One more time, Dutch has an XJ again!!

[DutchVDub]

Didn't think this would take me all day, but it did. I finally got around to installing my ARB compressor from out of the YJ. Right now its just an air source for filling tires more than anything, but al the wiring is already pre-run for the installed solenoid and for a second one if I ever get around to buying ARB lockers for this thing.

Had to pretty much gut the interior to run all of the wiring. I also found a major need to vacuum the carpet. I don't think the previous owner ever did. Wiring pretty much goes from the front passenger corner (battery) all the way to where the spare tire would normally sit. Ther is also a requsit off shoot to the switch on my dash.

I wound up flipping the switch upside down, don't ask me why I just like it that way

I mounted the compressor on the plate the factory spare sat on

Everything loaded back up

Crappy pic of the switch lit up w/ dash

 

[DutchVDub]

Front axle has 4.56's too now. Yay, I have 4wd ablity again.

Now I'm just waiting for the paint to dry on my steering so I can bolt it back on. I love this brush on Rustoleum Hammer finish, shite goes on thick and durable like.

 

[DutchVDub]

Fuel tank skid installed now

I didn't like how the lack of room between the bolts holding the pieces of skid plate together and shackle bolt basically made it impossible for the exhaust to not be rubbing against something so I cut it off.

 

[jimgrms]

Pretty close to the plastic tank maybe a curved tip on it !

 

[dannanw]

And suddenly yours is cooler than mine... Jk, looks good.

 

[Hudfabxj]

Im diggin the compressor location:greensmok

 

[DutchVDub]

Pretty close to the plastic tank maybe a curved tip on it !

I was actually thinking of cutting down the factory heat shield and attaching it to the skid.

And suddenly yours is cooler than mine... Jk, looks good.

If only it was a waggy though. I love those odd ball headlights and wood grain.

Im diggin the compressor location:greensmok

Thanks, I'v been rolling it over in my mind for quite some time now.

 

[DutchVDub]

I guess I need extra bump stopping because my passenger upper control arm is hitting the engine and transmission cooler lines.

 

[Kiefer316]

Well that's not good.

 

[djlarroc]

man, this build is coming along really nice! i also think that's a sweet compressor mount.

u gona keep running stock uppers?

 

[djlarroc]

also, are you gona run that spartan up front all winter? what has been your (guys) experience in bad weather? i have one, debating on keeping/selling it...

 

[in4aride]

Its not bad just like the rear need to adjust to how it acts. I think its less noticeable than a rear locker. But it can make some ugly noises on ice even tho its ok.

 

[xj-grin]

^^ that. You can get some squirrelly torque steer out of an auto front locker on ice, but once you get used to the characteristics of it, it isn't so bad. It does pull like a mule, though (which is nice), but tight turns in 4wd can of course be a little rough.

 

[DutchVDub]

I'm not pulling out the locker for the winter. Come winter time the wife is going back to the Audi and I'll drive the Passat. She is more comfortable in the AWD Audi and I am plenty comfortable driving the Passat. I'd also rather some d-bag take out the Passat than the XJ.

I'm probably going to by the RC long-arm kit here shortly. I was wanting to go adjustable upper and lower arms but buying new I'm only spending an extra 200$ going long arm. If I do though I'm definitely adding limit straps and will probably fabricate a torsion style sway bar for it. I don't want the front all loosey goosey and keeping the rear from working like my 92 did. I'm also contemplating a RK 3-link but haven't priced it.

 

[Gotlift01]

I'm probably going to by the RC long-arm kit here shortly. I was wanting to go adjustable upper and lower arms but buying new I'm only spending an extra 200$ going long arm. If I do though I'm definitely adding limit straps and will probably fabricate a torsion style sway bar for it. I don't want the front all loosey goosey and keeping the rear from working like my 92 did. I'm also contemplating a RK 3-link but haven't priced it.

If you buy the RC long arms...replace the joints it comes with before you even install it. Those joints are 100% pure crap, and you'll be pulling them apart after your first wheelin trip. I put the RC long arm on my Dad's TJ, and one trail in Moab and they were loose as hell...couldn't even tighten them. Ended up replacing them with Johnny Joints and it's good to go now.

I have the RK 3-link on my '01 and I like it a lot! Definitely BEEFY compared to RC's kit.

 

[in4aride]

BYO 3-link.

 

[xj-grin]

^^ and if not, buy local, the Z-man will hook ya up!

 

[djlarroc]

Its not bad just like the rear need to adjust to how it acts. I think its less noticeable than a rear locker. But it can make some ugly noises on ice even tho its ok.

hmm.. i guess i would have to just experience it.. read so many cons about them, but thats how the web works.. the jeep is a third veh, but if needed to be used in bad weather, would prob have to be my wife driving it. she only works about 1/2 mile away tho.. my last xj didnt feel much different at all w/the aussie in back *hijackoff*

dutch, thought u didnt like las w/rear leafs. u and i4r, are the reason i refuse to go la's anymore lol..

 

[DutchVDub]

I don't particularly like long arms with leaves but I need to push my front axle forward an inch to get it where it's supposed to be. If I spend the money on adjustable arms I'm damn near the cost of a long arm setup. My current arms are all getting to the point of needing new bushings too.

Mike, I'm just tired of fabricating everything. The YJ was non stop head bashing trying to learn as I go fabrication and I need a break. I'm at the point where I'd rather do a little more side work so I can just buy something and bolt/weld it on than have to fabricate it.

I've talked to Frank in the past but truth is the RC kit is cheaper. Nothing against Frank, I'd totally rock another one of his products but I'm a bit of a penny pincher too. I also like that the RC kit doubles as a skid plate instead of just the crossmember.

The RK 3-link is 800$ for just arms and brackets. That's a bit pricey but I've read a lot of good reviews on it too.

 

[jimgrms]

I'm not pulling out the locker for the winter. Come winter time the wife is going back to the Audi and I'll drive the Passat. She is more comfortable in the AWD Audi and I am plenty comfortable driving the Passat. I'd also rather some d-bag take out the Passat than the XJ.

I'm probably going to by the RC long-arm kit here shortly. I was wanting to go adjustable upper and lower arms but buying new I'm only spending an extra 200$ going long arm. If I do though I'm definitely adding limit straps and will probably fabricate a torsion style sway bar for it. I don't want the front all loosey goosey and keeping the rear from working like my 92 did. I'm also contemplating a RK 3-link but haven't priced it.

What!you don't want your springs to fall out?