hfd45178

So I've been a member here for a while but really never posted much so this is going to my first build thread. Previously in 2011 I bought a 92 XJ from Irongrave on CF and sold it after a few months to buy a 2005 F350. 2 years later I decided to sell the F350 and buy another XJ which led me to a 97 that already had a few things done to it. So after purchasing the 97 I got it home and really looked it over and realized that I missed a few important things that got me in deeper than I planned. The drivers side front of the frame was cracked behind the steering box but I didn't get any pics before I fixed it. Welded up a set of HD Offroad front frame stiffeners, C-Rok inner brace, and some 1/8 inch steel on the bottom of the rail to take care of that problem. All nice and stiff now. I also found home made rear lift shackles bolted to the factory shackle, ummm new to me if there is a purpose. So I ordered some new shackles to replace the ghetto setup that is currently installed and will be getting relocation brackets if needed. Also ordered spicer ball joints to replace what is loose on the front end. I have limited pictures right now but as soon as it stops snowing I will get pictures of what it looks like now and what I have done. The only rust problem on the truck is the passenger rear quarter is almost gone stopping me from folding the wheel arch for more clearance, so I have to figure that out still. So on with some pictures. I measured the height of the XJ and it sits at 5.25" lift in the front and 5" in the rear. Got alot of work to do to finish what the previous owner started (hacked) and never finished. I will update with future plans and pictures as they come up.

My old 92


The new to me 97


The original headliner was sagging so I got some fabric and went at it. Here is the outcome. I will get some installed pics tomorrow.



I got some Zeus LED pods from Olympus Offroad from their black friday deal, so I figured I would mount them in the bumper and get rid of that nasty green while I was at it. I sprayed a couple coats of spray bedliner to make it look and last better.

Slim9687

looking good

hfd45178

Ok, so I was able to take a few more pictures to show the current progress of the XJ. Just received the new ball joints and shackles today so hopefully I can put them on this weekend and get the XJ registered next week. Drove it through about a foot of snow today and it did very well with open diffs and stock gearing.



Headliner installed



Front frame stiffeners from HD Offroad



Front end with what I believe to be a Rusty's steering kit and track bar.


Awesome shackle solution for added lift (no idea why he did this)


My rust dilemma... I guess I need to get a new quarter and weld it in. Not something I really want to get into, but definitely not paying a body shop. I can poke my finger right through this area.

hfd45178

Put the bumper and sway bar back on today. Mocked up the new shackles and looks like it is going to be a bit low in the rear with then. Going to either get new 3.5" springs that don't have the dreaded sag or relocation boxes, but I guess the right answer is both. This jeep is gonna get expensive fast.