. I got coils, and an AAL for the price of spacers and shackles. I was satisfied.

Nice looking jeep.......Love the future build pics...

Thanks! I've been following yours. Looks good as well.

cant wait to see that future paint job, that's about what i'm aiming for.:thumbsup:

Yeah I cant either, but that's going to be down the road a ways, because I need to get my front/rear bumpers, and roof rack done first. I may even do a few more other things as well before paint. The paint on my jeep is pretty good, with the exception of minor orange peel from the factory.

Here are some minor flexing pics in my driveway, as well as some pics of the new hood stripe. I wanted to check out the flex, and how the tires tuck under the wheel wells. I was quite impressed. I haven't had the opportunity to take it wheeling too much yet. Too busy with work, wife and kids.


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