Project "This one is staying stock"
 

Hey guys, it's slow at work today and figured this is a good time to start my build thread. This should be a short thread since this one is "staying stock" :laughing:

My original project XJ was this:
Attachment 354331
a 96 XJ with 214k miles, no headliner, no floors, the usual XJ issues.

But then this came along...
Attachment 354332
A 2000 Limited with 132K, original spare and a backseat that was never, and I mean NEVER used. No big deal, I'll keep both XJ's and the Golf.

Golf = gas saver
96XJ = project
00XJ = STAYING STOCK!

A month later I had a good friend lose his job AND his truck in the same week. I gave him the 96 and figured I would find another project XJ, the 00 was STAYING STOCK!

After 3 weeks of stock driving I was having trouble sleeping. I kept hearing voices from the driveway, like sirens singing to me. Was I losing my mind? I had this terrible itch in MY wallet, I better see a doctor. Then it happened:
Attachment 354330
A Rusty's 3" lift showed up at the shop, lower arms and T-case drop showed up too. Did I order it in my sleep? Maybe the homeshopping network at 3AM? I'm just glad a 300pcs knife set didn't show up with it!:icon_eek:

I really could not believe how freakin clean this XJ was. Only thing I broke was 1 rear shock bolt! Too bad this one was staying stock because this would be a great XJ to work on...
Attachment 354329

Started tire shopping and realized I didn't want to pay extra for 16" tires so I called my buddy and asked him to give me back the 15's from the 97 and take the 16's

Lift done, 15's back on with stock tires I hate that look.
Attachment 354323


3" lift, General Grabbers 31X10.5. "This one is staying stock!"
Attachment 354324

Attachment 354325

Took her out to see how she felt. No death wobble, good ride, did 80 on the Parkway with no problem. The stock wheels where going to be a problem. Airing down to run in the sand was causing some serious rubbing. I would change them, but this one is staying stock:laughing:

Attachment 354319
Attachment 354320

This brings us to the present. Baja 8's installed, some trimming on the flares, and some stickers for added performance. If I was going to mod this XJ bumpers would be next, but of course we all know that's not happening...
Attachment 354312

Attachment 354313

Attachment 354314

Attachment 354315

Attachment 354316

man, she is CLEAN...

Thanks Malik! She has one scratch on the rear bumper and I did it when I put in the hitch. Unfortunately I see a few more dents and scratches in her future.

Intake ordered, working out the details for a dual battery system for the winch and lights that are next on the list.

Intake finally got here, hopefully I can get it in today. :)

Lookin good! I like it when they get left "stock" :)

Thanks, I tried, I honestly did but I just couldn't leave it alone.

Intake done, now to get rid of the stock aibox and make room for another battery.
Attachment 353114

Plenty of room now, time to start battery shopping :)
Attachment 353103

Pssssst....

Just between me and you....that 1st Jeep is not a 97



Just sayin...