Project Unicorn :P
 

Suppose I get to finally start my own build thread after all these years on car forums.
Think Ill start at the beginning; which will hopefully explain the project name :D

So way back I decided I wanted to get back into a Jeep. Something about the 4.0 and good ol' simple, practical, and modular Jeeps.
I also decided I wanted the best; so it was 4.0, 4x4, NBS, and MANUAL! :guns:
Turns out that is VERY hard to find!!!

So during a year of searching (yes really, I had to get rides to get about or borrow the better half's Firebird), I gave up and started looking for other cheap SUV's with the same drivetrain; manual, 4x4, etc. Sometimes I would bend and go look at XJ's with autos or 2.5l but would always come home empty handed. Buddy told me to give up as I was "destined for a pink tricycle with rainbow tassels". So I did when I came across a 97 Rodeo; V6, 4x4, manual for only $1k. After much debate with the owner I found out he had just left for college the week prior and would still have to unpack to find the title. The truck was still only a couple hours away at his fathers home, so I could still see it, buy it , get it. After a couple of weeks he determines the title is lost and applies for lost title. Few weeks later his father gets the title and then he mails to the son. So after much time has past we finally get all situated; father now has signed title in hand! I am determined to get this thing, I am committed! Out of just random curiosity, I decide to check Craigslist one more time before heading out. Mind you this is over a year of searching on CL across the state on nearly an everyday basis. And the literal minute before stepping out of the office door to get another vehicle, I finally see my Unicorn!

Two hours later and $1400 poorer;

http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2016_0...4f92389b08.jpg

http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2016_0...3c0d0ccf8c.jpg

Cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, keyless entry, full power moonroof, Chrysler 8.25, and coil over plugs ignition. Even harder to find – Zero rust!

Clutch had always been crazy stiff. And on my way back from vacation; boom goes throwout bearing!
Turns out the shaft the TB rides on actually broke in half; -$200, install -$500, and the tires right before the trip -$700.
About two weeks later, I drop a core plug and overheat BADLY before I even notice anything has happened :(

Core plug;

http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2016_0...038a6d9a45.jpg

Galled Cyl #2

http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2016_0...8a6d9a45_2.jpg

Lets not forget the core and evap install just before the trip;

http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2016_0...3baa0e2d37.jpg

So far, she hates me...

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...7be467ed3b.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...b1db2f7b90.jpg


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...d9e16876d4.jpg

Making Progress!!! :D

Wasn't this the one in Broward?
Nice pick up though hope you get good progress going...

I do believe I did pick this up in Broward, tho not entirely sure.
I do remember towing it down i595 toward i95

You seen it on CL as well?
SFW lol

That engine is a thing of beauty.
Do work!!!

Thank you sir! Hopefully she can stay that way!

Soon to be at my buddies house!
Got a good friend going to help and I get to use some damned concrete!


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...8e8ffb2f81.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...8a7067726b.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...5801df65ab.jpg

Today marks exactly one year :O

Progress has been made!

http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2017_0...02be65eb_2.jpg

http://www.use.com/images/s_3/2017_0...c602be65eb.jpg

Now to get a new alternator, somehow this one is completely locked up and the case itself is broken. Wonder if the ZJ one would work... Ill compare

Little ticked the shop the installed the clutch not only reused the E-torx (after telling them to replace them), but also nearly stripped them out. Hopefully I can find replacements today.

New alt... $130

New engine now has all accessories and clutch installed. Basically now ready to install in the engine bay. Wish me luck


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...f0881b008c.jpg


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...454cf5e31d.jpg

How does this even happen?!

She lives!!!!!
Now more problems lol
Got literally one lot away from friends house before the brake on rear driver locked up. Thought it was the TC at first (see below). Went to hit it with hammer and cut the valve stem. Put on spare... flat. lmfao

Link for TC must have fell out when we were moving the trans up and down, so gotta take care of that this weekend. Total pro at moving the trans up and down :D

Brakes feel terrible and have death wobble; it's not too bad, but it's there.

Damned XJ was supposed to be a cheap fun ride... got the fun part :O

Talk about a unicorn, it's great what you find on craigslist when you AREN'T looking.

It's too late now, but you should have done brakes while you were doing the engine :icon_wink:

I do wish mine was a manual though, and I really want those wheels. My steel ones are all rusty on the inside. Also since my last update on my build thread, I bought my brother-in-law a similar black 2000 XJ and had to rebuild that one too. I guess it's a Jeep thing.