jusper88

Hey guys! Some of you have probably seen this build before but I deleted my old thread since I never updated it. So starting over fresh, I bought this 97 XJ in 2007 bone stock. First mod I did was add a set of Black D Windows and Maxxis Buckshot tires 235-75 R 15's.

Before


After


A few months later I decided to Herculine the interior. Mind you it's only one coat and I need to add a few more to make the bottom of the center console level with it.




After this the Jeep didn't receive any mods due to lack of funds. Going to school and paying for it and partying took away my funds.

jusper88

Next couple of mods were some dress-up mods until I could rebuild my transmission. My AX-15 started slipping out of 1st gear real bad. So I decided to get a rattle can and paint the grill and light bezels.


Then I put on some Smoked turn signals and corners, along with some Sylvania Silverstar Headlights.


One day I was pressure washing the XJ and noticed my Flare were loose and found my nitstrips to be rusted and falling off. That same day I took off the side door molding and accidentally washed the 4x4 logo off, leaving a black residue.

If I ever repaint it I'm going to make sure I get it added in black again.

semperfi96

Haha, Im doing that same thing to ny grill today. Looks good

jusper88

Thanks bud!

jusper88

One week some punk kid ran around the whole neighborhood slashing tiresm My Buckshots were one of the many tires he hit. I went ahead and ordered some Falken Ziex AT in 30x9.50 15's to replace the Buckshots.

I recommend these tires to just about anyone. They have been a good tire for me, and I don't go through them as fast on-road as I did the Buckshots.

I have added a few other mods since this next picture. I tinted the windows, got a clutch put it, new plugs, wires, dist., rotor, ignition coil, and lastly exhaust. I need to take some new pics and perhaps a vid of the exhaust. I ordered a RC 3" Series II lift kit and it's laying under my bed now. I'm ordering some other lift essentials before I install. But this is pretty much what it looks like now.


Hope you all enjoy! I'll snap a few more pics ASAP and keep updating as parts come in and I install.

Nor-CalJeeper

XJ is looking good bro! good job so far can't wait to see more of the build, And the song in your signature is BADAZZ! lol

Gillette1987

lookin good! I panned to paint all the crap chrome trims on my 89 xj back as well!

jusper88

Ok guys, some of current installed mods are the RC 3" series II lift. Right now I'm not driving it, so I'm searching for a Dana 44 Rear. Found one about 200 miles away. Guys asking $350 for it with wrong gear ratio put limited slip. I'm looking to re-gear to 4.10's. That's it for now, will keep you all updated as progress is made.

RedZeppelinXJ

dude forget driving 200 miles then having to pay to re-gear the D44.....

go to the local pick-n-pull and grab an 8.8 rear out of a '97+ Ford Exploder, you can find them with 3.55, 3.73, or 4.10 either open or limited slip right from the factory, then go to Iron Rock Offroad or Ballistic Fab and find the new spring perches and shock mounts to weld on it.....then grab a ZJ proportioning valve so you can run the rear discs

then for cheaper you will have a stronger rear end with disc brakes....and they run the same bolt pattern as an XJ

jusper88

I looked around at local salvage yards for a 44, but to no avail. I'd take an 8.8 but I don't have the tools to weld perges at the moment, but thanks for the input!

jusper88

Now heres some of the first mods I'm going to be doing to this thing.

1. Rebuild Tranny (It blew again) I hate living in a small town with mechanics whose IQ's are lower than my Viszla.

2. Rebuild T-Case and add SYE.
3. Re-gear front and rear shafts to 4.10

I'm thinking of going Chromoly shafts. Not sure yet. Sometime in the future I'll add lockers, but for now I just wanna get it rolling.

jusper88

Hey guys, quick update. Bought a Or-Fab rear from a guy locally for $200 brand new. Poor guy hit a patch of black ice and rolled a 01 limited. Will put on today and post some new pics. Stay tuned!

jusper88

New bumper is on! Here is some progress pics. Took off plastic side pieces.

Here is the side without the plastic.

This is all the holds up the stock bumper, no tie in's to the frame.

I could only imagine what the stock bumper could do to your body up north in High Rust areas.

jusper88

Here is finished product!




Mind you, some body work is needed to fill holes from the damn rivets.

jusper88

Here is where she sits at now with 3" lift.

Front tire clearence.

Rear tire clearence.


I know I know, my rear tire is low...Jeep is a work in progress and isn't running, so I have been lazy and haven't got it repaired. I'm going to order some JKS shackles to raise the sag in the back end. Also some JKS quick discos and sway bar bushings for the front. Any input is helpful! Thanks for viewing and stay tuned!