The official Xota build thread

[87xjco]

I've been doing a lot of details like fabbing fan shroud, bolting up air cleaner, fixing rust around windshield frame, etc.etc... They take up alot of time but don't give me much to photo. The dash is almost in. Then I can get the windshield installed. This weekend I found one good door at "pull-n-save" but still need to find & install a left door glass. Then I can pull it out of the shop easier on bad weather days. Won't be too long until I go back to work on the front sheet metal. Just got my carpet in that I ordered from J.C. Whitney and I'll have to install the SYE kit that I got from Porc soon and measure for the driveshaft. So there's still plenty to do.

Air box and fan shoud are in place

Used the Toyota filler panel that has the defrost duct in it and welded on a couple of small brackets that could then bolt to the Jeep dash. I'll have to fill the gap in between. Ground off all the rust around windshield and welded up a few places where it rotted through. Then used some spray rust treatment before primer and paint.

 

[ROBZ95Xj]

Dude it's lokking very sweet!

 

[trashedxj]

WOW, thats all i can say, you ppl amaze me with what you all can do!

 

[Project_MudXJ]

That is some amazing fab work. Most people couldnt even dream about completing something like that. As for the Yota forum...

Creativity=B+
Originality=A
Practicality=D-

Since when is building any trail rig practical? Practical is a 4 door sedan with amazing gas mileage. And its just jealousy is all it is. Anyone who ranks on this just wishes they could do something like that. You got the time, then go for it, its a sweet project and projects no matter what they are, are usually lots of fun, hard work, but fun and in the end worth it. Besides, how is his truck practical...

 

[ScottyDog]

Dude, I want more pics!!! This is the coolest build up yet! Nice Job Man!

 

[trashedxj]

freakin wow, thats all i can say, but what if you roll this one too?!?!

 

[XTrmXJ]

The toy guys say its impractical, i dont see how.. Look at some of those guys that put a SAS in and drop 350ci or bigger in, I see no differnce

 

[Sniggs]

VERY cool writeup!! I ran out of time to read ALL of the posts. Is SOMEONE going to save this thread for the archives? Nice work, sir!

 

[87xjco]

Thanks for all the positive support on this project!

Not much to report. Slowed down these last couple weeks. But windshield is in and got some 35s mounted up. Used door is on. I will be working on finishing the rear diff. brackets.

 

[HTeK]

Wow... you sir, are quite amazing. This truck is coming together so clean, my eyes go crosseyed when I look at it - i mean really, my brain can't process the look of this truck - half yota, half jeep, all of both.

I suggest you stop before I spontaneously combust or you open up some third dimension and and worlds collide. I mean really, am i the only one who gets freaked out (in a good way) by looking at this thing?

Awesome work.

-jm

 

[ravenxj]

that truck ROCKS. I wish i had just a little of the skills, time and money that it took. Keep on going.

Dude!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[dfreeman616]

the only thing (and i do mean the only thing) i'm not sure if i like is how much slope there is to the front fenders, but otherwise, that's pretty sweet

 

[87xjco]

the only thing (and i do mean the only thing) i'm not sure if i like is how much slope there is to the front fenders, but otherwise, that's pretty sweet

I've had a few people comment on the slope of the fenders and I agree it looks a little strange. But not much I can do about it and with new paint and no stripes I hope it is not quite as noticeable. Plus the rear is a little high right now and final position will be about an inch lower.

 

[87xjco]

freakin wow, thats all i can say, but what if you roll this one too?!?!

It's gettin an exo-cage to help if/when it rolls.

 

[Root Moose]

I've had a few people comment on the slope of the fenders and I agree it looks a little strange. But not much I can do about it and with new paint and no stripes I hope it is not quite as noticeable. Plus the rear is a little high right now and final position will be about an inch lower.

Does the slope really matter? I see it as a plus: angled down it gives a better view of objects in front of the Jeep when wheeling.

"Form over function"

The next thing will be if you can get enough movement of the headlights to aim them properly. Other than that...

 

[hackedxj]

I've had a few people comment on the slope of the fenders and I agree it looks a little strange. But not much I can do about it and with new paint and no stripes I hope it is not quite as noticeable. Plus the rear is a little high right now and final position will be about an inch lower.

I like the sloped fenders, kinda wonder what my XJ would look like that way, hmmm.

 

[zak8642]

Keep up the good work.

 

[87xjco]

Brackets are all built for rear diff. Just need to finish welding underside.

The rear frame is going to get boxed around these brackets and about 16" forward from rear bumper, I will have a good mount area for rear hitch, then they will all be welded in and gusseted

 

[87xjco]

Now that the SYE kit is installed, I can have the driveshaft lengthened.

This is a used front driveshaft from an XJ, it has the correct size u-joints on both the CV end that bolts up to the transfer case and the other end that bolts up to the rear diff. It needs to be lengthened 10" for my stretched wheel base.

Driveshaft after lengthened. The shop picked it up this morning and brought it back this afternoon. Only charged me $115.00

 

[IslanderXJ]

Freaking sweet man, freaking sweet...