So I am new to the forum and so far have found a lot of very helpful info on here. I am happy to be part of the jeep family. I have been looking for an XJ for quite some time and finally got one. My ultimate plan is to build a rig that I can drive everyday but is capable of getting me just about anywhere to deer hunt and what not. I plan on probly doing a 4.5" lift and some 33's. Here it is as I bought it...

96 XJ 190k
4.0L
Auto
2" budget boost
New 30x9.5 firestone m/t
Clean interior
Exterior is ok
Runs perfect
Here's a pic the day I got it...

 

Super fresh

 

Lookin good. Always love seeing new black xj's on here! Do you have any idea whoose lift you are gona run?

 

So the next day I picked up this con-ferr roof rack off craigslist for $150. I'm very pleased with how these things fit. When I was talking to the guy on the phone he said that him and his dad fabbed this thing from scratch but after checking it out it appears to be an original con-ferr

 

I havnt decided what lift yet. I'm still researching all the diferent lifts. Everyone on here seems to have a strong opinion on the diferent lift companies

 

Another craigslist score! I ended up paying $125 for this winch bumper and I must say this thing fit perfect and could take out a tree. It's freakin solid. I'm not sure if it's a home brew or what. The guy said maybe it's an older warn bumper but if anyone has any thoughts that would be helpful. It looks like some of the recovery brackets were added and I do plan on making some changes and building a stinger for it.

 

Yeah just do your research. You deffently get what you pay for. Yes, Rough Country and Rustys products are good but companies like rock krawler, clayton and tnt are the best, but you pay the price. Also, i know you said its mainly a hunting rig, but if you think you will ever get into any rock krawling or just want the best ride quality, I would serously consider long arms. You might say you dont want/ need them, but i can almost guarintee you will want them eventually. I put my lift on 6 months ago and i dident think i would get long arms for atleast a year or two, and now im ordering a set at the end of this month. Just some food for thought.

 

I appreciate the input. I really only want to spend around $1000 on a lift and I know that some of the higher end brands like clayton are much more than that. Im definetly a strong believer of you get what you pay for. I just can't justify spending 3k on a lift although it would be soooo sweet!

 

Trust me, I know the feeling. You just want it lifted and you want it lifted now. Haha.

 

Next was some fender trimming and a sound system.
Installed the old school Zapco competition 1ohm stable and the power acoustic 10" sub. I cut out the plastic panel and shoved the box as far as I could to save as much room in the cargo area for a big buck or hog!!!!

 

Nice looking jeep man!

 

Long arms while rock crawling = more pf a chance to get hung up in a rock



However they do privide a much better driving quality. And those are dome nice finds and a great looking jeep u got u can get the 3.5 from 4wd.com right now for like 400-500 bucks while its on sale, just something u might be interested in

 

Did some work on the front bumper today. It had these extra recovery points that were halfway welded and bolted through the holes where the fairlead goes.


So I cut these off and welded the other 2 holes up and smoothed everything out. I also removed the the clevis tabs that were bolted up top



I took the clevis tabs from up top and cut them down and plan on cutting slots in the front of the bumper to slip these in from the inside and weld front and back. They should be pretty strong there 3x3x1/2" angle

 

Worked on the bumper today. I cut the slots in the bumper and put the clevis tabs through the back side and layed down some beads!

 

Update:
Just ordered the IRO 5.5 long arm kit along with the hack n tap and driveshaft. I upgraded a few things like the shocks and jks quick disconnects. I'm freakin stoked I can't wait to get this stuff.

Grand total on invoice was $1830
I dont think I've ever spent that much on truck parts!