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Let the build ideas begin....

2K views 20 replies 6 participants last post by  Jrozar 
#1 ·
I am in the process of completing my1995 YJ frame off restoration with a few weeks or so left and I get a call from my mother back in Georgia and she asked if I wanted her 1996 XJ with 100k miles...she is the original owner, so I said what any Jeep lover would say...."YES"

This build I would like to do something a little similar to my YJ build, I want to build it very strong, durable, reliable and a sleeper. No crazy lifts fancy rims or tires but tires as large as I can get on the stock set-up..or a budget lift.

I do plan to add front and rear bumpers, roof rack, and upgrades axles with selectable lockers F &R. Plenty of protection underneath....

What suggestion in the XJ community can you guys and gals give me for this build.
 
#2 ·
I was once on the route to convert my XJ to a solo camper, with one driver seat and build a play form extended all the way to front passenger. So I can lay down flat and avoid pitching tent in a rainy/windy day. But then it got cut short because I always use it go on trips with friends.
 
#5 ·
Nice build...

So I have been researching...

Things I'm considering...

1" lift rear boomerang shackles
Sway bar disconnect
Coil spacers for the front
X max Hi fenders..
Jcr rock sliders
Not sure on the bumpers
Detroit tru trac f & r / or arb front and tru trac rear

Or an old man emu lift, with 0 lift boomerang shackles

I really want to build it like a sleeper for the trail, with a low center of gravity, very little lift, good underneath protection, good traction and suspension articulation. I would like to keep it as stock looking and not much bling...
 
#7 ·
I have the OME on a YJ project I am finishing and it was the second time I have used their lift. By far the best on the market. The YJ build cost me about 25k so I'm no stranger to the cost, for me it's about the ending..I've learned over the years do it right the first time it saves $ in the long run.

With this one the 33's would take away from my project goal of a sleeper..the largest I would like to go maybe is a 31. I like the Xmax fenders because I can mould them in to the body, paint them and to the non-cherokee people they wouldn't know that it was not stock.

I have a month before the xj is shipped to me so plenty of build time and ideas.

I always refer back to what a Willy's could do and the had tiny tires, I want to build this project as a I can't believe he brought this stock xj out on this trail, and end the day with....WOW....he did well.

If I want hard core I can always pull my yj out the garage...

So....with this goal in mind..what parts would you add? Undercarriage protection? Side protection? I already know what to do with axle upgrades..

How would you build a sleeper trail XJ?
 
#9 ·
Your right on key with what I'm looking to do, but yes the 33's would be too much maybe 31's max, I want to keep it stealth looking stock but very trail worthy. That "look at the guy with the little stock Cherokee on this trail"...then damn did you see where he went. So the best suspension articulation in a close to stock height is going to be a goal. Most guys do suspension for big tires and never do lockers...I'm the opposite I want to build a solid driveline with lockers first. I have a buddy with a stock looking Cherokee with excellent underneath protection, 30's, and arb front and rear and he out performs all the large tire wranglers, trucks, FJ's etc...with open diffs and they look at him with amazement.

You are next door to nevada I may have to hook up with you some during the build.
 
#10 ·
Ok I am about a month out before my XJ get delivered from back east...

My current parts list to have on order when it arrives is:

Phase 1

JKS sway bar disconnects
rear bommerang shackles
OME (Old man Emu)shocks
Gen-Rite hood louvers to cool it some
Flex a lite three fan kit
Full sysnthetic lube change
fuel filter
flush the radiator
new hoses
Screamin Demon coil, cap & wires
New Plugs
K & N filter

any other cheap tricks out there I should do while Im at it? I hear the factory headlights are terrible.
 
#11 ·
Jrozar said:
Ok I am about a month out before my XJ get delivered from back east... My current parts list to have on order when it arrives is: Phase 1 JKS sway bar disconnects rear bommerang shackles OME (Old man Emu)shocks Gen-Rite hood louvers to cool it some Flex a lite three fan kit Full sysnthetic lube change fuel filter flush the radiator new hoses Screamin Demon coil, cap & wires New Plugs K & N filter any other cheap tricks out there I should do while Im at it? I hear the factory headlights are terrible.
They are. A new wiring harness and either LEDs or an H4 headlight swap would work well. As for shocks, might be worth it to look into some a bit longer than stock to get more down travel, you'll have to bumpstop so you don't bottom them out though. And 31s should work out for you well then. Maybe the Goodyear armor track? (I think they're called). It's a Kevlar enforced tire that has a very much non aggressive look, but I hear works well out here in the dry stuff. And sure! Just hit me up :tea:
 
#12 ·
Ok add upgrading the wiring harness and a set of H4 conversion headlights to phase one..

I Didn't realize it made that much of a difference upgrading the wiring harness until I did some research... Now that upgrade will ne X2, have to do my YJ also.
 
#14 ·
Gathered all my maintenance parts for when it arrives-

First day in the garage it will get

New Headlights & Harness
Fuel filter
new o2 sensors
plugs, wires, cap, rotor and coil
belt
radiator flush, new hoses & thermostat
oil & filterchange
tranmission fluid filter & service
transfer case and diff's synthetic lubes
K & N airfilter


Am I missing anything?
 
#15 ·
List looks good.
Maybe clean out the throttle body and IAC sensor and you don't necessarily need the K & N unless that's a personal preference. A good stock air filter is what I use they fit better in the air cleaner box and filter dirt better.
Once you get it fired up check your TPS sensor and CPS sensor as well.
 
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