'87 MJ

[06UnlimitedDL]

My 1987 MJ that I got from my grandad, bad 4.0 engine, Peugeot trans, 2wd. Black interior w/ factory buckets. Best of all absolutely no rust through, been under a barn for the last 10 years. I already found that the windshield leaks while I was pressure washing it, headliner was damp and water standing in the floor. Under the vinyl floor was some surface rust but no holes! Plan is to just upgrade, restore, and make this one a driver. Oh, and adding 4x4.

Swapping in EVERYTHING, from my running and driving 1991 XJ.

A few more pics, and some interior shots.

And the engine from my donor getting cleaned up, the head is a hassle to mask off, so I just set the valve cover back on it. It's getting stripped and polished anyways.

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

Spent some time this weekend cleaning and painting some of the engine parts.
-Polished the distributor.
-Stripped and painted the valve cover, and sanded down the fins on top and hit it with some hi temp clear coat.
-Polished the oil filler cap.
-Got the oil filter adapter degreased and painted.
-Dipstick cleaned and painted.
-New water pump and thermostat housing, hit those with some clear to keep away the oxidation for awhile.

Tedious work, but it's starting to look pretty good I think.

 

[shagy9888]

Looks good. Like to color chooses

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

A little more progress, still in the tear down stage. The father in law came over the other day and here's where we ended up.

Yesterday I decided to finish up the front end and the interior. Still have to remove the front axle, the rest of the wiring, and the steering column.

And, Almost got the engine finished up as well, just waiting on my header and mounts.

Hoping to find a deal on an 8.8 to replace the dana in the rear.

 

[dasbulliwagen]

Have you been over to www.comancheclub.com yet. They would love to see this build over there. Good luck.

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

Yep, it's over there too! Username is "dlee"

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

Bit the bullet and went ahead and ordered most of the chassis/lift parts I needed

$800 later I have:


- Crossover Steering
- 8.8 Axle Swap Kit
- 6" Lift Shocks
- Adjustable Track Bar
- Drop Pitman Arm

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

Just a small update, no real fun stuff yet. Got the windshield out, the body sanded and primed to keep some of the surface rust down. And, got the chassis saver brushed on, just the top and sides, started looking like rain before I could get the bottom done.

 

[NC919.4x4_XJ]

Looking good man. I want a MJ so bad but idk if I can sell my xj and get rid of the room in the back for a truck bed!!!

 

[zombhntr]

Talk about a labor of love that things gona be factory fresh by the time your done cool build I've always had a soft spot for xj,mj,and the old flatfenders

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

Thanks guys, it's slow going trying to compete with time off, weather, and funds! Got a long weekend coming up, hope to get at least the front axle under it.

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

Well here's what I got done this weekend.

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

Well, got off night shift this morning and evidently had entirely too much coffee. The (M)an (J)eep is back on it's wheels!!!! Temporarily anyway, until I drop the engine in.
Just wish I had another set of hands, busted my knuckles more than a few times this morning trying to get the front axle in there. I like the stance, no lift in the rear yet, but no weight either. 4.5" coils up front, couldn't get the spacers to slide over the bumpstop, need to grind it down some. Anyway, here's the pics!!!

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

Finally, the engine is going in tommorow!

 

[Baker]

I like the color choices. Good luck with the install

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

I like the color choices. Good luck with the install

Thanks sir, so far the only hiccup has been that the trans mount is different, a few minutes re-drilling holes should remedy that though.

Here we go-

 

[99TJ]

Awesome build so far!! Any plans for the 97+ Cherokee front end?

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

Awesome build so far!! Any plans for the 97+ Cherokee front end?

Still debating that, originally that was the plan, but the old style is growing on me!

 

[99TJ]

i hear ya man im sure it will look great whichever direction you go lookin awesome so far if you were near charlotte i would offer some help

 

[XJfreakHO]

97 looks sooo much better, but this'll be very nice when its done. Watching.

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

Haven't updated in awhile, finally finished the bodywork on the cab, now working on the doors and the bed. Almost ready for some paint. Gotta hurry up and get it finished before the wife and I have our first child in November!

 

[R Q]

Nice build report! I had a 2wd longbed that I wish I still had.

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

Thanks, it's definitely slow moving, but it's getting there!

 

[06UnlimitedDL]

Started on the wiring today, and I am thoroughly convinced it is the devil.

Threw the dash in while I was at it, and painted the gauge bezel to match the interior.

 

[Croatan_Kid]

You're making sweet love to that thing aint you?



I've secretly always kinda wanted an MJ. Guess it's not a secret anymore....