Danbo1972

Thanks, I appreciate the response and the kind words about the bumpers. Wish I could take credit for them but I didn't build them and I paid to have them installed. I simply pointed and clicked.
And yes, I understand about the trimming. I actually bought a set of Bushwackers that I was going to put on but decided not to at the moment. I was putting that for people like me who wanted to find out what can be put on without modification.
FYI: I got the bumpers from Quadratec. They are Smittybilt. I got them as a combo kit: Rock Sliders, front bumper and rear bumper.
https://www.quadratec.com/products/12051_0800_RS_07.htm

XJIrish4x4

Bumpers are easy to install but the rockers would have taken a little more time. I have not heard good things about quadratec think over priced for parts or justs not worth dealing with. Can't remember exactly but the times I hear about them people say don't buy from there. Glad you had success and the jeep looks great.

I will probably do like some have around here and get some 2x6's cut to fit for sliders then weld them into the unibody and paint! Seems pretty cheap just need to up my welding skills or get my buddy to help..

XJIrish4x4

Yea $1700 on quadratec I think I would pass on that but if you got the money to spend and no place to install then I understand. In perspective that would be 3 times what I paid for my XJ lol. Suddenly I think now you will say thanks for not being so kind

peligro113

Maybe I missed it but did you replace the rear driveshaft?

wristwister

Your XJ is looking GREAT! I know there are some folks on this thread scratching their heads over the money you're spending to have all this professionally done, but I understand that to get exactly what you want sometimes requires the investment. My daughter and I spent more than intended when building her XJ, but the pride and satisfaction she's getting out of her rig is more than worth it.

Question, with the jack positioned as shown on that Smittybuilt bumper swing-out, can you still raise the rear hatch? We did the same bumper, but had to offset the jack way to the driver side to allow the hatch to fully open.

Danbo1972

LOL. The jeep build is titled, "No time to spare" for a reason; I didn't have the time. I work 70-80 hours a week and didn't have time to shop around for everything I wanted from different places. Quadratec was a "one-stop-shop" for me. Shipping was fast and what I did price wasn't that much more, if at all, from the competitors I found.

Thanks for the note though. In the future I will spend more time looking if I decide to add on.

Danbo1972

Yes, the rear driveline was replaced. One was special ordered and delivered from Idaho. It came with a custom wobble that we decided we didn't like, so it was taken to a local driveline shop where we had that option removed. :/
What's cool is I can now swap the front with rear or rear to front if I ever have to.

Danbo1972

Exactly. And, as I put in another response, I didn't have the time or location to do it myself and I wanted it to be exactly as it now is. I also lack the knowledge and physical ability to do a lot of the work that was done. In addition.... all of the work comes with a guarantee / warrantee when done by a pro. The guy doing mine, Tony, from Action Axle in Redding, is meticulous with everything he does. He also has a helper, PJ, who is just as **** about making sure it's right. If I did it, I would have tie-rods mounted to the windshield wipers and would be frustrated to the point that I would be okay with it.

As for the jack, No... It didn't work mounted like that. I would have had to swing the gate open into the car parked next to me. It looked good in the driveway but once it was field tested, it failed miserably. I have since switched it and now the foot is on the driver's side of the jeep. GOOD EYE!!

Danbo1972

So, I've got the rack installed on the jeep and have included a new light bar as well as a set of fog lights. I have 4 forward LED lights and two rear LED lights to wire still, but it's getting there.
This is the Smitybuilt defender rack with the quadratec 50" LED light bar with clearance / marker lights. Much brighter than I expected it to be.

XJIrish4x4

Light bar looks very nice! Entire Jeep looks great nicely done. So my responses about the money spent is just me being jealous that I don't have all those goodies for mine lol. I agree with wristwriter because if you cheap out then your only going to find yourself later wanting the better quality more expensive parts later. I know you said no time to spare so that is the real reason why you did what you did.

Danbo1972

There's not a whole lot more I can think to add to the jeep. I have it just about as done as I want to get it. The very last add-on is the shovel and axe bracket attacked to the top rack. Anyone have ideas that I didn't do, please post them.
Thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Danbo1972

Thanks for the complements on the Jeep. It has been fun getting it all together. I kind of wish I could have had more to do with the actual build, but sometimes, pointing is just as much fun as actually turning the wrench. When I walked in to the shop and saw all of the transformation that took place, it was a little breathtaking.
I've done all of the lights, rack, light control box (Switch Pros) and a few of the other, simpler things. I left the big work to the better trained and knowledgeable and faster mechanics. She's all ready for the snow and mud but I'm in California and it JUST WONT RAIN!!!!!!

XJIrish4x4

Nicely done!!! Yea your not going to find much rain but you can go into the Mtns. should be able to find some snow there and possibly some mud. Not sure your location in California but Big Bear is always a good hit for snow and muddy climate. Sure Lake Tahoe maybe as well? I see your in NORCAL so not sure how far North you are but you could always cross the border into Oregon