EugeneTheTJ's 2000 XJ Build Thread

[EugeneTheTJ]

Been working on the heep some more the past two days. Installed some JCR nutstrips and got rid of the bent factory ones. (Not so) funny thing is I managed to bend the JCR ones on the passenger side but still managed to get everything buttoned up.

Also, reinstalled the hitch. In the process of all this I broke the **** out of my exhaust hanger clamp so a quick trip to O'Reilly's later and now I got me a shiny new one.

Hopefully everything back there is good now and I don't believe I will have to remove the gas tank heat shield (think the rattles are gone).

An obligatory just pulled out of the garage glamour pose:

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

And the most important mod to date:

 

[md21722]

What lift height did you end up with? I like the way it looks with those 31" Coopers

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

What lift height did you end up with? I like the way it looks with those 31" Coopers

Thanks!

It is right at 2.5"

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

Spring time! No seriously, I installed the replacement leaf packs last weekend. They look much happier...

It gave me some more lift so I may have driveline vibes to deal with. Didn't take it for a test drive afterwards though so I'll just have to wait and see.

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

Also since my last activity on here I installed a bluetooth OBDII scanner and I am running the Torque engine diagnostics app. Yesterday I managed to get my hands on a Galaxy Tab 4 which is going be to dedicated for in vehicle overland use. Nailing down the Ram Mount configuration now.

 

[xeroOTG]

I can't wait to see what you come up with to hold your tablet!

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

Lots of updates...
(1)Picked up some JK shocks for $10 (actually got 6 for $10, 2 front and 4 rear). Much better ride and better suited for my lift height.

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

(2) Picked up some tow hook brackets. Install was a pain but proper recovery points is priceless. $10

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

Also took the XJ on its inaugural offroad run.

Full trip report here

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

Also installed a CB system but no pics right now.

 

[BENERTEL]

what brand roof rack is that? looks really nice

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

what brand roof rack is that? looks really nice

Not sure of the actual manufacturer but it is sold as a Cabela's rack. Super cheap and the exact same as competitor's racks.

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

I was jealous of the little details in my wife's JK so this had to happen. Thanks @Tony_SS !

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

Picked up this beauty last night. After all, what would an expedition/overland XJ be without an ARB Bullbar? :shhh:

Picked up a gas tank skid with it, too!

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

BUH BAM

I had some KCs laying around that I threw on there, too. I'm gonna wire them and run the harness to the stock fog light switch so it looks factory.

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

So it turns out I picked up a pre-97 gas tank skid. Looks like some sparks are going to be flying in my near future

 

[xeroOTG]

It is VERY do-able. Good luck!

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

It is VERY do-able. Good luck!

Took all afternoon but I got it on. I just cut out the "v" bend and bent the lip back. It should be plenty strong for what this Jeep will see. If I mangle it I'll just bend it back out and reweld a corner brace like you did!

 

[EugeneTheTJ]

Only issue is now the exhaust pipe u-bolt is slammed against the skid on the left and the pipe is barely touching the shackle bolt on the right.

I am hoping I can play with the hanger enough to get it back where it was but if not I guess I will have to have some new pipe bent back there. Just too much going on in a small area.