msb0103

I bought this XJ back in November 2012, right after I PCS'd to Alaska. It is the third xj I've owned but the first I really could build on. My first two would go through little trails in the Michigan woods but they never saw what I'd put this Jeep through. I bought it with a 4.5in Rubicon express short arm lift kit already installed, it has the 4L I6 auto with the 231 tcase. Everything worked great the day I bought it. I took it out wheeling as is the first weekend.

Outlaw Star

Welcome to CF! Hooah!

msb0103

After breaking wheel bearings and the transfer case, I started doing everything I could with the extra money I had. When tax time came around last year I decided to get 33in BFG KM2s. I had done a lot of other odds and ends including:
New fuel injectors
Trimming the wheel wells
Custom roof lights(cheap Walmart lights drilled into the factory roof rack)
Installed new Head unit and 1 12in type r

I started making a diy cowl snorkel but had to leave for my deployment so this is where the xj sits now, I have a huge to do list when I back.

msb0103

I have a long to do lost but I'll be knocking out some of the big stuff when I get back:

Regear to 4.56(this will be done in may)
Install Smittybilt bumper with 8000lb winch(may)
Install brown dog motor mounts(may)
Sway bar quick discos
Install sye (may)
Finish cowl snorkel and waterproof electrical system(may)
New high output alt and yellow top (may)
Take down homebrew lightbar and get Hellas on the smittybilt
Fender flares
Tire carrier bumper for the back
Upgrade to RE 5.5in long arm
New leaf springs

As soon as I get in the garage I'll be updating!

msb0103

So I started installing my new parts today, I only had enough time to put up the bumper.

The Smittybilt XRC bumper looks great and is very well built, but the hardware was incorrect and the instructions are terrible. It took me and a buddy about 2 hours to install. Luckily I had the bull bar as well and together they had the right hardware for the install. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be putting in the winch and adding the bull bar!

Desertfox1023

Your off to a good start.

How do you like the KM2's? Been thinking about those for my next set.

msb0103

I really like them, I've had them for about a year now and the tread has held up well. Its a dd and I wheel most weekends, they stick to everything. They're squirrley on ice but that's what you get with mud terrains.

2000JeepCherokee

Awesome Jeep! Keep the pics coming of her in her natural environment - out in the wild. Beautiful country up there.

msb0103

Thanks! I'll be taking tons of pics as soon as breakup is winding down, the soft ice everywhere is dangerous. I can't wait to try this winch out!

msb0103

I finished up the bull bar and mounted the winch today. The winch's main power line has some broken insulation so I'll need to fix that tomorrow before I hook it up to the battery. I was wondering how you guys usually secure your winch setup, I've read about the method where you weld a small piece of metal over one of the mounting bolts but just looking at my front bumper now makes me feel unsafe. There's just a slight discomfort walking away from it, maybe its just because its new lol

msb0103

I didn't get a chance for any pics but today I put the SYE in. Everything went smooth for the most part and I have my front driveshaft in the back now. I'm hunting down a few more for the front and a spare to keep on hand. On Wednesday its going in for a regear and after that's done I'll be putting in the motor mounts and tuning everything up so that I'll be out there this weekend!

msb0103

I'll be picking it up from the shop with brand new 4.56 gears today!!!

msb0103

So some updates on the Jeep,

The gears are installed and it's amazing what a difference they make, I have a brand new CV driveshaft in the rear from Young's Gear, the same place that did my gears. They did a really good job and they are currently rebuilding my front driveshaft which was majorly f***ed up. I installed the Brown Dog motor mounts, brackets and all, only had to make one call and they knew exactly what I was talking about. If you ever need new motor mounts go through them, they have the most amazing customer service. I have a new speedo gear on the way with the o ring because the t case is spitting a little fluid from there. I had to replace the rear output seal on my Omix-Ada SYE, I used National Seal #3946 from Napa and no more leaks! After the speedo gear and front driveshaft get here I'll hopefully be posting some more pictures in the woods! I can't wait to get back out there!

msb0103

First little mudding trip this year, there weren't too many trails where we were, we've been trying to scout some new places but here's some pics!