SoDelxj99

Hey all! Finally getting around to the build on my '99 XJ. I live in Slower Lower Delaware and for those that have never been to the little "First State" it's a great place to live with lots of beaches (not many you can ride on), home of tax free shopping, and about as flat as they come. This is my daily driver and the biggest rocks we have to crawl on you could skip with your hand on a pond.
Ok, enough about where I live...on with the jeepin'
It started it's life with me bone stock (including crank windows) with 4.0L/auto. W/ 89,000 mls.

SoDelxj99

I recently started upgrading in order to address some problems before it was time to go through DMV inspection. The exhaust was in really bad shape and I had a check engine light on that wouldn't have passed inspection. So, I decided to buy a simple factory replacement exhaust system...it just happened that Rusty's Offroad sells those type of "factory replacement exhaust" (wink wink.. In case wife sees this).
I purchased their cat-back 2 1/2" FlowMaster kit and fixed my check engine light issue (bad O2 sensor). I told the misses that since the exhaust would be out the way it would be a great time to install a rear receiver hitch! And thankfully she agreed....Mod #2 done!

SoDelxj99

Funny thing about the new exhaust... It made an interesting throaty growl that just didn't fit the mild manner looking Jeep anymore...
This gave way to the wife agreeing it needed to look as good as it sounded! Funny how that worked out...hmmm!
So, with permission to put on some new tires of course meant it was also time to lift it to make sure they didn't rub you know.... And thus the addiction starts!

SoDelxj99

I ordered a 3" Zone lift with full springs, new shocks, steering stabilizer, front disco's, transfer case drop kit, rear extended brake line and 4 new Mickey Thompson MTZ's on a set of flat black "D" window rim 15x8 3.75" BS. Also decided to replace the sway bar bushings while I was at it.

SoDelxj99

Mine and pops '98.

SoDelxj99

Started with the back end first. Oh course all of the rear shock bolts snapped off. Thanks to YouTube, an air chisel to punch out the old factory nuts and some safety wire....new shocks were installed and finished up the rear end with out much trouble.

SoDelxj99

Front end was another story. But with help from CF went together pretty well. While I had it apart I replaced the wheel hubs with new Timkens and new rotors and pads. Also finished up a little tune up with new plugs, wires, cap/rotor, and oil change.

tssguy123

Nice clean base to start with, wow.

SoDelxj99

Cleaned and repainted.

SoDelxj99

New discos installed.

SoDelxj99

Out with the old!

SoDelxj99

Finished up front end under the lights. New wheels and tires installed and from stock to lifted height...gained almost 5 1/4" with lift kit and tires. I know it will settle some but looks pretty beefy. Very happy with end result. That's pop leaning on the front....thanks to him for all of his help!

SoDelxj99

Now that it was lifted I decided to bed line those gray fender flares. While I was at it I painted the rockers, bumpers, wiper cowl panel, and grill shell with Bed liner as well. Might have gotten carried away but also painted the rear cover on the hatch, wiper arms and antenna. Love the look of the black on the maroon. I will post more pics of the repainted under carriage as soon I get them. I cleaned up underneath and repainted the rears. I also blacked out the exhaust to match with heat paint. That shiny silver exhaust stood out like crazy with the clean black look of everything else.

SoDelxj99

Thanks.

tssguy123

Still stock LCAs, right?