GoldDiggin Build

[Bah765]

Hello, my name is Brendan and this is my build thread.
Purchased my first XJ in April 2014. 1999, 192k, Police PKG, NP242, AW4, Vinyl Floor, Factory Skid's, No Rear Seatbelts, 120 MPH Speedo, Trans Cooler, Posi Trac D35? I paid $700 and drove it home.

Even though this is my first XJ, I am no stranger to them. I have a few friends who have built them and drive them. So I had some what of an idea on what to expect/want.

 

[FlexdXJ]

Welcome. Didn't know the police package could get a 242. I'm not far away down in Columbus! :cheers:

 

[Bah765]

From what I know, a police pkg could have anything and everything. Or nothing at all.


In the next few weeks I will take out the old saggy springs and put in brand new Zone Off-Road 3" lift springs with new Zone "nitro" shocks.
Still deciding to use a set of old 32" BFG AT's or go with 31".

I have a bit of death wobble due to a worn ball joint and some play in my track bar in the frame mount. U Joints will aslo be replaced. I've noticed a constant squeaking towards the front end. I suspect the front ds but wont know until I mess with it this weekend.

 

[FlexdXJ]

From what I know, a police pkg could have anything and everything. Or nothing at all.


In the next few weeks I will take out the old saggy springs and put in brand new Zone Off-Road 3" lift springs with new Zone "nitro" shocks.
Still deciding to use a set of old 32" BFG AT's or go with 31".

I have a bit of death wobble due to a worn ball joint and some play in my track bar in the frame mount. U Joints will aslo be replaced. I've noticed a constant squeaking towards the front end. I suspect the front ds but wont know until I mess with it this weekend.

does it sound like a pissed off bird? Could need a new centering ball on the Cardan joint.

 

[Bah765]

After purchasing this track bar I did a bit more research. I have not read anything goo about heim joints and since have considered selling this and going with IRO.

Zone Off Road 3" with "upgrade nitro shocks" $509 shipped in 3 days.

Had to do something about the sagging headliner. Was simple enough. Will re-do when this one sags.

Need a new bumper, but not too worried about it.

 

[Bah765]

does it sound like a pissed off bird? Could need a new centering ball on the Cardan joint.

lol, kinda. The centering ball has been what I am leaning towards. I checked my brakes and they look fine. Im gonna shoot some grease in there tomorrow and see if that makes her happy. If not then I shall rebuild!

Having trouble finding out what U Joints I will need. Looks like the series 1310 are 297's and 760's? The 297 have a grease fitting and clips on the outside while the 760's do not. The 760's are stronger because of this? If so, then what would be best? Strong U Joints or Greaseable ones? And can these be used in the axle shafts AND front ds?

 

[terrehautian]

I can get you a new to you bumper with end caps in somewhat okay condition free of charge in the next few weeks when I get my new bumpers on. Best part is that they match your color. If you want the front bumper, I will do my best to take it off with care.

 

[Smash Hole]

After purchasing this track bar I did a bit more research. I have not read anything goo about heim joints and since have considered selling this and going with IRO.

Shoot me a price

 

[VAhasnoWAVES]

What's wrong with heims? It'll outlast the bushing. The problem is that the stock mount wallows out after you drill it. I upgraded mine to double sheer and it's been rock solid.

 

[Bah765]

I can get you a new to you bumper with end caps in somewhat okay condition free of charge in the next few weeks when I get my new bumpers on. Best part is that they match your color. If you want the front bumper, I will do my best to take it off with care.

I kind of wanted a black bumper, but since you already have that color I can make it work! Nice lookin Jeep, there seems to be a lot in this Sand Desert Pearl here in Indiana.

 

[Bah765]

Shoot me a price

I bought it from Amazon not too long ago and still have the option to return it for a full refund.

 

[Bah765]

What's wrong with heims? It'll outlast the bushing. The problem is that the stock mount wallows out after you drill it. I upgraded mine to double sheer and it's been rock solid.

Like I said, I read a few threads that mention heims not being the best. I am new to this whole suspension set up so I am just taking their word for it.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/trackbar-heim-joint-failed-twice-1226665/

I did want a new frame mount from IRO. The double sheer seemed to be the best out there. But at this point I am only going to 3" of lift and I don't think I could use it just yet.

 

[macgyvr]

I do grease able ujoints in the driveshaft and non grease able in the axle shafts.

297x was the old axle shaft number that was changed to a 760x.

Driveshaft should be 1310s.

Axle shafts are inner clip and driveshafts are outer.

mac 'someone will correct me if I'm wrong.' gyvr

 

[ExTankerGuy]

Tom Wood for drive shafts u joints. Good price and excellent warranty.

 

[Fore Wheeler]

HI! You've got till the first weekend of March to finish your jeep and then come wheeling with us at the Badlands.

Fore 'winterfest' Wheeler

 

[Bah765]

Working on it! Ball Joints and U Joints this weekend. Next weeknd will be the springs.

 

[VAhasnoWAVES]

Like I said, I read a few threads that mention heims not being the best. I am new to this whole suspension set up so I am just taking their word for it.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/trackbar-heim-joint-failed-twice-1226665/

I did want a new frame mount from IRO. The double sheer seemed to be the best out there. But at this point I am only going to 3" of lift and I don't think I could use it just yet.

I replaced my heim with one from ruffstuff. It's been rock solid ever since. To turn the RE trackbar into double sheer, you need to get a mount that is 2 inches wide. Most are narrower for a bushing or wider for a Johnny joint. You can buy wider misalignment spacers or machine a set of 2 inch spacers down to fit a narrow mount. The RE mount is plug and play.

 

[Bah765]

Looking for a locker in my D30. So id like to hear some opinions from you guys. The Aussie looks nice for the price, but I found a used ARB for $350. Who makes the best one out there?

I do not plan to go above 3" of lift with 31" tires. My stock gears are 3.55 and do not have plans at the moment to re-gear them. This is going to be my DD and I want it to be more than ready for the trails. With the locker I will add Yukon shafts also.
From my research a "lunchbox locker" might be the best idea. It is only locked when torque is applied to the front diff (4wd). Other lockers like ARB who use compressed air or a cable just do not seem to be as solid.

 

[IllianaXJ]

Nobody ever plans to go over 31s and 3" or regear.

Lunchbox for now to get your feet wet, then you will have money left for larger tires when you decide to upgrade. I wouldn't bother with alloys yet either.

 

[XJ&CHZ4ME]

This is a huge can of worms...but I will dive in and others will voice opinion as well. If you have the money, an ARB is tits wigglin'. You need to take into consideration with an ARB or any other full case locker (OX, Detroit, Zip etc) that you will be needing to get your gears reset with that locker will be good for a certain gear ratio, such as in a D30, I think the carrier break is 3.73 and up. Also the other added expense of a compressor etc for an air driven locker is an increased cost. The point of one being more solid than another...that will get mixed reviews. If it is something that is mainly on road, then a selectable locker is a really nice option. A lunchbox locker is fine too, but it all depends what you are going to do with it. I ran lunch boxes in front and rear for many years and other than a few spring rebuild kits, they were great and pretty much trouble free. I ran my lockers 10% road, 90% trail...and I was not easy on them either. REWSTER is now running my old axles and is is now that much cooler bc of doing so. For time and money vested, a lunchbox is a great option. I ran Powertrax lockers by Richmond and loved them, and spring rebuild kits are under $20 from Summit Racing. They did great up to 36" tires...a little driving skill and less skinny pedal makes things last. I personally would not invest in new axle shafts if you are just running 31" tires. Your stockers are good enough and will last on 31's for years to come as long as you are not jumping the thing. This is just my opinion mixed with extra cheese.

Cheese "see, I can be helpful..... sometimes" Man