Pensacola_XJ

After owning my XJ since 98, and slowly working on it, figured it was time to share some experiences...

Pensacola_XJ

After going through newbie, ignorant phase, I initially lifted with spacers which my leafs didn't like

Pensacola_XJ

Couple years later, came across a 3" rough country lift at the local junk yard: add a leafs and lift springs, just no lower control arms

Pensacola_XJ

Eventually did find lower control arms to better position the front axle, on Craigslist. Drove to Mobile and figured out the lift part for his TJ worked perfectly for me since it was just over an inch longer

Pensacola_XJ

Jumping ahead several steps...upped to 31's, lift shackle in the rear, custom welded bumper, and yakima rack, cut n fold fender wells

Pensacola_XJ

Before cutnfold

Pensacola_XJ

After cutnfold

Pensacola_XJ

Sway bar discos bought from someone locally. Didn't tell me it was for a 6" lift. Have since moved the bracket from below the sway bar to on top to keep it from hitting the top of the wheel well. Work fine that way

Pensacola_XJ

Quick insert of a pending project. Picked up from salvage yard. Not sure when I'll get to this project

Pensacola_XJ

Poser pic of what things look like currently

Pensacola_XJ

Now onto the good stuff!! Recently picked up this 87 MJ from an Air Force fellow who also recently acquired from someone in AL. Any details as to who has had their hand in building this/stripping this would be appreciated. Details to follow

Pensacola_XJ

So...essentially 6" RC long arm lift all the goodies. Currently have it all off with exception of transfer case, but taking my time with the axles. Front d30 has upgraded shafts but the housing looks like it's sat exposed in a salvage yard for years. Not sure if I want to tackle picking out the shaft and ring/pinion to put in my current d30

Pensacola_XJ

Rear is a d44 with 456. Currently tackling the pinion bearings. After taking it all out, questioning if I needed to cause not sure if I just needed to tighten the pinion nut: had some play. Either way, the pinion seal was bad. Thinking will just try to tighten the nut to a "close" preload level and obtain a new outer seal

Pensacola_XJ

Also intend on obtaining a disc brake kit from the salvage yard. Theoretically seems straight forward, but would appreciate any input from anyone.

Pensacola_XJ

The old MJ also had this, a custom welded bumper! The brackets were exactly the length needed for my XJ, making me believe someone stripped an XJ and put the parts on the MJ. The bumper was just welded onto the MJ previously. Had fun cutting that baby out but it was worth it. Will be installing additional backup lights from my old fogs that used to be up front on the stock bumper