The Pickle

[Will_Beck]

So, since i inherited Jim's old control arms, i guess it's time to make abuild thread.

Copy pasting this from another forum, so bear with me...

Well, i just picked up a new to me 97 XJ. It's Incredibly clean in my opinion, and i don't really plan on beating on it too hard. It already has a 3" lift, but i plan on ditching it for a kit i piece together myself.

So far this is what my plan is, but i know like everything it will probably change.

Control arm drop brackets/short arms
Deaver 4.5" coils.
Deaver 4" leafs.
Bilstein 5160's

beefier steering, and associated upgrades.

I really like JCR's sliders, and swinger rear bumper, so i'm planning to go with those.

I'd like to keep it comfortable to drive, and capable in some technical stuff, but keep it relatively streetable and nothing too extreme.

And some pics of how it currently is, because everyone loves pictures.

Got my rear shocks today. The fronts should be here soon!

artsy fartsy

I laughed taking this, becuse it was picking up the rear tire, and with the weak factory limited slip, just spinning.

 

[Will_Beck]

Took the girlfran with me for a little drive.

5160's are in in the rear. Still waiting on the fronts.

Who has a hookup on deavers? I can't wait to get rid of these horrible add-a-leafs, ugh

Made some small progress. Updated all the speakers with some infinity components, and a 10" sub. Small single channel amp under the rear seat provides plenty of power.

I have a buddy who works for Rigid Industries who hooked me up with a pair of Dually D2's from the scratch and dent pile. Insanely bright lights.

 

[Will_Beck]

I have a set of Rough Country drop brackets on order. As soon as those come in, i'll decide on a color, and have them taken in to the powedercoater to match these beautiful puppies... Thanks Jim/Grimm!

 

[bluejeepkid]

I'm curious why you would spend money like that on shocks before you lifted the vehicle? Most likely you'll have to repurchase shocks because of travel.

 

[Will_Beck]

The 5160's are for 4" of lift. 14.4" / 24.5" extended/collapsed front, and 14.9" / 24.9" extended/collapsed rear. The jeep came with a 3" lift coil, and AAL when i bought it, so it's not like it's at stock height on shocks meant for a 4" lift.

So technically they're too long right now. As you can see from the picture, i have maybe 3" of uptravel in the rear. The front is probably closer to 4". When i have the Deavers in, I'll strap and bump it accordingly. Right now it see's mostly DD use, and some light dirt road driving.

 

[bluejeepkid]

Alright. Looks good tho, my jeep is the same color ha

 

[IslanderOffRoad]

Nice looking Jeep, cool project!

 

[Will_Beck]

New lights. Available from Tony @BajaHID

 

[Vanimal]

good start! those arms look sexy.

 

[Ckanderson]

Great looking jeep

 

[Will_Beck]

Thanks guys. Trying to everything just once. I hate going back and changing things.

 

[CJCOffroad]

Wow that looks like a clean Jeep you found. Not to mention some nice parts.