Dino's 99XJ build thread... It begins!

[Dino's 99XJ]

So I figured it is time to get a build thread going on the new-to-me XJ, it has only been a few weeks since I purchased it but so much has happened and is happening soon. The XJ is a 99 Limited with 152,000 on her, I found it on AutoTrader and ended up giving $3900 for it in stock condition (I was extremely picky and could have paid less for one, but wanted a specific color in the limited package). Here she is the week I brought her home -

It was only a few days before the ordering began, I started with a 3" RC lift w/new leaf packs and decided on the 13' Rubicon wheels/tires go with, I picked those due to the color I am going with during the build. After the install she was sitting like this -

I found instantly that I didn't like the lack of flexability with the fenders in the way so I go to tearing it down! A few hours later and tons of rusty/dirty bolts and nuts taken off it looked like this -

Ofcourse that is not the end of the work on those fenders, the front will be chopped soon and the rear will also have some work heading its way. I went with the 3" for the fact this will be a DD and weekend wheeler/camping vehicle (for now). The end plan is something like 4.5" with 33's and locked front and rear with a bunch of other goodies.

I picked up the Jeep and went to work on the typical new (used car) style repairs such as fluids, filters, plugs, wires, etc.. It is running good but it now needs some TLC on the u-joints, motor mounts, etc., to help with the comfortability.

There will be plenty of side projects on the Jeep and constant change, I hope ya'll enjoy the build and the transformation as she becomes a very capable Jeep. No name as of yet, so she inherited my previous Jeeps - Dino's 99XJ - until I figure it out.

Enjoy, Dino

 

[Dino's 99XJ]

While pulling off the fenders I decided I would try to figure out the HVAC only blowing through the defrost, and found these two little issues -
completely broken ---

the vacuum line from the canister is completely cut about 8 inches down the hose.
and this line-

this line was not nearly as bad but in need of repair..

I went to AutoZone and picked up some rubber hose and cut and spliced both lines but this HVAC system is still not operating correctly, so I must have another leak somewhere..

The radio resets to 12:00 and the am stations everytime I turn off the Jeep, so I need to figure that out also. Plan is to change the stereo and speakers asap, but want to make sure the electrical system is ok first.

Any ideas on the HVAC or stereo?

 

[Dino's 99XJ]

got some goodies in the mail and more on the way! I ordered this beauty from RC also -

had to get that new HD tierod for two reasons, one I want the strength and second I wanted a spare anyway..
Also got this in this week -

front locker for the Dana 30, figured I would start there and hit the back later. That came from a vendor - RWK Haus Supply, great knowledge and customer service.

 

[in4aride]

RWK is a great vendor for sure. Youll like the spartan, beat on the one ine my 30 with 35's and it held up great. It is SUPER noisy at first, dont worry, it will subside.
#" is plenty enough for the 33's and not limiting too much on 33's, plus I think It looks great at that height, tire combo.
What TRE's go in that HD tie rod?
I Love love love the look of the new JK wheels on there. Man they look great!!

Stereo check to where it is powered to. Wonder if someone pulled it out at some point and wired it to an ignition powered wire only and no constant power line?

 

[Dino's 99XJ]

I had not planned on changing the factory TRE's out, they look like they are still holding grease so I will leanve them there until they wear out or bust open. I will probably at some point get new ones once other components are done on the build. I will have to look at a couple 3" with 33's I figured if these 31's are so tight the 33's would be miserable, but I do want a LCOG Jeep so I might squeeze them in if possible when these wear out.

I will be pulling out the dash soon to see what is back there, hopefullt it is just something simple and I hope the HVAC system is just stuck to defrost and I can get it loose.

 

[in4aride]

3.5" and 33's

Same lift and tire size

I think upgrading to a larger TRE would be a good decision. The stock ones dont take much to destroy.

 

[Dino's 99XJ]

I am suprised at the amount of space looking at that and looking at mine, but my tires are a measurable 31.8" so I guess a 32 is safe to say when comparing those two. Good to know, I didn't want to have to go sky high again like on my last XJ since this one will be used much more in a city environment.

I will look into the new TRE's, anyone have brand or suplier they recomend? I haven't bought upgraded TRE's in like 6 years for a Jeep..

Thanks

 

[in4aride]

Most convert to a 1ton TRE for street used but heavier duty. Heims are another good choice, but for a mostly DD can feel a bit stiff and require more maintenace - usually

Ya most 33's measure under 33" when mounted so you are not far off a 33" tire size. And it does look awesome how it is.

 

[rckymtnguy]

I have the same problem with my HVAC, haven't taken the time to look into it, but I will let you know if I figure it out.

 

[YELLAHEEP]

I will be pulling out the dash soon to see what is back there, hopefullt it is just something simple and I hope the HVAC system is just stuck to defrost and I can get it loose.

Slow down dude!

Don't be pulling a dash..... all the components you need to access are on either side of the HVAC box above either side of the trans hump, or behind the control panel.

It's not unheard of for the vac. cluster fitting on the back of the control panel to come loose and lose vacuum/leak. Especially if someone has been jacking around with stereo installation and what not. Check to ensure it's plugged in and listen for hissing when the engine is running.

Use a length of vacuum hose and manually test the vac. actuators for the blend doors under the dash. If they're leaking, they won't move, or may move a bit but won't hold position.

 

[Dino's 99XJ]

I didn't mean the whole dash, the center portion since the radio is screwed and I will be replacing it and checking the power connections for constant power since it resets itself every time I turn the Jeep off. I figured when whoever was back there screwed around they must have messed something up or pulled something loose.. Hopefully a simple fix, -13 this morning in Glenwood with heat only up top and none on my freezing cold seats and steering wheel.. It sucked!

 

[Dino's 99XJ]

I have the same problem with my HVAC, haven't taken the time to look into it, but I will let you know if I figure it out.

please do. thanks

 

[Dino's 99XJ]

UPS left this for me last night! Looks like s Sunday of football and working on the Jeep!!

The odd U-bolt is one that RC had to send me since they only sent three with the lift..

 

[in4aride]

Parts are always nice.

 

[Dino's 99XJ]

Ya it means fun with the Jeep this weekend! I love Jeep time

 

[Dino's 99XJ]

Got a little done on Sunday, decided to start with the rear of the Jeep and work my way forward. Started by removing all of the factory fenders and bumper end-caps-

Then came prep time for my fenders to get painted up -(ya sanding sucks!)-

Decided to bondo the left over holes after cutting and removing the cap -

On to paint time! Turned out pretty good actually -

 

[Dino's 99XJ]

without the tape -

decided to do the kick rails real quick while I was on a role -

I ended my evening with the rear extended brake line by RC, it was a somewhat smooth install, by then it was dinner time and 8 hours had passed.. until next time..

Still have to cut and prep the front fenders and paint those and then hit the rear bumper and new end caps I ordered and figure out the front bumper for now.

Other goodies that arrived will be on soon also hopefully!

 

[xj5280]

Looks great keep up the good work!

 

[DutchVDub]

Looks great man. Any plans to add aftermarket fender flares and armor or are you just going to leave it as is?

 

[Dino's 99XJ]

Looks great keep up the good work!

thanks man!