One of the things I regretted about my TJ build was not having the sense to save copies of the dealer pics for reference of what I started with. I made sure to not make this mistake twice.
I've "worked" on it a little so far. Actually, my wife and I have.
The rubber engine shield was falling down at a few points. It mounts with the same push pins as the TJ's inner fenders use (which are pieces of ****). Some of the pins were missing and some just tore through the rubber. I reattached the shield using a combo of the pins and zipties so it should be okay for now. Seeing as how my TJ doesn't even have one of these, I am going to go out on a limb and say the XJ doesn't really need it either. As such, I am probably going to just rip it out in the near future.
Meanwhile, there is somewhat of a smoke smell in the interior thanks to one of the PO's. My wife has been cleaning and shampooing the interior and much of the smell is gone. I am pretty sure the very faint smell that is left is coming from the headliner (which is falling a little in the front anyways) so I am going to have the headliner replaced this week.
Meanwhile, there is somewhat of a smoke smell in the interior thanks to one of the PO's. My wife has been cleaning and shampooing the interior and much of the smell is gone. I am pretty sure the very faint smell that is left is coming from the headliner (which is falling a little in the front anyways) so I am going to have the headliner replaced this week.
The last two jeeps my buddy bought had smoker previous owners. He used a product called "Ozium". Can find it at any local parts store. If the shampooing doesn't do the trick this stuff is worth a shot. Smelled much better after he applied it.
I am having a lot of trouble trying to figure out these lift options. I am looking for 2 to 3 inches. Currently, I own RE coil spacers which would give me ~2 inches front (1.75 +.25 isolator) and I also own a set of RC 2.5" TJ front springs which I am guessing would give me 2.5 to 3 inches of lift.
Since I already own these, I am trying to find rear options that would be compatible and still ride good. My only issue is that leaf springs are completely new to me.
I know lift blocks are ****ty and can cause axle wrap. Also, from what I have read, AAL's produce a very rough ride.
What about just 2" lift shackles in the back? I know a lot of XJ BB kits come with them but is the ride going to be miserable if I don't also get a shackle relocation kit?
I wish OME still made their 2" full replacement springs so my decision would be easy. I just can't seem to find 2" full spring packs anywhere.
What about the Crown replacement packs on Quadratec's website?
You could go for the AALs and a shackle and get some really nice shocks to try and compensate the ride, but if it came down to it Id say just go for the RE 3.5 super ride. Throw some OME or Bilstein shocks on with it and call it good.
Glad to see you get into the XJ side of things man, its not as bad as everyone makes it out to be.
From what I am seeing I am thinking about going with some longer shackles + a shackle relocation kit (HD Offroad). Seems like it would give me lift, still ride smooth, and not cause premature leaf wear.
Further, since this is going towards the "Expedition" style build, I could easily replace a broken stock leaf spring anywhere in the country. Can't do that if I break the leaf packs on an aftermarket kit.
New headliner is in. Very very nice. Definitely taking my Waggy to that shop for interior work when the time comes. ****ty tweeters one of the PO's added to the rear are also gone (my request).
Did a little work on the SeXJay today. I had the infamous "windows only work from the driver door" issue. A jumper wire and some solder and the windows are working like they should!
And I also managed to find a single Ecco wheel on CL that I picked up tonight. Now I have a matching set of 5. It even came with a brand-new-in-2005-still-never-touched-pavement 225/75R15 Goodyear on it. So, for the next few days that I will still have baby tires I can at least rest assured that I have a matching spare :rofl:
If you need help with anything, give me a shout. Chances are I have the tools you need if you don't have them. I don't live too far from you. I work weekends and I am going back to school to get my BS in a few weeks...but I am sure I can break free to help for a few hours. PM me if you need help.
Lift is halfway done. Messed up with the order of the relocation bracket, exhaust hanger, and hitch so now I either have to cut the hitch, cut and remount the exhaust hanger, or just leave the hitch off.
Probably going with option number 2.
There's way too much **** sandwiched back there on xj's.
Holy hell that was a pain in the ***. I also mangled the exhaust hanger and the passenger nut strip is fubar so gonna have to replace that before I can reinstall my hitch.
Probably need to take it to an exhaust shop to get a custom hanger made and have them bend the tailpipe away from the shackle bolt too.
Otherwise, rides good. No vibes. Netted 2.5 inches total.
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