98 XJ basic weekend project

BB98xj

BB98xj

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 4, 2010
Location
King
Hey guys,

Another attempt at trying to build a little trail rig. Nothing fancy like some of these builds but I would like something capable and to meet some guys to ride with. I need to get the flares off, fenders trimmed and rolled, then probably a set of 32’s or 33’s. Hope to get some of your guys input and meeting up to save me when I get stuck.

Here is the ride, nothing crazy. 3” lift with 31s and a set of JCR bumpers.
 

Attachments

  • 73A7CA95-5125-4AE3-847E-74B707C08C5E.jpeg
    73A7CA95-5125-4AE3-847E-74B707C08C5E.jpeg
    160.2 KB · Views: 363
  • 582D369D-4230-4981-8749-01C7148831EA.jpeg
    582D369D-4230-4981-8749-01C7148831EA.jpeg
    160.2 KB · Views: 397
X2 On frame support first!! Best thing I’ve found for unibody stiffening is square tube in between the rails and plate both sides of square to to unibody with flat plate, add one up front one in middle one in rear or get a hitch and cut all the hauling stuff off and there’s a stiffener I made 3 for my zj for like $45 from scrap yard buying rusted tube and 3/16 plates! 10-20 bucks on machining welding sqaurectovplaye if no welder of drill and hardware your set... just make sure your plate is not a 4x4 piece I went with 10” wide to bottom of uniframe! Sorry no picks of my junkyard creation tho lol
 
Thanks for the input! I’ll probably pick up some ruff stuff stiffeners.

Can anyone confirm the ride height of a stock XJ? I read ~17” front center of wheel to bottom of fender flare.
 
This right here
https://www.ironman4x4fab.com/product-page/xj-zj-steering-box-brace-with-sector-shaft-support

Along with a bumper that braces the outside of the frame area around the steering box it the single greatest thing you can do for your steering. It changed everything about my XJ.
You should get frame stiffeners ASAP.

It’s possible I may be parting out my XJ soon, which has the steering brace mentioned above, rock sliders, f/r bumpers, built axles, and much more.
 
77GreenMachine said:
It’s possible I may be parting out my XJ soon, which has the steering brace mentioned above, rock sliders, f/r bumpers, built axles, and much more
Click to expand...
let me know about that steering brace if you part it out.
 
i have a set of the factory steering box brace that goes on both sides with tow hook points free for the taking for whoever wants it @Jeff B ? had em for years but always end up making my own lol
 
77GreenMachine said:
This right here
https://www.ironman4x4fab.com/product-page/xj-zj-steering-box-brace-with-sector-shaft-support

Along with a bumper that braces the outside of the frame area around the steering box it the single greatest thing you can do for your steering. It changed everything about my XJ.
You should get frame stiffeners ASAP.

It’s possible I may be parting out my XJ soon, which has the steering brace mentioned above, rock sliders, f/r bumpers, built axles, and much more.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Let me know on the part out. I’ve got some JCR bumpers, but I would be interested in a few things.
 
Picked up some pristine TJ rubis for $225. Older lady said her wife almost threw them away.
 

Attachments

  • A3729CA3-BC86-4A1D-B335-5B5CFD87D6C9.jpeg
    A3729CA3-BC86-4A1D-B335-5B5CFD87D6C9.jpeg
    129.2 KB · Views: 297
Snagged some 285/75s with less than 5000 miles.
 

Attachments

  • E2D890FD-72BB-45F4-92CF-758F1FBBFAFA.jpeg
    E2D890FD-72BB-45F4-92CF-758F1FBBFAFA.jpeg
    187.8 KB · Views: 323
I managed to get the tires mounted and the flares removed before my daughter lost her marbles last night. She is getting her 2yo molars and my wife works from home...it’s a war zone. Good news is, no rubbing anywhere on the test drive without any trimming.

Next is:

Cut fenders
Steering brace
Frame stiffeners
Make tire carrier
Convince myself I need @NickMaul s axles.

The guy had the rear springs re arched when they started sagging. I noticed yesterday he threw some 2” spacers on the front coils while he was at it... at this point do I buy bigger coils for the front and ditch the spacers? Or buy a new kit so I know what I have? Or just send it?
 

Attachments

  • 8E23A6BD-FFDE-431C-BFF3-6396110BB559.jpeg
    8E23A6BD-FFDE-431C-BFF3-6396110BB559.jpeg
    163.3 KB · Views: 419
  • DCD7356C-23A1-4ABE-A343-22D7B572AA41.jpeg
    DCD7356C-23A1-4ABE-A343-22D7B572AA41.jpeg
    130.6 KB · Views: 359
My .02 would be to check the geometry you have now and given it’s kosher I’d send it. Use what you have until it doesn’t suit your needs and by that time you could save the funds for a newer/ nicer setup. Given you have said it’s meant for DD/WW Duty I’d see how it rolls now and go for it.
 
I agree. Nothing wrong with running the coil spacers, for what you are wanting to do. Send it until you decide to change it up/go bigger.
 
BB98xj said:
Steering box spacers with brace?
Click to expand...
There is a spacer between the box and the “frame”. They are made from aluminum from the factory and are known to crack/break/ fall apart. At this point the box is sloppy loose and handling goes splat in the shitter and can cause lack of control. This failure is amplified by installing larger tires/ off-roading. They make cheap aftermarket ones from steel. Buy one. Once that’s complete the stress will continue to be applied to the uni rail and over time the bolts are known to break through/ rip out and crack the metal. They make a brace that goes from the passenger side across and holds the steering box tight and spreads the force. Numerous places make them but Iron Man Fab is awesome and worth every penny!!

Spacer:
https://www.ironman4x4fab.com/product-page/xj-steering-box-spacer
Brace:
https://www.ironman4x4fab.com/product-page/xj-zj-steering-box-brace-with-sector-shaft-support

If you notice that American Flag laser cut into his product, that means quality!
 
skyhighZJ said:
There is a spacer between the box and the “frame”. They are made from aluminum from the factory and are known to crack/break/ fall apart. At this point the box is sloppy loose and handling goes splat in the shitter and can cause lack of control. This failure is amplified by installing larger tires/ off-roading. They make cheap aftermarket ones from steel. Buy one. Once that’s complete the stress will continue to be applied to the uni rail and over time the bolts are known to break through/ rip out and crack the metal. They make a brace that goes from the passenger side across and holds the steering box tight and spreads the force. Numerous places make them but Iron Man Fab is awesome and worth every penny!!

Spacer:
https://www.ironman4x4fab.com/product-page/xj-steering-box-spacer
Brace:
https://www.ironman4x4fab.com/product-page/xj-zj-steering-box-brace-with-sector-shaft-support

If you notice that American Flag laser cut into his product, that means quality!
Click to expand...


Thanks! That’s what I was looking at. I didn’t specify my question very well, the spacer is needed with the brace though, yeah? To upgrade the shitty factory one?
 
BB98xj said:
Thanks! That’s what I was looking at. I didn’t specify my question very well, the spacer is needed with the brace though, yeah? To upgrade the shitty factory one?
Click to expand...
They are separate entities but one is as inevitable of a failure as the other so do the spacer and then do the brace. Boom problems solved and staying solved! Only other thing “frame” wise is adding stiffeners and those cannot be understated as to the importance of building a bullit proof XJ even for light duty service. They make handling of all sorts (on and off road) night and day different. Absolutely well worth the $$
 
marty79 said:
have a set of the factory steering box brace that goes on both sides with tow hook points free for the taking for whoever wants it
Click to expand...
I'm in Hickory if you want them since nobody else has.
 
Finally got the front frame stiffeners in from HD Off-road, still waiting on the steering box brace from Ironman4x4, and meeting up with @NickMaul to get his axles on Sunday. Next weekend should be a busy weekend!

 
BB98xj said:
Finally got the front frame stiffeners in from HD Off-road, still waiting on the steering box brace from Ironman4x4, and meeting up with @NickMaul to get his axles on Sunday. Next weekend should be a busy weekend!

Click to expand...
Are you taking your carpet out to weld them in? Im going to be doing some myself soon
 
skyhighZJ said:
The mids and rear will need the carpet lifted. It’s a crappy job but it is worth it! Can’t wait to keep seeing progress!
Click to expand...

It should a good time! :beer: Thanks man, me neither, I just want to take it riding.
 
Back
Top