My Little XJ Build

[JMOliver]

Ok so with a kid on the way and me having the 4x4 itch agian I first bought a nice 98 ZJ Limited, Long story short It was totaled. To the woman who T-boned me.
Keep in mind this is gonna be my only Veh. ( Besides my fiances Musturd ). I will do a good amount of camping later on and trail rides.
Then I Bought a clean 98 Xj. It has a 4.0 (145,xx miles), HP D-30 and 8.25 axles. np-242 T-case. First thing i did was just drive it. Fixed some issues ( Thought it has busted Tranny mount, come to find out that the tranny wasnt even bolted in )
Keep in mind with a little boy on the way im keeping it cheap.
I Bought a Rough Country 3 inch lift. ( Came with springs Add-a-leaf and shocks) Install of lift was really easy and im and really happy with it. Rides smooth Flexs good.
I broke a swaybar bolt when doing the lift so i just left it off for now. ( Will Put Discos on before kid gets here. Safty first for my little bud ) I took it out today and was seeing how it flexed in the ditch, and making sure nothing was binding.
One thing that i noticed that i needed was longer brake lines up front. ( Think i read yj brake lines are longer and bolt in ? )
Now tires. i was planning on getting like a BFG MT ( 31 inch ) but when flexing the 235/75/15s fitted in the fenders really good. almost rubbing. ( Front hits the corner of bumper some ) Some trimming would fix that. I was thinking I Might just keep the same size in a MT.
With my Birthday coming up ( Jan 14, ) First thing i wanna get done is Tow hooks ( And Straps ) up front and the brackets. Not really sure what i wanna do outback, was thing just the single hook. Not really sure. Mabe hitch ( Thinking the hitch might hang down to much )
Plans i wanna do.
1. Diff Guards
2. LCA Guards
3. Longer brake lines
4. Some skid plates
5. Rocker guards
6. Front Locker
I'll try and get a picture of " How it is now " after i upload it off my phone. ( Didnt have my HD cam with my at the time. )
What's your opinons and suggestions?.
Mabe some tricks for XJs.
Thanks!
Jonathan

The front flexs more but the brake lines were kinda snug so i backed it down some.

As of now 1-07-09 31x10.50 on 15x10s

 

[JMOliver]

If i go with a aftermarket wheel ( Plain Black rock crawlers ) and some backspacing would a bigger tire fit in the fenders better? Because i dont wanna cut up this jeep with it being in Better condition.

Thanks
Jonathan

 

[Dylan W.]

If you are gonna wheel it much, ya might want to think about at least a steering box brace. Maybe even a steering box kit that welds to the frame and keeps the steering box from ripping off the uni-body.

 

[JMOliver]

I read somewhere that in a Xj that is a weak link is that true?..
Thanks for mention that, forgot about that.

 

[Dylan W.]

yeah, if you do much serious, or even semi-serious wheeling...the last thing you want is the steering box breaking off the frame. Smaller tire are not as bad, but still a concern.
I have been involved in more than one tow back to camp with a broken steering box on someone elses xj. Not fun at all. problem is...the box is bolted to the subframe, which is not strong enough to manage with flexing,big tires, and wheeling scenarios. So it will simply shear the bolts or the mount.

Think of it like this
It is better to put a nut and bolt through steel, than sheetrock. Get it?

Another common xj problem is over heating. A good radiator install and the old trick of raising the back of the hood will help this tremendously.

 

[JMOliver]

Yea my old XJ Pre 97 liked to get hot.. IM just happy this one dosnt .. well not yet.
I see that your up in mocksville. and trials up there? that isnt to far.

 

[JMOliver]

bump