I appologize if I don't do this exactly right. I'm really just wanting to do this build thread so I can keep track of when exactly I did every last little thing to my jeep along the way. That way hopefully years from now I can look back and see how far it's came and what all my hard work has done in the long run.

So first of all the name, "Steve". I named my XJ this after the character "Steve the Pirate" from the movie Dodgeball. Why? You ask. Because I couldn't think of anything better and couldn't stand leaving the "name" space blank when I created my account (and had recently watched Dodgeball again). So yeah, there's that.

I got this XJ a little under a year ago now after selling my Mustang GT conv for something a little more offroad capable seeing as how I've always loved riding utility atv's on trails and such. I settled on getting a Jeep after overhauling the engine of a 50's keiser *****'s in my auto shop class during college. I chose a XJ 4 door because I'd always loved the body style, and because once me and my wife have kids there's room so I won't have to sell it When I bought it the RC lift (3" in the rear, 5" in the front) had JUST been installed, as well as the 31" Mastercraft M/Ts. I wish I could've afforded some used A/Ts at the time I bought it so that I didn't wear out the M/Ts delivering pizza (yup, that's my job. Just happy I have one though in this wonderful economy) Today though I found some Timberline A/Ts on stock XJ wheels on craigslist for $275 with about 80% tread on them. My 31s are now locked in the garage waiting for trips to Brick's Offroad Park and Turkey Bay once I get her armored up a little more (Skids, front and rear bumper, and sliders. Just don't wanna chance it and go before I get those things done. All of which will just be built by my Dad and me because I can't afford the other way haha).

As for what I've done to my XJ so far. Pretty much just repairs. Replaced brake cylinders, new clutch kit, fixed broken wires so all 4 speakers worked again, and some other stuff but you get the idea. That kinda stuff.

Future plans when $$$ allows them are to buy the metal to do the front and rear bumpers and some sliders. I already have the D rings sitting here ready for the bumpers. I'd like to get a few things protected with skidplates (homemade of course) before I take her to Turkey Bay or anything. This is my DD so I gotta be kinda careful with her. I kinda wanna put some slightly better speakers in as well, probably just some of lower end Kickers most likely with my MTX Thunder series amp I have left over from my Mustang. Also I currently am waiting for a part to come in the mail, just a little grommet the links things up so I can swap into 4H, 4L and such. I guess we broke it when we did the clutch last month

Here's a picture of the new Timberlines I bought today (sorry, rain from Issac made it hard to get a decent pic)
Here's the kinda dumb paintjob I did on my stock diff. Figured it fit well since I named it after Steve the Pirate
And lastly, here's just a pic of "Steve" with the M/Ts on
Gotta love rear end angle shots of XJ's

 

Hey man, "Steve" is a clean XJ. The diff is hilarious. Gotta love Dodgeball, lol! Now, how can we work a deal on some pizza?

Welcome to the forum and to Jeep-dom.

P.s. that's part of the reason i started a build thread too.

 

Good start on it. If you're getting all armored up, don't forget new diff covers! (You can paint those as well)