I finally started getting enough parts together to warrant a build thread, so I guess I'll throw one together. I bought my stock 2001 XJ in 2008 with 40k miles on it. I'll update this thread periodically with random stuff. I work rather slowly on my jeep, so it'll be slow going. Here's a couple pics of it stock and with a couple different tire set ups. I ran it completely stock for a while, then bought some treadwright MT's in the 235 flavor. Those were ok, but I ran across a good deal on a set of Moabs with decent tread, so I ditched the stockers and ran the Moabs until the original MTR's went bald.
Yea I've had the RE kit since January. I originally ordered the monotubes with it because they were only $150 with the kit, but they were backordered for a while, and then ultimately found out that they weren't ever going to come. So I payed the difference and ordered the OME's, but those were on back order too until the end of march in which they finally came. It's only just now that I can finally install everything.
The steering braces are from TnT. The inner one came hammer finished and both are hefty, and come with all the hardware
thanks, hopefully I can finish the rear this week and get started on the fun part (front end). I'd like to have it completed by the end of the month, but who knows. It's gonna take longer now that I've decided to paint everything underneath before I install stuff. In the end it'll be worth it, but it'll take that much longer.
I have a small update for today. Today is my first whole free day to work on the heep, but of course theres predicted rain for the day, so who knows how much time I'll actually be able to spend working. I finished getting everything painted yesterday, so today was the first day of actually being able to put stuff back on the jeep. I started with the shackles and immediately ran into a problem. Turns out that a rear bumper bolt directly interferes with the ability of the shackle to angle backwards. Not a huge problem, but I have this habit of walking off with my tools and then randomly hiding them from myself. So while I search for my socket wrench, I figured I'd post some pictures.
Here's the bolt problem I mentioned
This is from yesterday, and me finishing up the leaf spring mount painting as well as the turn down from the exhaust. I'm still trying to decide what I want to do with the heat shield.
I didn't really run into any problems with rusted bolts, and I wanted to keep that habit in the future, so I grabbed a can of this for reinstalling everything
These two are just me playing around to see what it might look like with tires
Finished up the rear. The gas tank is going to be hit with some krylon fusion satin black. I already did the sides before I put on the springs, and it looks perfect.
Not sure if anyone is really following this, but I'll post an update anyway because it helps to organize my thoughts.
While I'm doing the front end lift install I'm also taking the time to do a new radiator, waterpump, and thermostat. I've also now decided to compression test the motor because I over heated it a couple times prior to the new parts, and I have a slight suspicion of a blown head gasket, so I figured while I have everything apart I might as well since I'm also going to replace the valve cover gasket. I also now have plenty of room to install my steering box reinformcement brackets from the top which is awesome.
So turned out to be a pretty productive day. Everything seemed to check out ok, was able to get the new radiator, waterpump and thermostat in, as well as both the steering brackets.
And because I love pictures, here's how she sits as of now
Looks great! You said earlier to check back in a month and it has been just that! Haha
Can't wait to see it finished!
PS. It is the 0331 Head.
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