Build thread: "Black beater" 97 XJ

4.0l sahara · 03-15-2009, 09:46 PM

This is a build thread for a Friend that just bought black 1997 xj. Picked it up for under 1k. It's a good starting point to build up. The plans for it are a 4.5" re lift and 31's or 32's. It has around 180k on it and was really not well cared for so the first thing we need to do it fix all the worn out stuff and the crap load of electrical problems.

The basic specs are:
97xj
4.0
tranny:AW4
t case:NP231
front axle HP dana 30
rear axle: 8.25"
gears: 3.55? not sure yet.

I'll update this as we make progress. I'll let the pics do the rest of the talking.

This is how we got it. The prior owner was a druggy or somthing.

cold air lol

4.0l sahara · 03-15-2009, 09:49 PM

broken gauges

What is the best way to get rid of sticky **** left over from the stupid visiors?

spoiler gone

SVTF15O · 03-15-2009, 09:55 PM

That beater looks familiar! First post!

reclaimer122 · 03-15-2009, 09:59 PM

I seem to recall a similar Cherokee as well. Let's get a full exterior pic!

4.0l sahara · 03-15-2009, 10:08 PM

reclaimer122 · 03-15-2009, 10:11 PM

What a beauty!

kadetklapp · 03-16-2009, 08:57 AM

HA! Reminds me of my black beater! Yea! I'm glad I'm not the only one with a beat-up late-model!

5point9Limited · 03-16-2009, 12:41 PM

Use this stuff on the adhesive, works wonders. Let it marinate for a few hours and wipe off what comes off, soak it again and repeat till it is off. It wont harm anything if it sits too long. It is the least abrasive way to remove it.
http://www.google.com/products?q=orange+contractors+adhesive+remover&oe= utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US

fficial&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=0Y6-SfuJGsSxtwfGv6z3Cw&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&re snum=1&ct=title

**Gnl.Weirdness** · 03-16-2009, 12:51 PM

looks like the hood isn't closing all the way, I had the same issue. Pretty simple fix worked for me, grease the bar where it meats with the springs on the under side of the hood and then tap it lightly with a hammer to get it to click back into the right place.

You probably knew that already, but incase you didn't it will save ya the cost of replacing all of the latch assemblies :: )

It is only a temp fix though as rust seems to get the better of the parts, unless you use a rust reverser.

reclaimer122 · 03-16-2009, 01:38 PM

The hood does close all the way, we just had it open in that particular shot.

4.0l sahara · 03-17-2009, 08:54 PM

well started woking on the coolant system it was very poorly mantained. It is very rusty. There doesnt seem to be any oil in it and the oil isnt milkshaked so hoping the head gasket is ok. I took the t stat out to make it easy to flush. I'm just going to keep filling,driving and draining till it stays clear. After 4 fluses it's getting a little better.

Dew159 · 03-17-2009, 08:58 PM

Holy crap thats some nasty fluid there.

4.0l sahara · 03-17-2009, 09:03 PM

yep it is. lol

Dew159 · 03-17-2009, 09:07 PM

I have to ask with all that gunk and so on it was not overheating? I would def run some flush cleaner through it multiple times..

4.0l sahara · 03-17-2009, 09:10 PM

no it seemed to run a tad hot but didnt over heat. ya I have some really strong cleaner thats going in there.

03-15-2009, 09:55 PM	#3
SVTF15O Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: CT Posts: 3 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	That beater looks familiar! First post!

03-15-2009, 09:59 PM	#4
reclaimer122 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Shelton, CT Posts: 3 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I seem to recall a similar Cherokee as well. Let's get a full exterior pic!

03-15-2009, 10:11 PM	#6
reclaimer122 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Shelton, CT Posts: 3 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	What a beauty!

03-16-2009, 01:38 PM	#10
reclaimer122 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Shelton, CT Posts: 3 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	The hood does close all the way, we just had it open in that particular shot.