2000 XJ - Daily Driver/Expedition Build

[Redsnake]

I had to open up the holes are the rear cover for the bolts to line up. I had to do this on both the cover AND the lube locker gasket. I tried to mount each separate and both were off by a c hair. What are the odds?

Interesting... I had 1 bolt hole that didn't quite line up on my Rigid 8.25 cover. Perhaps the quality control is part of why they're so much 'cheaper' to buy than many other makers.

 

[Tony_SS]

And I'm fine with that... I'll drill the thing out a bit to save $50 on a cover.

 

[clean4drxj]

I have used and like the solid covers before and plan to with my hp44/9 but their Allen hardware is a bad idea, on my last pair of axles I bent the Allen head and it was hard to take the cover off, I would just use a grade 8 bolt instead.

 

[Tony_SS]

I have used and like the solid covers before and plan to with my hp44/9 but their Allen hardware is a bad idea, on my last pair of axles I bent the Allen head and it was hard to take the cover off, I would just use a grade 8 bolt instead.

I had bought some hex bolts but I couldn't fit a socket over them in some places so I didn't use them. There should be some rounded bolts heads out there with an allen fitting to avoid the others from getting damaged.

 

[Tony_SS]

Core 4x4 Track Bar and Double Shear Bracket install
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151249398806?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Since I'm only lifted 4 inches I did not want to run a drop bracket.. luckily these guys make one and they sell it with a track bar. Their bar is BEEFY! It makes the RE1600 look like a toothpick. I love that is uses a Currie Johnny Joint as well. I'm extremely happy with this product.. NO, they did not give me a free one to say that! The bracket fits PERFECT. It does not touch my springs or disco's. The ride is very much improved over the old setup.

 

[Jeepedo129]

Looks good. Double shear TBs are much nicer. What made you want to switch? Since your RE TB was already an adjustable one?

 

[Tony_SS]

Looks good. Double shear TBs are much nicer. What made you want to switch? Since your RE TB was already an adjustable one?

I never had any issues, I just was not confident in the TRE on the factory bracket. It was very loose when I took it off at less than a year old. I found the Core setup and figured it would be an upgrade all around over what I had.

The Core TB itself weighed more than my old TB and factory bracket combined. It rides a lot nicer now. Very firm and stable.

I'm considering their short arms, if I don't go long arm.

 

[Jeepguy03]

Wow that track bar is pure beef!

 

[Jeepedo129]

I never had any issues, I just was not confident in the TRE on the factory bracket. It was very loose when I took it off at less than a year old. I found the Core setup and figured it would be an upgrade all around over what I had.

The Core TB itself weighed more than my old TB and factory bracket combined. It rides a lot nicer now. Very firm and stable.

I'm considering their short arms, if I don't go long arm.

Gotcha, double shear joints should last longer in theory, and for that price looks like it was worth it. Looks like a nice setup.

 

[Tony_SS]

33" Cooper STT's installed.... they ride really nice for an aggressive tire! I think they really fit the lift now. 4.10's are not too bad either on them. I turn 2300 rpm at 70mph and that is verified through GPS and a ScanGaugeII.

 

[TroopThrowbackt]

Looks good! Any word on fuel economy with those gears/tires?

 

[Tony_SS]

Looks good! Any word on fuel economy with those gears/tires?

Last tank I averaged 13.5

 

[95silverstallion]

Your XJ is looking fantastic. What headlights are those?

 

[95silverstallion]

IDK...maybe the headlights are stockers and the clear marker lights are making then look different.

 

[Tony_SS]

Well folks, I guess the XJ is heading for ebay. I bought a JK and can not afford them both so.... it's going to be bittersweet to let it go.

Your XJ is looking fantastic. What headlights are those?

Autopal IIFC

 

[Jeepedo129]

What!? Dang that was fast.

Now who am I going to sell my bumper to? Haha

 

[Tony_SS]

What!? Dang that was fast.

Now who am I going to sell my bumper to? Haha

Well you are out of luck Mark at Detours just got finished with one for me and its being shipped out as we speak. It looks freakin amazing too.

I don't know what to do.. I don't need 2 Jeeps. I've been wanting a Gecko Green and one popped up with all the options I wanted at a good deal so I jumped.

It's going to be hard to let the XJ go. Not sure if I will!

 

[Jeepedo129]

Haha it's all good! I'm sure you're JK will look sweet!


I'd like to see the bumper you had made.

 

[Boosted]

Very nice build! Too bad you are selling it....

 

[Tony_SS]

I don't know if I'm selling or not... still on the fence.. it's hard to let go!

Here's the new bumper that's in the mail.. made from the legendary Detours Backbone..