Wesley762

So it’s been almost 10 years since I have gotten to really turn a wrench. I sold my 72 Jeep Wagoneer about 11 years ago that was my toy. Used to head out mudding and off roading almost every weekend and the itch has never gone away, With that said I just picked myself up a 1990 XJ.

It’s completely stock and about 185k miles on it, got it for $700.00. It does have a blown head gasket but other than that this thing is in great shape. 98% Rust free and the body has no damage and completely untouched. Even has the stock radio from the factory = no jimmy rigged wiring. The inside is in great shape for the age just needs some cleaning and elbow grease.

This is basically going to become my dream build, it’s not going to happen overnight by any means but its going to get everything I want. Below is a list of what I want to do. I have been doing nothing but reading for the last 5 months on this site and other about what hot and whats not. Used to be a Mechanic till my back decided that its not up for it day in and day out.

For the Engine I am pretty sold on installing a LS engine. (I know that is a money sink but I really don't care I got the time and will have the money.)
Not sure yet what transmission and transfer case I am going to use.

Lift 6.5 to 8 inch, still not sold yet on what I am doing.

At Least Dana 44's with Disc brakes all around. Still undecided whether or not going to stay with full with or cut down, leaning a lot to full size.

Internal roll cage planned.

Front and rear Tube bumper’s with a winch.

Bucket seats.

Tires Super Swamper Boggers 35x10.50 with Bead lock rims (Not sure what Rims I am going to use yet)



I know I got a ton of work ahead of me but this is becoming my new hobby, Have not had one for years and I am ready to get back on the trails again.

A few pictures below of how it sits now.

eking81

looks like a good clean start im interested in seeing how this turns out

DRobs_93

^^ x2, looks like a good starting point, can't wait to see the axle swap

kliff

I'm in, lessee where it goes...

Wesley762

Thanks for the responses, I got a ton of work to do on it. First things first I have to get all the gunk cleaned off and start the hunt for axles for it. Still not quite warm enough yet where I am at to comb the junkyards and CL is short on axles.

DRobs_93

I know what you mean lol, i went to pull a dash (mines cracked) at the scrap yard last weekend got it half out and just gave up lol it was -17 C too cold to be doing that stuff yet... what size axles are you going for exactly? ive been thinking about doing a ford 8.8 swap into the back of my cherokee from a 95+ explorer but im still too unsure about it to start hacking stuff haha

Wesley762

I am guessing its going to be easiest to find a early model Ford axle for the Front and crossing my fingers to find a good deal on a 9 inch for the rear. I know both are going to have great after market support finding gears and lockers for both along with disc brakes.

DRobs_93

Nice! sounds like its going to be a solid build

Wesley762

So a little bit of a update today, I have been on the hunt for Axles. Found what I think is a pretty good deal today and bought them. Got a Front a rear matching set of Dana 44's that came from a 86 Grand Waggy I believe (thats what I was told).

Paid $250.00 for the set. Did make sure they are the Non vacuum, version Not sure what gears are in them now but not a big deal as I am going to most likely change them out unless there are some 4.10's in them. Should be able to pick them up later this week when I find a buddy with a truck to get them.

Below is a few pics not the best pic's, I should have better later this week when I get them to my house.

SGT ABN XJ

You have quite the build plan..I will be watching...............

alsxj

Hey nice xj! Looks just like mine! Definitly looking forward to this build, keep it up!

4x4cherokeexj

Have fun and ill be watching it !

JDJeeper

Currently im looking for TJ rubi 44's. I already have half of a front one. Just yesterday I stated thinking about going the full size waggy 44 route, I'll be watching. Good luck.

Wesley762

So I finally got to pick up the new axles, Some pictures of them. Not bad for $250.00 with all the hardware attached including breaks. sad thing though 3.31 gears

Wesley762

So I scored a Nice FREEBEE today. Helped a cousin of mine do some spring cleaning via 1 loaded trailer with a Honda goldwing and a ton of odd and end parts taken to the junk yard for credit, (the bike had no tires but rims on so a pain in the butt to move and load). Than a second trailer full of just odd and end crap to the dump and below is was I scored from him...................