Just like my dear o'l grandmama use to say "Fenders are for *ussies"

 

Anyone have any expierence with these tires I am really thinking about giving them a try. there is some good reviews on pirate4x4
https://www.treadwright.com/p-11-31-...awler-m-t.aspx

 

Yes! Get them! I have 32" guard dogs from them and they are completely worth it!

 

Nice Just what I wanted to hear. Gonna order after the new year so I dont have to compete with all the Xmas gifts in the mail lol

 

Awesome! You won't regret it

 

Winning!

This will be fun to watch. Jealous of that 44.

 

lol, stole my project name.

 

Damn! name changed! lol

 

Hey there guys just want to give a update. Took the XJ out for a test run with my buddy in his CJ7, we were both completly shocked on the ability of the XJ! It was insane the things this thing would climb with barely any effort at all! All I had done prior to this trial run was disconnect the sway bars and swapped out the front Axle shafts for non vac shafts, also removed both sway bars and did my lift.

I am going with 33-34 inch tires on a 2 inch lift with massive fender trimming. trying to get as much axle to ground height as possible with the COG as low as I can get it.
I did the lift before this test run so there was 2 inches in front and a homemade copy of the Rubicon Express lift shackles in the back. I will try and get some pics up of the R.E. shackle copy. but anyway I learned a lot about the changes I want to make. I am gonna need some solid trans TC and engine mounts they have way to much play for my liking.

Also I found a low RPM studder that is hopefully just spark plugs

 

Ok so update with pics.

I have been a little behind just because of the holidays but I got a little done this past weekend. So I started doing the cutting to get everything chopped up. I started on the driver side fenders. this is what I got so far.

Untitled by joe30bmw, on Flickr
I just chopped the front part like I want and am going to chop 2.5 inches off the fender opening but I'm going to make the angles square instead of rounded.

Untitled by joe30bmw, on Flickr
Here is the rear pretty much done except finish welding and clean it up with the grinder. just painted it so it wouldnt start to rust till I can get back to it.

Untitled by joe30bmw, on Flickr
this was just before I started the chopping. Got those tool mounts at Desert Rat Parts for 8 bucks on sale. So got them mounted up on the hood.

Untitled by joe30bmw, on Flickr
Found my CB whip mount at a used building materials place for 1 dollar. I couldn't believe it a CB mount just sitting there!

that is the mount I found on the bottom for a buck!

Also a question does anyone know how to get the front valance off I was looking around but cant see any attachment points. Im sure its just something I am missing.

 

When I cut my fenders best I could tell you have to remove the bumper so I just cut it off even you cant tell its there

 

Thanks yeah I was looking up there and I can feel that its attached in about 2 places but cant see anything. I think I am just gonna do the same. I am making my own bumper out of 2x4 steel. So thats the best bet.

 

Yeah its clean u cant even tell its there anymore

 

hey guys, got a little done today finally finished the fenders. Got the front bumper off so I can start my DIY winch bumper. I also found a hook up on steel, I can get 2 inch 20 gauge 21 foot long sections for 58 bucks a pop and 1.5 20 gauge 21 ft sections for 40 bucks each. So I am gonna start the internal cage.

Here is what I am thinking please let me know what you guys think. I am going to do the internal cage with the 2 inch pipe. and the exo-cage with the 1.5 in pipe to save some cost. will I be sacrificing that much on strength going from the 2 to 1.5 or will it be negligible. im thnking main hoop where back seat use to be, and just supports off of that. also after lots of research I am not going to be bending ANY pipe. Its all going to be angle cuts with lots of triangles (that sounds dirty lol) and gussets. I think it will be easier at my fab level and stronger. any way here is some pics thanks for following along guys, and thanks for any help!

Untitled by joe30bmw, on Flickr
I'm thinking of putting these on the hood to help air flow, they are attic vents.

Untitled by joe30bmw, on Flickr
as it sits now

Untitled by joe30bmw, on Flickr

P.s. I am looking at some diff protection anyone have experience with this http://www.bluetorchfab.com/Product/...r-DIY-Kit.aspx

 

Nice build!