Zap the 98 XJ Build
 

Hello everybody! I had a build over on Jeepforum but I dont use that site anymore so I decided to put my build herel=.

Im going to use this to document everything I have and will do to the Jeep.

I would like to thank chris87xj from Jeepforum for the name.


ANYWAYS It all started back in April 2011. My grandmother lent me some money so I bought a CJ7 for $500.

I completely took it apart with plans to restore, but it would have cost more to put back together and get driveable then i was willing to spend.

Then in November 2011 I bought a 87 MJ Comanche from a friend for $200.

Well during the summer of 2012 I parted out the CJ7 so I could buy a Jeep in better condition.

After I had saved some money, I started searching Craigslist.

In mid August 2012 I found a 98 XJ with a busted transfercase for $1000.

It had:
4.0 (201,202 Miles)
AW4
NP242
HPD30
D35 (ABS)

Here are the pics that were on the Ad.
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I went and picked it up for $750 and $50 in gas.

After I had it all loaded up on the trailer, I noticed the steel skidplate.

I realized it had the UpCountry package, I later found out it has the UpCountry package, Tow package, and the Police package.

Here is a short description of each:

UpCountry- Steering, transfercase, and gas tank steel skidplates. Also LSD.

Tow- Hitch and light hookups on rear. 3.73 Gears.

Police- Vinyl floor, Ext Idle Switch, and 195 HP of raw 4.0 Power

it was apparently a game wardens vehicle at some point.

After I got it home I started to really inspect it. I drove it around the neighborhood some in 4LO since it was going to need a new T/C anyways.
Pics after I got it home:
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I gave the whole Jeep a good cleaning and got all the crap out of it.
I then got it stuck in mud in my yard. Front end sunk down and my front tires are bald. Not a good combo.

Well in September, after I had the Jeep about 2 or 3 weeks, I went to Pull-A-Part in Charlotte.
I got a NP242 from a 97 ZJ. While I was under said ZJ I made a stupid mistake. I didnt support the crossmember. I was laying under there and took a small break and slid out from under it only slightly. The transfercase and trans dropped and would of sqaushed my head if i hadnt of moved. Stupid me. Lesson learned.
I also grabbed:
- battery box
- 97- sound bar (mine only came with front 2)
- Wiring and speakers from a 97+ sound bar
- Transmission pan
I spent $116 dollars.

I then went to Advance Auto Parts and picked up stuff for a oil change, transmission filter change (since I had to put new pan on anyways), ATF, and stuff for both Differentials.
The next weekend I got the transfercase and transmission pan in. I also put in the soundbar and speakers.
I still havent got around to the battery box.
The weekend after that I changed:
- The rear diff fluid
- Engine oil (Had low oil pressure and low oil. Was fixed by changing.)

And then I started chasing down other problems.
I replaced the radiator cap with one that was sitting around, and that fixed one problem. I forgot what was wrong but it fixed it.
Also I kept hearing a loud banging when it was being driven.
Turns out the exhaust WASNT CONNECTED and was banging around. My dad welded it for me.
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I then took off the sway bar links since it is rarely driven on the road or at speeds over 25MPH.

Since then ive just been driving it once a week or so through the neighborhood. Soon im going to go get it insured so it can be driven on the road and im going to make/buy disconnects.

Very recently I turned my flares back black.
Here are some before pics:
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And After:
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I did this for FREE.
I took a heat gun to it. It looks like crap in those pics BUT after sitting like that for a couple of days they look better.
They arent perfect but they look pretty good IMO.

At this time I had about $1100 in this Jeep.


Here are some more recent pics:
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I was in Wal-Mart and my dad called and said he was taking my Jeep to go get hay for our horses, and the temp shot up to 230, then after a minute went back down, and then came back up a couple minutes later and he barley got it home.

Well I got home and checked it out.

I ended up flushing it, new 180 degree thermostat, and a new radiator cap.

i love your XJ it's gorgeous

Well a couple days ago, I had nothing to do since it was a Saturday. Decided to find something.

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Took the seat out.


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Center Console

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Pulled up the Vinyl...

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Was gettting late so I was putting the tools back in the building, and found four fire extinguishers. I found one with a mount and...

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Then the next day I welded in some new metal.

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My crappy welds

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Then Bondo

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Well that brings me to the present. Im going to sand down the Bondo, and prime it and soon with Hurculine the floor.


Soon im going to have some big changes coming...

Thank you! :thumbup:

of course, I'm ready to see where you are gonna take this build

Subscribed!

Well for the next couple days I aint going to be doing much to it. Hopefully I will be making a trip to Pull-A-Part this weekend or the next.

Im thinking about 99+ Intake and 703 Injectors. Maybe a new set of foglights too.

Grab some ZJ tie rod and a Durango steering box

get the 784 injectors

Why? Even though he plan to get the 99 manifold, the wiring is still ev-1 so the 703s will be fine.

Awesome XJ. never saw one with factory vinyl flooring--but I see it didn't stop your floorboards from rusting. I plan on Herculining in the spring (98 Sport) so I will definitely be following your progress. Please post preparation details since I know that's the most important step.

Check your windshield for leaks...I discovered mine is leaking and my passenger floorboard gets soaked. I'm scared of what I will find under there when I rip the carpet up.