TXTrailhawk overland expedition build thread

[TXTrailHawk]

Hey guys,

Wanted to start a build thread for my 2000 Cherokee. I'm already pretty far along. I bought the jeep completely stock with the C 8.25 rear axle. This is my first XJ. I have built and sold 3 wranglers before this.

I've added:

4.5 inch Rubicon Express lift with Bilstein
32 inch BFG MTs on Rubicon 10A wheels
5100 shocks
ARB front bumper
Warn winch
Smittybilt rear bumper/tire carrier
Lokka Lockers front and rear
Homemade roof basket with surround LED light bars
Homemade limb risers
Leather seat conversion out of a ZJ
Cobra CB radio
Napier Precision hood vents

 

[DeftwillP]

I think i said the same in the rrc chapter when you posted that gas station pic but those rubicon wheels look damn sharp on that rig. 17's?

 

[TXTrailHawk]

Thanks bud. Yes, they are 17 inch Rubicon 10a take offs. I thought they looked cool and hadnt seen any on an XJ. I also like the black and sliver look with a little red jeep. Goes along with my silver and black with hints of red.

 

[TXTrailHawk]

Up close pic of the wheels

 

[Texas Xtreme]

What kinda of clearance you have on stock flairs on the 4.5? I have the old Rubicons and cut my fronts so I could drive. I just have 2" cheapo lift.

 

[IslanderOffRoad]

How do you like that Smittybuilt rear bumper/carrier? I've been eyeing it.

 

[TXTrailHawk]

What kinda of clearance you have on stock flairs on the 4.5? I have the old Rubicons and cut my fronts so I could drive. I just have 2" cheapo lift.

I havnt had any rubbing issues on the flares. Where I have been rubbing is on my ARB bumper. It wraps around too far. If is has rubbed the flares, it hasnt hurt anything yet. And I have had it in some pretty flexed out positions.

 

[TXTrailHawk]

How do you like that Smittybuilt rear bumper/carrier? I've been eyeing it.

I like it alot. I havnt had any issues with it yet. I like the fact that it can hold a Hi Lift and gerry can. I also could mount my CB antenna on it. Ive been running it for 9 months and am pleased with it so far.

 

[IslanderOffRoad]

I like it alot. I havnt had any issues with it yet. I like the fact that it can hold a Hi Lift and gerry can. I also could mount my CB antenna on it. Ive been running it for 9 months and am pleased with it so far.

How was the install? Read a few horror stories about getting it to fit.

Do you have a gas tank skid?

 

[TXTrailHawk]

How was the install? Read a few horror stories about getting it to fit.

Do you have a gas tank skid?

I installed it by myself, so it kind of difficult. An extra set of hands to help hold and balance things would have been nice. But overall it wasnt that bad. I found an install thread online that was pretty helpful.

I do not have a gas tank skid.

 

[xeroOTG]

So I've been looking at that rear bumper myself, does it rattle at all? It seems that bumper is well built from what I've seen...

 

[TXTrailHawk]

So I've been looking at that rear bumper myself, does it rattle at all? It seems that bumper is well built from what I've seen...

I have not noticed any rattling to this point.

 

[rockinmj]

Very nice rig.

 

[hemicuda1313]

I know this is an old thread, but how do you like the hood vents? I am looking at those now.