Hello all,
I am trying to build a nice DD/ light wheeling XJ from a clapped-out P.O.S. 170k-mile Craigslist special, on a budget! I'm going to try to document as much of the work as possible and I will keep an updated link to the current build index in my sig.
So far the lift is done as of last weekend... Thanks to
members Cnickgo, UNCC_99XJ and J Pugh, the project finally shows promise.
Planned updates are for the following, in no particular order (but pretty darned close):
Mechanical issues:
Suspension and lift w/ full leaf pack. (done 2/18/2012)
Fan clutch for temp climbing while stopped (done 2/18/2012)
ZJ Tie Rod upgrade (done 2/18/2012)
Battery cables and ground cables.
Coolant flush.
Fluid changes. (diff, trans x3, oil...)
Headlamp upgrade, cheap and bright.
Fix reverse lights, Tim said probably the N/S switch needs cleaning
Get the blower motor working.
Fix exterior leaks and passenger front window regulator.
Fix rust and reinstall carpet.
Bump stops.
Aux lighting.
Optima battery, not sure which one yet.
ZJ discs + rear locker or 8.8 w/discs... ?
*U-joints at the same time.
31 inch tires, probably BFG ATs but open to suggestions.
*Replace lugs and probably studs. Mine have been WAY overtorqued.
*Maybe some Eccos at the same time.
Somewhere in there, fix the cosmetic issues:
Clearance the fenders and raise the flares, going for OEM+ look here.
Get most of the dents out, but I'd rather have a small wave than a hunk of filler.
Recover headliner.
Budget speaker upgrade, doors and soundbar.
LED lighting wherever reasonable.
Clean and re-dye the interior parts if necessary.
ZJ seat upgrade.
Replace grille.
Replace and possibly upgrade bumpers.
Fix peeling door window moldings (the black plastic covered chrome pieces)
Paint.
Windshield.
...And that's all I can remember for now. It's a big project, and the result will be a very mild rig. I know I could've started with a nicer late-model, but I like older vehicles and OBD1 was a must for me.
Please feel free to discuss, criticize and make suggestions, even if the thread goes way off-topic I'll keep the index link updated in my sig. Stay tuned for updates and wish me luck!
--Jay
I am trying to build a nice DD/ light wheeling XJ from a clapped-out P.O.S. 170k-mile Craigslist special, on a budget! I'm going to try to document as much of the work as possible and I will keep an updated link to the current build index in my sig.
So far the lift is done as of last weekend... Thanks to

Planned updates are for the following, in no particular order (but pretty darned close):
Mechanical issues:
Suspension and lift w/ full leaf pack. (done 2/18/2012)
Fan clutch for temp climbing while stopped (done 2/18/2012)
ZJ Tie Rod upgrade (done 2/18/2012)
Battery cables and ground cables.
Coolant flush.
Fluid changes. (diff, trans x3, oil...)
Headlamp upgrade, cheap and bright.
Fix reverse lights, Tim said probably the N/S switch needs cleaning
Get the blower motor working.
Fix exterior leaks and passenger front window regulator.
Fix rust and reinstall carpet.
Bump stops.
Aux lighting.
Optima battery, not sure which one yet.
ZJ discs + rear locker or 8.8 w/discs... ?
*U-joints at the same time.
31 inch tires, probably BFG ATs but open to suggestions.
*Replace lugs and probably studs. Mine have been WAY overtorqued.
*Maybe some Eccos at the same time.
Somewhere in there, fix the cosmetic issues:
Clearance the fenders and raise the flares, going for OEM+ look here.
Get most of the dents out, but I'd rather have a small wave than a hunk of filler.
Recover headliner.
Budget speaker upgrade, doors and soundbar.
LED lighting wherever reasonable.
Clean and re-dye the interior parts if necessary.
ZJ seat upgrade.
Replace grille.
Replace and possibly upgrade bumpers.
Fix peeling door window moldings (the black plastic covered chrome pieces)
Paint.
Windshield.
...And that's all I can remember for now. It's a big project, and the result will be a very mild rig. I know I could've started with a nicer late-model, but I like older vehicles and OBD1 was a must for me.
Please feel free to discuss, criticize and make suggestions, even if the thread goes way off-topic I'll keep the index link updated in my sig. Stay tuned for updates and wish me luck!
--Jay
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