87xjco

Here's my recent XJ build

I have alot of detailed build up posts on all the different things I did on this rig that I can post up if anyone's interested

I went pretty hard core and crude on this build, I wanted function without much regard to looks!

Bought this stock XJ 4/1/08 and started slicing it up almost right away


First I trimmed the fenders for as much clearance as I could get.


I also built a front bumper and tucked a Mile Marker winch up between the rails

Here I'm working on installing a HP44 with a new RE 4.5" Superflex kit


Steering linkage in place


Ford 9" is in and new rear springs


Then I did a "Mega" trim on the rear quarters


Here's how it looked 1 month later with 35's on it

87xjco

I did a brake booster and master cylinder upgrade that really helps the brakes on these older XJ's, I'll post up a write up on that too.


Ii did it's maiden run 5/27/08 LHC Boulder, CO


And 5/31/08 I took it to Moab and it did great!!



But I did find once I got back to some of the tough Colorado trails, that I was high centering alot on rocks and not getting over some of the ledges my buddies with 35's and more lift or shorter wheel bases were doing.

Rockers were getting bashed up and hanging me up in quite a few places
So that brought on the beginning of my boatside rocker replacement (only one side is done so far)


I also had a poor shackle angle that was limiting my suspension droop

So I went to work on killing two birds with one stone, a shackle relocation to improve that angle and also give me another 1.5" lift in the rear


A had to replace a leaking fuel tank from one of those ledge clearance problems, so I also built a fuel tank skid plate


I cut down some 7.5" RE front coils to get the front height the same as the rear and then rattle can painted the sides


And here it is wheeling Holy Cross 8/16/09 (Oops 8/16/08). Unfortunately, right here is where I busted something inside the front housing, probably axle splines, I'll take it apart soon and see!



Current specs:

88 XJ, 4.0 ltr, BA10 5spd (soon to be AX15), NP231 w/SYE, HD HP44 front diff. (Trussed and narrowed to Waggy width axle on left side only) Alloy USA front Shafts, Ford 9" rear (both with Detroits and 5.13 gears), 35" Mud Terrains, Chevy Hi steer knuckles and BTF High steer arms, .250" wall steering linkage, RE 4.5" superflex modified to 6" lift

jpdocdave

i love build threads, very cool. that thing will get the job done.

finneys98xj

Nice work!

mike

a lot of work in not a lot of time. nice jeep

redkling

good looking rig man, can you post some pics of the rear trim by the doors.....

87xjco

Thanks! Here's a recap of that build


1st cuts




Flange tool to make an even lip


Folding over


Moved the inner quarter back and up


Ready to spot weld


Working the front edge


Cut line for the corner


Reshaped and welded


Cut back some of the inner door frame and folded the outer panel over


Filler pieces for the inner quarter


Seam sealed and undercoated


Rear folded


Finished

redkling

Thank You, Its Now On My To Do List

xjjeepthing

Nice build

nick_n_ii

I love how you took pics from the future..

87xjco

I'll have to post up that time machine mod I did

Kyle

You should make a LA install writeup and a OTN writeup and submit it to the technical writeup section.

Very nice build you have going

JakeWI

looks awesome

99xjlove

I wouldn't mind seeing more on the boatsides. Looks like a very capable rig you have there!

BlueXJ

I am looking forward to the brake booster write up as I have those parts coming. Old XJs need better brakes and this seems like the best way to get them.