First time xj owner

[rocknxj]

I've got pics someplace buried in the 80 pages of the FB whowing what I've done, but you can also search for the Tomken TMW-1000 winch plate ($133 online). There are also removable plates with brush guards if you're into that. It simply mounts into the 2" reciever and provides a sturdy baseplate for your standard winch. I use the Warn quick disconnect for fast wiring hookup. I believe the QD was less than $30 bucks.

Piper says "Hi!"

 

[jeepcrazy530]

I've got pics someplace buried in the 80 pages of the FB whowing what I've done, but you can also search for the Tomken TMW-1000 winch plate ($133 online). There are also removable plates with brush guards if you're into that. It simply mounts into the 2" reciever and provides a sturdy baseplate for your standard winch. I use the Warn quick disconnect for fast wiring hookup. I believe the QD was less than $30 bucks.

Piper says "Hi!"

That is freaking cool too... so u just need to have something put in the front that accepts a 2in reciver?

I like the fact that its removable too!

 

[MaxxXJ]

Paid $50 for a 10 ft piece of 2x6

Fabbed this from 1/4" plate

This too

3/4" flat strap compliments of the oilfields (cut/drilled myself)

2x3 square tubing mounted next to the pinc seam and bolted to it, 1/4" plate welded to the unibody, 1x2 .250 wall tube for the tube between and 1x2 .250 wall outer piece, these are pretty beefy sliders IMO

 

[rocknxj]

That is freaking cool too... so u just need to have something put in the front that accepts a 2in reciver?

I like the fact that its removable too!

Here are a few more shots.

This first shot shows the Tomken winch plate all naked and ashamed. You can see how the winch will easily bolt to the plate.

Here is the QD connector.

This is more of a distant shot showing the winch on the non-winch bumper. Some don't like this look but it works for me as it does not sit on the Jeep full time exposed to weather and thieving asshats, and I'm not having to haul it around every day.

And finally, this last shot shows the non-winch bumper without winch installed. You can use the receiver for any number of items.

 

[jeepcrazy530]

Here are a few more shots.

This first shot shows the Tomken winch plate all naked and ashamed. You can see how the winch will easily bolt to the plate.

Here is the QD connector.

This is more of a distant shot showing the winch on the non-winch bumper. Some don't like this look but it works for me as it does not sit on the Jeep full time exposed to weather and thieving asshats, and I'm not having to haul it around every day.

And finally, this last shot shows the non-winch bumper without winch installed. You can use the receiver for any number of items.

Was talking to buddy mine tonight he mentioned a co worker his has this exact setup and he's able to move it to the rear if he wants too! That is hands down the best setup IMO self recovery from front interchangeable to the rear.

 

[jeepcrazy530]

Started getting jeep ready to cut around the fenders..started thinking of couple other things it needs to wheel besides new motor mounts

Sway bar disconnects any ideas?

Thinking about wheel spacers to get little more width

Do I need to protect anything underneath as far as a skid plate?

Sorry if this is turning into more of my build thread but plans short term are

Trim fenders to fit 33"s

Address suspension trackbar,discos,

Lock front

Trailgear rock sliders

Solid diff cover (axles need service bad)

Rest is maintenance

Wheel it mabe a bumper/stinger w winch

Next phase if I I do will be 35"s taller more complete lift..rear 9in axle gears mabe lock the rear or LSD,
Caged rear bumper, OD green paint job but well see

 

[rocknxj]

Sway bar disconnects any ideas? JKS Discos or make your own.

Thinking about wheel spacers to get little more width Rims with proper backspace is best for restoring lost steering, but you'll be fine with spacers for now (despite what everyone else will tell you). Use loctite and check torque often. Still, though, spacers cost about the same as a cheap set of steel rims.

Do I need to protect anything underneath as far as a skid plate? JCR Offroad TC skid is good as it provides full width protection and bolts to the front of the crossmember and unibody side rails. Beefy and priced well. I've had the Warn skid on another XJ and I did not care for it. A fuel tank skid is a must - either stock from the parts yard, Tomken, or JCR Offorad. Skip the engine skid as you won't need it.

Trim fenders to fit 33"s Remove the inner plastic liners and beat down the pinch weld. Use ACOS up front or add a second coil spring isolator to add a bit more lift. Bump stop well. You won't need to trim dramatically for 33's.

Address suspension trackbar Parts yard is your friend. V-8 Grand Cherokee ZJ tie rod/drag link will cost you 20 bucks and will provide plenty of strength until you can get a beefy steering setup from Currie or other manufacturer.

Trailgear rock sliders AJ's, JCR, or make your own. Figure $300 shipped.

Solid diff cover (axles need service bad) Ruff Stuff Offroad diff covers and lube lockers. Attempting to install a 13 lb diff cover with RTV sucks. Add those lube lockers to your diff covers during installation. Makes trail repairs much easier also.

Next phase if I I do will be 35"s taller more complete lift..rear 9in axle gears mabe lock the rear or LSD,
Caged rear bumper, OD green paint job but well see If you build it with 35's in mind now, you'll save bucks. Good plan.

 

[jeepcrazy530]

Had jks on last rig...ok guess soft metal pins bent couple times

Like that skid looks beefy!

The trailgear sliders are dirt cheap and offer a weld in step so well see..

It's funny cause I have 33"s and I find myself really lifting/cutting ect for 35"s its just more of an axles/gears question I'm still out on...

More pressing is maintenance once i catch up there then building will start!

Anybody know what the best plugs to run in a 90 4.0 with 100k+???

 

[rocknxj]

Had jks on last rig...ok guess soft metal pins bent couple times

Are you referring to the funky clip retainer rings to hold the end links on the posts? I replaced mine with .25 hitch pins from Ace on both of my JKS and RE discos.

 

[jeepcrazy530]

Are you referring to the funky clip retainer rings to hold the end links on the posts? I replaced mine with .25 hitch pins from Ace on both of my JKS and RE discos.

Ya stock ones were junk and came loose alot just never got around to anything as clever as that nice!

 

[jeepcrazy530]

Well she went under the knife or should I say sawsall!! Not my best work passenger side you can tell I was on beer 3 or 4 it's not pretty lol
But on flip side lots n lots room to stuff 33"s or jump to 35"s

 

[rocknxj]

Yeah, but what kind of beer? Crappy corporate swill or something mind blowing like Stone IPA? Quality of one's life is often judged by the type of brew consumed.

 

[jeepcrazy530]

Yeah, but what kind of beer? Crappy corporate swill or something mind blowing like Stone IPA? Quality of one's life is often judged by the type of brew consumed.

Well seeing as I can walk outside and throw a stone at Sierra Nevada brewery I was drinking one there specials Hoptimum not bad 10.25% percent go juice too!

 

[rocknxj]

Well seeing as I can walk outside and throw a stone at Sierra Nevada brewery I was drinking one there specials Hoptimum not bad 10.25% percent go juice too!

Excellent choice. Three or four of those will make you do crazy things with a sawsall.