96XJ11C

I have owned 4 XJs to date. This go round i was looking for a 97+ 2Dr. AX-15 I6 with as few options as possible. I began my search while on deployment in afghanistan. Only 3 days into my online hunt i ran across the perfect candidate. A few quick skype calls to my father and friend back home and they were off to go pick it up.

Here is what they returned with! 97 2Dr. AX-15 I6! 107,XXX Miles, Pristine Interior, flawless paint, and nothing more than some surface rust on the drivers side rocker. Going to put this purchase in the WIN column!

During deployment i had set aside a decent budget for this build. Look forward to 3.5 DPG Old Man Emu suspension system, 31x10.5 Duratracks, ford 8.8, 4:10 gears, upgraded steering and all the regular jazz in between.

When im done with the initial build i plan on more Expo oriented mods, RTT, Fridge, and all the other fun stuff.

Stay tuned.


HOW IT SITS NOW: PIC AT BOTTOM OF POST

Suspension:
OME 930 Coils
OME HD Leaf Packs
OME Nitrocharger Shocks
DPG Bumpstop Plates
Extended Bumpstops F&R
Oem Shackles
JKS Sway Bar Links
JKS Rear Shock Mounts
RE Super-ride Adj. LCAs

Axles

Front Dana 30
4:10 Gears
Wheel bearings
Ball Joints
SOLID Cover
Lube Locker

Rear Ford 8.8
4:10
Spartan Locker
TEN Shafts
Wheel Spacers Pro Comp 1"
Leaf mounts for XJ
E Brake Conversion Cables
SOLID Cover
Lube Locker

Steering:
JCR 1 TON
JKS TRacBar
JCR Steering Box Spacer

Armor:
JCR Premium Sliders
JCR Front Bumper w hoop

Tires&Wheels
31x10.5 Duratracks
Wrangler 15x10 Wheels x5

Driveline:
AA SYE
Tom Woods DS

Accesories:
800w Inverter
Viair 400C Compressor
Hella 700 x4
Hella 500 x2
Hella Headlights w/100w bulbs
Putco Harness
JCR Roof rack w/hoop
Custom Storage System
Prime Offroad Switch Panel
Optima Red Top
K&N Filter

shawn_00x

Excellent find! Thanks for pulling duty, and look forward to seeing the progress of this build.

2dbatcv

I've been building a camping rig too. Looking forward to this build! Come home safe and soon!

96XJ11C

Thankyou for your support! The jeep will be arriving in CO when my family comes to meet me upon my return home. I will be vague with any dates due to OPSEC but look forward to real build progress in late November! Many parts are already waiting! Really hoping to get out to moab for the first time this spring and hopefully a second time in mid august!

Does anyone have any trails they recommend for a xj locked F/R on 31s? Im looking for places to camp and hike along the way also!

96XJ11C

Ford 8.8, 4.10 gears, TEN Shafts, Spartan Locker, SOLID cover, mounts set up for XJ.


Here it is just before it got pulled from the previous owners XJ.

Cherokee_Therapy

Can't wait till you get home so we can hit some trails! Jealous of your manual windows and locks. Mine are always being a pain.

96XJ11C

As of now the budget permits for me to buy a front selectable locker and retain the rear spartan i have now in the 8.8 in the earlier post. Now in the end i would like to run matching lockers. I really like the new OX air lockers but would run eaton e lockers in a heartbeat. I hear the 8.8 e locker is not so reliable being a pin engagement system and only a 2 pinion design. Does anyone know if eaton has plans to redesign the 8.8 e locker to a 4 pinion design? Any experience with eatons or OX lockers is appreciated!

96XJ11C

Just ordered some parts from summit. Buddy told me the rear main is leaking. Maintenance will be a big priority in this build as i expect to drive across the country without a worry. Will be adding more maint. parts to the list soon.

Ordered:
K&N Air Filter
Rubber valve cover gasket
Main seal
Rubber Oil pan gasket
Wix filter
RP 10w30
Redline MT90 for AX-15

stang65

looks like a perfect rig to build on. thanks for your service.

96XJ11C

Nothing special just a few more. Cant wait to build this thing!

96XJ11C

I cant stand the factory headlights so im doing something about it.

Just got done ordering Hella H4 E-code Housings, Hella 100w bulbs, and putco wire harness. Cant wait to see the difference! At this rate im going to have alot of parts waiting for me!

Ianf406

Haha It's awesome coming home to a giant pile of parts in the garage. It just sucks that you have to 1. Wait forever to see the stuff and 2. I got real sick coming from 130-140 (Iraq) to <10 (Montana) on leave and it took more than one trip to get them all on! Nice Jeep! Thanks for your service.

96XJ11C

Yes the waiting is the worst! Im glad i wont have to go through much of a climate change though! Body doesn't do to well with such a big change as you found out! Glad to hear your home safe!

Cherokee_Therapy

Your stuff has arrived home safely!

96XJ11C

Hella upgrade and wire harness has arrived! My buddy found a Cobra 880 power inverter for half off so i had him pick it up yesterday! Plan to run laptop, a fridge, and all my auxillary stuff with the inverter.