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Thanks.... the DVD/Nav system was the first thing I've been able to do on the XJ that was a want and not a need because something broke. Been doing so much fixing of broken things lately that it was kinda nice to take the time to do this one.
Thanks.... the DVD/Nav system was the first thing I've been able to do on the XJ that was a want and not a need because something broke. Been doing so much fixing of broken things lately that it was kinda nice to take the time to do this one.
Nice when you can do stuff that you want to and don't have to huh? My '00, bought about 4 years ago, was a kind of running but not driveable deal. Once I got it running and driveable performed a bunch of stuff we will call maintenance. Brakes, shocks, and the like. That is what led me to these forums. Looking for a little insight on how to get stuff done. Just supposed to be a little refresh. I did a few while we are here type things. Like when I did my rear brakes I replaced everything. Probably could have gotten by with shoes, drums, and a hardware kit though. Pretty fortunate with what I have had to do to my Jeep. Anyway poking around these forums I see all the cool stuff you guys were doing. How you improved on your Jeeps. Headlight and battery harness upgrades, '98 5.9 GC louvers in the hood, etc. Also all the factory options that my Jeep did not come with that made me go "Whoa I want that." Overhead consoles, power heated seats, cruise control, etc. Then I start finding stuff on Craigslist and Ebay. So my little refresh turned into this will it ever be done thing. Just want you guys to know I blame you all for this. LOL.
Okay.. so we all know that it's "pics or it didn't happen" lol... so here's the latest all done.... I think it turned out pretty well. It was a royal PITA, but worth the time. Still a few more finishing touches to put on it, but 95% done.
So awhile back I picked up an extra factory rear tow hook. Jeep appears to not make one for the passenger side. Just the one for the driver's. The holes are there on the passenger side so I got the dumb idea to see if it could happen. My friend used his newer plasma cutter to separate the bracket so part of it could be moved over. When the weather gets nice I will see if it will actually work. Needs to line up with the existing holes, clear the gas tank skid, and tailpipe. When I mock it up and if everything is good he will clean it all up and reweld it for me.
I finally got my wiring figured out so I can use a factory fog light switch for my led light bar on the bumper. My xj did not come with fog lights, so I picked up the panel and switch at the jy. Thanks to my wire tracker I got at harbor freight. Now the light bar works independently without the key on. It was pretty simple...I placed a jumper in the fuse box and attached the trigger wire to the blue wire behind the drivers side headlight. I used the wiring harness that came with the light bar. It had one of those stupid stick on push button switches with 3 wires (I only used the red wire). I ended up cutting the yellow wire off of the relay since I'm not using that switch. I only had to run wires under the hood. Oh and I removed the cigarette lighter for an eBay usb plug. Now I just have to tidy up and secure the wires then I'm done for today.
Nice when you can do stuff that you want to and don't have to huh? My '00, bought about 4 years ago, was a kind of running but not driveable deal. Once I got it running and driveable performed a bunch of stuff we will call maintenance. Brakes, shocks, and the like. That is what led me to these forums. Looking for a little insight on how to get stuff done. Just supposed to be a little refresh. I did a few while we are here type things. Like when I did my rear brakes I replaced everything. Probably could have gotten by with shoes, drums, and a hardware kit though. Pretty fortunate with what I have had to do to my Jeep. Anyway poking around these forums I see all the cool stuff you guys were doing. How you improved on your Jeeps. Headlight and battery harness upgrades, '98 5.9 GC louvers in the hood, etc. Also all the factory options that my Jeep did not come with that made me go "Whoa I want that." Overhead consoles, power heated seats, cruise control, etc. Then I start finding stuff on Craigslist and Ebay. So my little refresh turned into this will it ever be done thing. Just want you guys to know I blame you all for this. LOL.
LOL.... what's the saying? oh yeah.....'Buy a Jeep they said, It'll be fun they said" .... didn't plan on modding mine at all... but after having to deal with so much maintenance since the PO of mine was a complete moron that shouldn't be allowed to own a vehicle ever..... I figured if I'm putting this much time/money into parts she needs, I'm gonna do a few nice upgrade touches on her too.
Originally Posted by Bugout4x4
Yep... Looks great man!
Thanks... took like 4 hours. Had to cut/mod inside to make it fit. Damn 1.5 din. lol
Guess what?, you still bought a Jeep. You're still redeemed. Lol. Sweet looking though. Is the rear frame rusted out around the front hangars?
Lol, thanks man.
Oddly no, the damage is bad, but only at the rear shackle area/rear bumper mounts. And of course the upper shock mounts are done for... though the frame there is still rock solid.
Nice thing though, sale included a nice frame back-half, and new shock mounts. Just gotta do the work.
LOL.... what's the saying? oh yeah.....'Buy a Jeep they said, It'll be fun they said" .... didn't plan on modding mine at all... but after having to deal with so much maintenance since the PO of mine was a complete moron that shouldn't be allowed to own a vehicle ever..... I figured if I'm putting this much time/money into parts she needs, I'm gonna do a few nice upgrade touches on her too.
You hit on one of the reasons that I bought the jeep I bought. Besides the getting it kinda cheap bit. I am the third owner and the previous 2 did not mess with the Jeep. I could tell the second owner did not even change his own oil. Bone stock, all there, not abused but neglected a bit. So despite head issues and CA Emissions decided to take a chance. Also the body and interior being in OK shape figured I would have a good platform.
